kcerruti Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 Hello, I have a 1996 lx450 with 90,000 miles on it.This has been a great vehicle but I,m experiencing a slight problem with the starting. About a month ago it started having an intermitent problem with the starting. I turn the key and nothing happens, nothing not even a click. I turn it off and wait a few seconds and it may start or it may do the same thing again but it always started. It only did this maybe two or three times a week over the last month but then today I started it up this morning and the starter sounded as if it was stuck on so I turned the key off. the engine stopped running but the starter was still turning the engine over. Even with the key out of the ignition. I had to disconnect the battery to get it to stop. I have tried tapping on the solenoid to see if it was stuck and then hooking the battery back up but it still started turning over. I took out the starter and disasembled the solenoid to look at the contacters but they look fine. I then took it to my local auto parts store and they tested it and it tested fine. I am now suspecting the ignition switch itself. Has any one ever experienced anything like this? let me Know if you have any suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruznroadking Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 Maybe the tumblers in the ignition switch are sticking. Have you tried lubing the igniton switch with WD40? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcerruti Posted August 21, 2005 Author Share Posted August 21, 2005 Maybe the tumblers in the ignition switch are sticking. Have you tried lubing the igniton switch with WD40? ← No, Ill give that a try and let you know if it helps. Thanks for the suggestion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcerruti Posted August 21, 2005 Author Share Posted August 21, 2005 Maybe the tumblers in the ignition switch are sticking. Have you tried lubing the igniton switch with WD40? ← No, Ill give that a try and let you know if it helps. Thanks for the suggestion. ← I sprayed wd-40 on the key and inserted it in the ignition a couple of times and then hooked the battery back up and it seems to be working fine. I think I'll talk to a locksmith on monday to see if they have any suggestions or wisdom as to whether this will be a very long term fix or if they have anything they can lube it with to prevent this from happening again. Thanks again for the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruznroadking Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 You're welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maingear Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 As a preventive measure, I have found keeping the number of keys on the key chain to a minimum reduces the amount of wear on the lock mechanism. This lock assembly seems to be susceptible to premature wear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougjohn2 Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 either search here in this forum for "starter contacts" or, better yet, search the www.IH8MUD.com 80 series Tech forum for starter contacts. your starter contacts are most likely old and worn. the first signs are that you'll try to start your 450, but nothing will happen. The worst case, is what you described happening -- it happened to me too -- where your plunger (in the starter) gets stuck on the contacts and the starter is basically stuck on. I know you said that you checked the contacts...but I'd replace them (if you know how -- instructions can be found on the IH8MUD.com site or on the tech section of the www.sleeoffroad.com site) or, you could shell out $300 for a new starter -- that would be faster (I'd get a remanufactured Toyota starter). Based on what you posted, it really doesn't sound like the ignition -- it's got all the tell-tale symptions and signs of bad starter contacts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim_Chow Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 I second the starter contacts. Might want to replace the starter plunger, too (they both go hand-in-hand). WD40 will merely gum up your ignition switch. If you need to lube any locks, speedo cables, etc., use a lock graphite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcerruti Posted August 23, 2005 Author Share Posted August 23, 2005 I second the starter contacts. Might want to replace the starter plunger, too (they both go hand-in-hand). WD40 will merely gum up your ignition switch. If you need to lube any locks, speedo cables, etc., use a lock graphite. ← I spoke to a locksmith today and he had the same opinion, that it probably had nothing to do with the ignition switch but more likley the contacts or the plunger. I will look up the replacement of the contacts and plunger as you suggest. Thanks for all the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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