PhillyG

I own a 1998 GS400 with about 125k miles. Runs great no problems ever. Exception: last fall I replaced the battery and alternator. All was working well before that and even after. Every so often, I would jump into my front seat, turn the key and all I hear is a "click". some times if I click enough by turning the key something will catch and the car turns over then starts right away. kind of sounds like when in the movies a car is being hotwired by touching two wires together on the steering Column. The battery is fine; my car automatically adjusts itself to my comfort settings when I insert the key, lights come on, etc. so I know its not the battery. No Idea why every so often my car just clicks when I try to start. I've tried jiggling the key but its pretty tight. I've even tried turning my key upside down - no difference. It seems that after I've been able to start and drive somewhere It starts back up for the return trip with out a problem. Once when it wouldn't start, my wife said a "Hail Mary" and it started right up.

I would like to address this since I never know when this will happen. Any suggestions would be appreciated?

Thanks.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

That sounds like the starter contacts are starting to wear. Basically the metal points that touch each other to engage the starter (inside the starter) are starting to have higher resistance... My SC was that way for years and I just kept waiting for the starter to fail to start the car and it never failed - it always started. That being said, no guarantees. You can replace the contacts for $10 in parts or so plus labor, but getting to the starter on a v8 Lexus isn't a whole lot of fun... Might be worthwhile to replace the whole thing...

Maserati

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, i went through that. Just replace the starter.

natman

Starter solenoid, possibly starter. Repair or replace. That should exorcise your demons.

Be sure to pay the mechanic promptly or your car may be repossessed.