moe33

thats really weird , when turn the key on all I get is a click but the engine wont even crank, I have replaced the following : starter, terminals, even the alternator but still have the same problem! I know the battery is good my mechanic tested it even him cant find the problem , any ideas

Puttster

ikarn has the same problem, posted just before you. Maybe its something catching?

salimshah

We need more info from ikarn

Turn on the interior light and as you try to start does the light dim?
Simple thing to try is push your gear shifter around .. which includes turning the ignition to ON/Run and moving applying the brakes and moving the shifter out of P and then shoving it back to P .. then trying to start, or move the shifter to N and trying to start.

There is safety switch referred to as PRND switch that completes the circuit to the primary of the solenoid switch. When kids play pretend driving they can shift the gear lever just enough to activate the switch ... at times charger wires can come in the way too.

Next test would be voltage test [better still a 2watt 12v bulb .. other end grounded on the primary of the solenoid switch and ask some one to turn the ignition to start.

One more test .. not recommended for weak of heart is to jump across the solenoid secondary posts. You would need a thick wire or a thick screw-driver. Sparks would fly and the more timid you are the more sparks would fly. The idea is to momentarily jump the solenoid to directly energize the starter.

Salim

moe33

I tried the first test and the light looks very steady , I will try the gear thing next
ok so the gear change test didnt work , I just bought this car a month ago with 137000 miles on it and seems that its a lemon ! I used to have a Ls 430 which was fantastic this one does not live to Lexus standers !!

salimshah

Moe:

Respectfully, "Lemon" classification can not be applied at first indication of a problem.

From the symptoms you describe, my best guess is the solenoid is not working.

Try checking for voltage at the primary of the solenoid.
Then jump the two secondary posts.

Search on solenoid contacts and the fix can be about $10 in parts [if the contacts are pitted]. 15yrs or so is the typical life of contacts.

What is the history and how have you maintained it.

Salim

moe33

I dont think its , I have replaced the starer with a new one two days ago, and as I said I just got the car few weeks ago so the only thing maintenance I did is an oil change

salimshah

Not to belabor the point, the starter has the appendage ... the solenoid ... the problem looks like in the solenoid. Maybe worth rechecking the connections and pull out and bench test the starter. Access is not bad as compared to starter in LS.

There is not much in the starting ...
Battery, fuse, fuse, ignition switch, PRND safety switch, solenoid starter engine block ground, ground strap to the battery.

Keep in mind the lemon can be the starter. Incidentally electrical components have a high rate of infant mortality ... specially after-market stuff.

Unfortunately, I dont have much more to offer other than wishing you the best.

Salim

moe33

UPDATE : turns out that the car has a tracking system after removing it , its starts and rides like a champ !

salimshah

'Tracking system'? Is that something like lojack aftermarket stuff?

Salim

moe33

apparently yes , its a small black box located under the steering wheel ,i will try to upload a photo of it later

Puttster

Interesting.

salimshah

Exactly .. in such a setup the collective input from a forum is worth nothing as the vehicle is unique after modification. On such occasions, I appreciate the view point of dealership where they insist the modification be removed.

Learning for me is ask if the vehicle has been modified .. like remote starter etc.

Salim

Drcoffee

Probably a disabler from a lender. Is their a lien on the title? I wonder if they flipped the switch to disable the vehicle. Remove it and tape it to a 18 wheeler. LOL