jones1950

I have a 2007 RX350 that starts hard in the morning. I live in a warm climate and anyways it's summer time now. (about 75F in the morning)

On the first start of the day, the car takes a very long time for the engine to start. I can hear the starter motor whirring and trying to start the engine and it will eventually start (after 7 seconds, normally 1-2 seconds).

The strange part is that on any subsequent start later that day (say 4 hours later at lunch time), the car starts perfectly normally. No problems whatsoever.

The battery checks out fine. It checked out to 350 out of 500 (whatever that means) which the mechanic said was fine.

I did not get the starter motor checked out yet but it starts fine on the 2nd and later starts..

I'm baffled at what it can be and since I can't replicate it at the shop, the mechanic doesn't know what to look for.

wr332

for me, it's the battery, i think..

i'm going to get it check at lexus dealer soon,

i have the clear/dark eye on the battery,

mandyfig

Take it in and have Lexus look at it. It is not normal that you have to crank twice at any given time.

jones1950

But what do I tell them? The mechanic I took it to used to work for 10 years at Lexus before opening his own shop. He's certified in Lexus and in fact the Lexus dealership told me about him.

Since the battery seems to be fine, could it be a fuel pump problem? How will Lexus diagnose the problem if it can't be replicated?

Will this somehow damage my car if the problem can't be found?

mandyfig

Just go in and tell them your problem, you still have warranty right?

jones1950

No I don't, that's the thing. At 53k miles now (18k in one year!).

I don't want to go in, have them look at it, charge me $400 and tell me nothing is wrong.

I have a 3rd party extended warranty through Master Tech. The deductible on that is $100.

phlfly

So it's cranking but doesn't ignite?
If so, it might be dirty MAF sensor, or fuel filter. Then again turn a key in position, that is all light illuminated then go and listen fuel pump noise.
MAF is easy to clean. But I don't location of fuel filter. On BMW is peice of cake to change, but Lexus...mmm..mmmm.
Let's know what do you find.

mandyfig

Try using your extended warranty. Will they allow you to diagnose and give you a quote without fees?

jones1950

Yes, it cranks for a long time before finally igniting. It does not sound good.

mandyfig - I'll call them up and see if they can at least give me the quote.

Thanks for all the tips, if I do get it solved, I'll report back.

h265dcs

Pump the break pedal 3 to 4 times before you start, this should fix your problem. if it did ask Lexus technician to verify your brake calipers!

You will notice the first time the pedal is soft while you pump it gets hard and then you start the vehicle!

Let me know if this solved your problem!

jones1950

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried it but it did not help.

I'm going to try some fuel system/injector cleaner tomorrow.

phlfly

More likely, it's MAF is dirty

Bradbb

I have the exact same problem in a 2008 RX350. It's not a battery or starter issue. Cranks fine. It's got to be fuel or sensor/computer/ignition related.

If it were a dirty MAF, what is the proper way to clean it?

tomit

Try turning the key to 'on' but wait 5 seconds before cranking the car, allowing the fuel pump to build pressure. If it starts right up after the wait, a leaking fuel system check valve could be the problem.

Tom

arnieosp

iTrader: (1)

That's exactly what i was thinking. I had same problem on my Mercedes a few years ago, and even turning ignition on 5 secs before cranking didn't help much. I just replaced the valve, it was around $15 for a MBZ, shouldn't be much more from a Toyota.

BTW, that valve keeps fuel line pressurized after you shut the engine off. It it leaks, the fuel just flows back into the tank after a while, and that's why it cranks a lot, while the fuel pump is building the pressure up.