np20412

Yeah, I was thinking that it might be a 12mm socket as well. I have a 1/2 inch socket in my socket set (it's all U.S. measurements that's why I couldn't use my set) and even the 1/2 inch is too big (1/2inch = 12.52mm). I tried a 7/16ths, which was definetely small. So in between 1/2inch and 7/16th is 12mm.

I think I am just going to go to the Lexus dealer and have them throw her on the lift and let me tighten that bolt. My dealer is pretty cool, they probably won't charge me for it. If they try to, I'll run .

mkorsu

Good luck!!! Sounds like you have a friendly dealer by you!!

np20412

Friendly? Yes. Will they still rape my wallet if given the chance? Absolutely.

chuckb

I'm 95% sure it's your solenoid. heres the link that shows you how to fix the starter. http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/starter/ it's very easy to do and literally costs under $15 for the Toyota kit. the hard part on a GS is getting to the starter. I don't know how hard it is to get to starter on SC. my ES was simple and I did this. it would click sometimes and not start and eventually gets worse

np20412

Thanks for the info Chuck. I never made it to the dealer in time today, and I don't think I'll be going back there again. My dad has already commited to paying for a new starter ( ) rather then rebuilding if it does turn out to be the problem here.

I say 'if it does' because I just got under the car, finally with a 12mm (thanks, Mark) socket, not a 14mm, ready to muscle that bolt on the starter. I got that bad boy to turn half a turn tighter than what it was, with a 12mm (thanks, Mark) socket, not a 14mm.. Let's hope and pray that my car fires up on the first crank tomorrow! If at all like that initial thread, in which the person turned it only 1/8th of a turn and cured all the problems, then I may be in luck here. If I need to change the starter, I'm sure there is a writeup for it on CL, if not, I'll start one .

np20412

My baby purred on the first crank this morning There was no resistance, one turn and she fired up! The only thing is, it didn't get much colder than 50 degrees last night, so I won't know until tomorrow how it will start when the engine is very cold. I think it's going to drop into the mid 30's tonight, so we'll see tomorrow morning! Thanks for all the help everyone, I'll give a final update tomorrow.

np20412

Many thanks to all who helped. My car has started flawlessly the last few days, throughout a range of temperatures and cold engines. Last night was 30 degrees, and first crank this morning and the car was up and running! I appreciate the help from everyone! I recommend checking this bolt to anyone who has crank issues as the first and foremost possible solution to the problem.