Thats a common symptom for a starter on its last leg. It usually gets harder and harder to start the colder the engine, till one day you have a very important that your entire life depends on, and it dies

Seriously though, it does sound like your starter is going out. I've taken some pics and posted more info on the part needed including part numbers to replace on a '98. Its quite a job to be frank with you, but it has to be done if your not willing to shed out $1200+ at the dealer.

 

Your symptoms sound just like mine. I had no problem when the car was warm. The problems I had when it was cold were once in a while. I think I mentioned that I left it at the dealer for a few days (it was in January) and the car started every morning for the dealer, so they couldn't tell me what was wrong. Every time I thought the problem had gone away, it began again. I'm still not sure that I know what the problem was, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it was the starter as I haven't had the problem since changing it.

Greg

 

Hey ,thanks for the responses guys .Although it has started fine the last 2 days on a cold engine ,Im sure like Grand LS said ,it is on it's last leg ,and Im just biding time .Im fairly mechanicle ,and believe that I can do it ,it just may take me a little while as I know you have to take off the intake manifold ,and then the real chore is actually getting the starter out .Oh well ,always up for a challenge .
Hey ghenley how long have you had your new starter in ?And there has been absolutly NO PROBLEMS .Did you install it ?
Thanks again guys !!!!!!

 

The starter is only a few months old. I don't want to jinx myself by saying absolutely NO PROBLEMS, so I'll just say I've been happy so far. I had an independent mechanic install it.

Greg

 

some threads that might interest you:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...-problems.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...y-ex-98-a.html

 

Thanks again for the reply's. What Im going to do is in about a month (if the starter lasts that long ),My buddy ,who was a mechnic for 12 years is changing my timing belt ,and all that stuff .Im just gonna wait and we'll do it all at once .All he is charging me is a case of beer !!! Thanks again

 

Hey HP, throw in an extra case, maybe he'll detail the car while he's at it.

 

After having done all that work, i'd buy him a year's supply then to have to do it again (first time frustration is hard to explain).

While it may be tempting not to do so, i strongly advise you use OEM parts.

 

Not a bad idea EUBT !! This guy is amazing to watch work on vehicles ,what takes him a couple of hours to do ,takes me half the day ,if not more.The book time on the timing belt is (I believe)5.1 hours ,he said that he can have it done between 2.5 -3 hours .It really helps having a ton of very nice tools .Thanks again for the replies .