LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Strange starting problem...

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Old 06-28-09 | 01:51 PM
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Question Strange starting problem...

I go out to my car in the morning the last couple days and it won't start. All I get is a clicking. Cluster, radio etc... comes on but fan doesn't blow any air through vents.
If I put it in neutral and let it roll forward a couple inches that works for the most part but sometimes it doesn't and I have to boost it. I had my battery tested after a 90 min. drive and its fine.
Any ideas? I'm stumped.
Old 06-28-09 | 02:38 PM
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does the "Check VSC" warning appear on your dash? it sounds like the starter's going if it isnt the battery or alternator.
Old 06-29-09 | 03:17 PM
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After a 90 minute drive most battery's will test fine.
Clicking no start means not enough power to turn over the starter.
Go buy a new battery asap and you might save yours self from changing the solenoid on the starter as well.
Old 06-29-09 | 03:43 PM
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What sk said. Sounds like the battery usually the hot weather exposes this kind of problem.
Old 06-29-09 | 03:52 PM
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If the battery is clicking, it's draining somehow. You would need to do a battery drain test. To do it, simply get a quality Multimeter. Put it in mA. Remove the negative post from the negative. Put one lead to the negative cable and the other lead to the battery. You must test this in series or else the fuse will blow from your meter. It shouldn't be higher than 40 - 50 mA. GL.

Or your alternator is not doing it's job,.
Old 06-29-09 | 04:02 PM
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He posted on LOC that's he's already started disassembly to replace the starter...
Old 06-29-09 | 04:50 PM
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I haven't started disassembly just yet. I had the battery tested both 10 and 90 minutes after starting.
I'll try the battery drain test tomorrow morning. I'm gonna get the starter replaced tomorrow otherwise.
I need my car running a.s.a.p.
Old 06-29-09 | 10:09 PM
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Schnitz, before "hacking away" have you read through this:

http://www.lextreme.com/dx-starter.html
Old 06-30-09 | 05:41 AM
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Thanks! I'll give those tests a shot. I am surprised that it would be the starter seeing as I only have 65k miles on it.
Old 07-04-09 | 04:53 AM
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After all the testing was done I deemed it was indeed the starter.
Took it to my local mechanic who owned a 91 LS. He said he had changed 2 in the past.
It took him 4 hours in total.
Total cost to me including a completely remanufactured starter with 2 year parts and labor warranty = $650 US.
Old 07-04-09 | 01:22 PM
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wow that's pretty damn good
Old 07-09-09 | 09:43 AM
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The Ls400 starter is bad. Mine has 80k on it and the starter click. I have it changed and the cost is $1000!
Old 07-14-09 | 12:03 AM
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I Still stand by it not being the starter.
It is a weak battery that will cause the problem to get worse compounding itself.
It has to do with carbon tracking and the solenoid is the only thing that needed changing not the starter which rarely goes as it is only windings.
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