Starting Problem.....
#1
Driver School Candidate
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Wisconsin
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Starting Problem.....
Recently my 97 LS 400 started to have starting problems, since it has dropped into the 30's and 20's at night here in Wisconsin. Every morning or if the car sits for more then a hour it just clicks when I try to start it, like when the battery is dead. When it just sits an hour or so I turn the key and click, turn the key click and usually starts sometimes might take a few more times. Overnight it may take up to 20 turns of the key before it starts.
Any suggestions??? I'm thinking the starter but the only thing is it never does it if the car is warm. Battery is new.
I bought the car last year and have found there was a recall on something to do with the iginiton. Not sure if it was ever taking in for the recall. May this be the cause of it?????
Looking for suggestions???
Thanks to all
Any suggestions??? I'm thinking the starter but the only thing is it never does it if the car is warm. Battery is new.
I bought the car last year and have found there was a recall on something to do with the iginiton. Not sure if it was ever taking in for the recall. May this be the cause of it?????
Looking for suggestions???
Thanks to all
#2
Toyota\Lexus starters have brushes that tend to wear out over time. My guess is you just need to replace these in your starter at 2X$11.95 ea. What ever you do dont waiste your money on
after market junk starter
after market junk starter
Last edited by chliansh; 10-22-02 at 08:09 PM.
#3
First I would clean up the battry connections.Many times it is as simple as that.In finding a solution to a problem start with the simplest thing and work up to increasenly more difficult problems,If your starter is in the same place as on the older model ls 400s you have to pull the intake manifold to get to it.Not an easy job.good luck.Michael .Carpe Diem.
#4
Lexus Champion
There was a recall for the following: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER MOTOR
Make sure your car was manufactured between 4/95 and 6/97 by checking the date of production on the drivers side door pillar.
Most likely it was done since a notice went out to all the owners.
Sounds like you have a bad battary even though you say its new. I think you may just have a defective one. Have a load test done on it.
Here is the info:
Search for records on
Year: 1997
Make: LEXUS
Model: LS400
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER MOTOR
Recalls
Check to order research. Submit below. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 98V016000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER MOTOR
Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Year: 1997 Make: LEXUS Model: LS400 Recall Date: 02/04/1998
Type of Report: Vehicle
Potential Number of Units Affected: 47525
Manufactured: 04/1995 - 06/1997
Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE TERMINAL FOR THE STARTER MOTOR MAGNETIC SWITCH, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR IF ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE LIQUID, SUCH AS ROAD SPLASH WITH DEICING SALT, ENTERS THIS AREA.
Consequence Summary:
A STARTER MOTOR NO-START CONDITION OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE CAN RESULT.
Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE MAGNETIC SWITCH.
Hope this helps.
Make sure your car was manufactured between 4/95 and 6/97 by checking the date of production on the drivers side door pillar.
Most likely it was done since a notice went out to all the owners.
Sounds like you have a bad battary even though you say its new. I think you may just have a defective one. Have a load test done on it.
Here is the info:
Search for records on
Year: 1997
Make: LEXUS
Model: LS400
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER MOTOR
Recalls
Check to order research. Submit below. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 98V016000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER MOTOR
Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Year: 1997 Make: LEXUS Model: LS400 Recall Date: 02/04/1998
Type of Report: Vehicle
Potential Number of Units Affected: 47525
Manufactured: 04/1995 - 06/1997
Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE TERMINAL FOR THE STARTER MOTOR MAGNETIC SWITCH, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR IF ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE LIQUID, SUCH AS ROAD SPLASH WITH DEICING SALT, ENTERS THIS AREA.
Consequence Summary:
A STARTER MOTOR NO-START CONDITION OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE CAN RESULT.
Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE MAGNETIC SWITCH.
Hope this helps.
#6
Intermediate
nmarcks- did you ever figure out what the problem was, I'm having the same symptoms. Unfortunately, my car was manufactured 7/97 and there are no recall campaigns on my car.
Thanks,
Sean Lewis
'97 LS400
Thanks,
Sean Lewis
'97 LS400
#7
Originally posted by selewis
nmarcks- did you ever figure out what the problem was, I'm having the same symptoms. Unfortunately, my car was manufactured 7/97 and there are no recall campaigns on my car.
nmarcks- did you ever figure out what the problem was, I'm having the same symptoms. Unfortunately, my car was manufactured 7/97 and there are no recall campaigns on my car.
However, if your other systems do work, then it's surely the starter motor. Someone mentioned brush replacements for the starter--he's mistaken, and it's likely he is referring to the alternator. There aren't any brushes in the starter motor. Usually, starter motors fail because the contact point inside is not making a good electrical contact. If you hear the click, it means the solenoid is working and 'sticking' when you turn the key, but since the contact is bad/dirty it's a hit-and-miss whether the starter motor actually engages.
The starter motor can be cleaned and made to function properly again, assuming you are mechanically inclined, or can find someone who is.
Mike
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#8
Intermediate
When the car clicks the accessories work fine, including the lights. I replaced my 18month old Interstate Megtron battery and made sure that all connections are tight and clean.
Every couple of days the problem occurs, always when the car has been sitting for at least 24 hours.
When it starts, the starter sounds fine and spins no slower than usual.
Sounds exactly like the symptoms I'm experiencing.
So what you are saying is that it's just a contact problem, not faulty/failing starter solenoid or motor?
I am pretty handy in the garage and have a decent home shop in there complete with air tools, torque wrenches, etc. I'm just not looking forward to tearing apart the top of my 6 year old engine.
I'm a bit dissapointed that a $55K car has this kind of problem at only 88K miles. I expect better quality from Lexus/Toyota. My 132K mile '94 Acura Legend still runs (and starts) like new!
Every couple of days the problem occurs, always when the car has been sitting for at least 24 hours.
When it starts, the starter sounds fine and spins no slower than usual.
If you hear the click, it means the solenoid is working and 'sticking' when you turn the key, but since the contact is bad/dirty it's a hit-and-miss whether the starter motor actually engages.
The starter motor can be cleaned and made to function properly again, assuming you are mechanically inclined, or can find someone who is.
I am pretty handy in the garage and have a decent home shop in there complete with air tools, torque wrenches, etc. I'm just not looking forward to tearing apart the top of my 6 year old engine.
I'm a bit dissapointed that a $55K car has this kind of problem at only 88K miles. I expect better quality from Lexus/Toyota. My 132K mile '94 Acura Legend still runs (and starts) like new!
#9
Originally posted by selewis
So what you are saying is that it's just a contact problem, not faulty/failing starter solenoid or motor?
I am pretty handy in the garage and have a decent home shop in there complete with air tools, torque wrenches, etc. I'm just not looking forward to tearing apart the top of my 6 year old engine.
I'm a bit dissapointed that a $55K car has this kind of problem at only 88K miles. I expect better quality from Lexus/Toyota. My 132K mile '94 Acura Legend still runs (and starts) like new! [/B]
So what you are saying is that it's just a contact problem, not faulty/failing starter solenoid or motor?
I am pretty handy in the garage and have a decent home shop in there complete with air tools, torque wrenches, etc. I'm just not looking forward to tearing apart the top of my 6 year old engine.
I'm a bit dissapointed that a $55K car has this kind of problem at only 88K miles. I expect better quality from Lexus/Toyota. My 132K mile '94 Acura Legend still runs (and starts) like new! [/B]
I've not yet had to make any repairs to my LS (I've only had it for 3 weeks) but you're right, it's likely to take a few hours to get at the starter. <--Understatement? If it were me, I'd have a replacement handy if I chose to do it myself, then based on the condition of the old one and the difficulty of the job, decide whether to repair or replace. Basically, it comes down to time and interest. If you have air tools, you must be mechanically inclined and more than qualified for the job, and there are few things quite as satisfying as tackling something new and saving some money too.
If / before you embark to DIY, I can't stress enough the importance of having a repair manual and researching starter motor overhaul so that you can get a working knowledge of what you're up against.
Good luck!
Mike
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