Brucecav

2004 rx330.
turn key, no sound, no cranking, just a click. Definitely not the battery, checked voltage with voltmeter..
Fuses under steering wheel look fine. Where do I go from here? How can I check relay or starter? Any other ideas?
other info, all lights are good and bright, including headlights.
ThanThanks for any suggestion or tip
Bruce 11

Mesquite77

Starter brushes likely worn and stuck. If you can see it, wack the starter a few times hard with a stick, if no response, time to go through standard diagnostics for your symptoms, which are well covered here and everywhere, but in the end I'd think for a 2004 it is new starter time...

mandyfig

Are you sure the battery terminals and secured snug? That's a classic symptom of a loose battery terminal if it is true that your battery is showing good voltage. Good luck.

Brucecav

I will double check the terminals. thanks for the advice.

spinellib

^
This.

After checking voltage at battery and at starter, that's Step #2!

iMSQ

try to run starter from battery directly...

Brucecav

So I think I've narrowed this down reasonably. I tried the "moderate tap with metal bar" directly on the starter. Hopped in the car and it turned right over. Tried a few more times and it worked until the 4th time. On the 4th time it did the same thing it did before. Hopped out of the car, tapped starter with metal bar, got back in and it started right up. If I understand correctly this indicates that something is getting stuck inside the starter? For those who have more knowledge than I do here is the questions I have.
The solenoid and starter come as one unit if I'm not mistaken. In my situation, is it the solenoid or is it the starter that's getting stuck? Or is it difficult to tell at this point. Either way I found a local mechanic who will replace the starter/solenoid unit for $295. I figured this is pretty reasonable because I just don't have the time right now to do it. Another shop said it would be about $420. In the dealership said it would be about $675 Big difference!
If anyone could answer the above questions I would appreciate that, I just like to know what's happening and I tend to like to know the details for the future.
Thanks so much for everybody pitching in.

Mesquite77

So, as in post #2, your brushes are so worn they are now sticking. If this was a DIY job, and you determine starter manuf, part no and order just new brushes, and then wait a week for delivery, then pull the starter, and replace the brushes, $25 done.

If you have to pay someone to do that, may as well just go with a new starter/solenoid combo (only way they come), it will be cheaper, faster, plus new parts. I see no problem going aftermarket with starter.