driftwood1

Hi all,
I have some weird thing going on with my car. It's been driving great no issues, I've had things up to date and in check throughout owning it. I parked it for about 5 days and came back and it wouldn't start. That's strange I thought... so I jumped it off and it was fine...well I let it run a bit and parked it. Came back the next day turn the key and it won't start. I then decided, maybe it's a faulty battery - so I replaced it. Turned the key and get one click and a humming type of sound not loud or like it's wrong, it's like it's not hitting the starter I believe..... I am stumped at this point it's a pain to get to where that is, and really would like any other suggestions you might have before resorting to that. I have also checked all of the fuses. I am stumped - but a weekend project if it is the starter Thanks for the advice, cheers!
-Lexie

spinellib

So you have a new battery and all you get is a "click?"
Have you tried to jump the new battery just to get the car started?

Do you have a Multimeter?
I suggest:
1) check voltage on your new battery
2) start car with jumper cables and check "charging" voltage

Start there to make sure your new battery isn't junk and your alternator is charging the battery.

Margate330

Hi driftwood1, I see this is your first post so welcome to Club Lexus!

chuyrobles

Sounds like the starter solenoid. Its usually quicker just replacing the whole unit.

Mesquite77

Very possibly stuck or worn starter brushes. The click is the solenoid, it is supposed to do that, but if battery is weak or starter motor bad then it won't turn over. BTW, you can replace just the brushes, but once you get the thing out, put in a new unit (the whole solenoid/starter assembly), open the old one up and order the brushes and keep the OE for next time if they are worn/stuck.

How many miles?

matts6887

indeed check your voltage of the battery and when running check the voltage of the battery then as well. u could definitely have a alternator issue. i had this happen to me but i sorta knew my alternator was on its way out as my bearing in the alternator was making a noise so i knew i was on borrowed time.

chuyrobles

If your engine bay is similar to ES350, and they have same drive train, the starter is easy to replace. I replaced ours and it was out in 15 minutes. I believe you need to remove the air duct to the air filter box. Many auto parts stores can bench test it for you at no charge.

matts6887

he could have a point there may not be enough voltage getting to the starter which could be the reason for it not turning over. i currently work at autozone and ive seen my fair share of these types of instances over the littlover a year that i have been working there. And many times when a customer has come in saying their battery is dead and i end up going to test it; well the battery ends up testing out good at which point it pretty much led me to the starter possibly being the issue.

tomr51

check all the battery connections are clean and tight, also the negative earth lead to the chassis

driftwood1

Thanks for all the advice. I'm not too mechanical savvy, so I guess I will just have to dish out some money to diagnose the issue at least. It won't crank, all fuses read well. As a female, I just don't want to be ripped off so trying to exhaust all resources of what to check/do before having to have it towed etc. I appreciate all the input and advice. Cheers!