n0bodi

Hello all, First post here.
I have a 2000 LX470. Just today my wife went to start it and.....nothing. Just some clicks yet battery seems to be OK. In the Accessory position the AC, radio and everything else comes on strong. I rushed home and tinkered with the battery cable terminals hoping for just a bad connection and tried it again. After 3 attempts it started. I went to run an errand and it started fine, but came out later and nothing. Tried again and it worked. I've heard of "dead" spots on the starter, or could perhaps my battery not have enough juice to kick it over?

If it is a starter how bad are they to replace? Battery I can handle...not sure about the starter.
Any advice is appreciated.

Jayson

Sounds like your battery is dying. What's the battery's date of manufacture stamp say? I would say if it's 4 years+, it's time for new one.

lexi4darin

Typically, an auto parts store will test your battery and test your alternator for free. They load test both so it should help you narrow down a problem if it's with those components. If the results are positive and the components are good, however, then it may be time to consider other problems. I'd guess that the next steps would be troubleshooting with the cables or starter.

werewolf

The starter may be bad (when was it replaced last) as the contacts wear out (in the starter assembly)

If you're getting multiple clicks when you attempt to start, I think it's the battery

V8_Fan

Sounds like the starter contacts are worn out. If it starts up either strong or you get clicks, it's almost surely the starter. If it were the battery, it wouldn't start at all, nor would the headlights likely work or won't be bright. The other low power accessories would likely function, as they draw little current. You can easily have your battery tested under load at a battery shop for free. Unfortunately, a new starter is like $700 (around $250-300 for the part, the rest is labor [ a lot of labor, as you have to remove the intake manifold on top of the engine between the V]).

krye

I am going through the same issue, since the starter appears to either start strong or not at all it appears to be the starter. If the battery was weak, it would likely start slowly. I have not checked the starter connections for corrosion on the starter end.

2000 LX 470 owner

batmbl

Had to replace starter on my '98 LX. Cost me over 600 bucks. A week later, my wife totaled the car.

lexi4darin

Still married?

n0bodi

I appreciate everyones comments.
I think I have this thing under control. I decided to start with the battery first (least expensive) and work my way up. Battery was replaced a week ago and I haven't had an issue since. Let's hope it stays that way.

Thanks again.

faithmkss

I had same problem in July. Car wouldnt start, then sometimes it would.Then eventually not at all. Replaced battery and terminals. They seemed to of been corroded. Once all that was replaced, car was perfect. Until recently. Try to start, sometimes it starts right up and others I just get click. Try a few more times and it starts. Within the last couple days the car will start maybe one time out of 20 tries. I determined it was the starter. Good luck. Keep the starter in mind. I found a starter for 150.