Marlow

I've read over and over on here about the dreaded starter click.
I just bought a 1998 ls400 a few days ago. Sometimes, when I turn the key, I get nothing, no click etc... After a couple times, the car will start and run fine. Is this still indicative of the starter going out, or could I be lucky and it just be the battery going out?

StevieA

Based on my experience, what you're describing IS worn solonoid contacts on the starter - quite common. I found that you can get away with this for some time before you have to actually work on replacing the solonoids or the starter - I did just the solonoids b/c the starter is difficult to remove. If you try leaving all accessories on for a few seconds/minute (headlights, fan etc etc) it'll make a better contact. Also, the more cca's you have in your battery the easier it is for the current to "jump" across the worn solonoid contacts. When I upgraded my battery to a 900cca Optima Yellowtop the symptoms went away for a few months.

Marlow

Thanks for the info. I guess I'll start planning on the starter R&R.

sethjon

Definitely sounds like the starter or solenoid. I wouldn't wait cause Murphys Law says you'll not start when you are in a bad spot. Replace the starter is not so easy. should trake about 3-4 hours. If you have someone do it it will cost about 12-1400 bucks.

etex

You may be dealing with a loose connection here instead of the starter. Makes sense to eleminate that first.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Unlikely but begin with the elimination process. Check the neg battery cable and go from there.