Starter Problems?

[xl8rguy]

I believe I'm having a starter problem with my '97 SC300. I was having problems starting the car - clicking but not turning over - so I replaced the battery. It seemed to work fine for a couple of weeks but started doing the same thing.

I don't think it's the battery/alternator because all the accessories work.

When I go to start, I get the clicking noise (which I assume is the starter solenoid). But it just doesn't turn over. If I keep trying, eventually it will kick in. But that's after 5 or 6 times of turning the key.

I suspect it's my starter.

First of all, any thoughts on what else it could be?

Secondly, what should I expect to pay to have it replaced?

Thirdly, is it something that I can do myself (in a few hours)? Or is it one of things that requires the engine to be taken apart? :cries:

BTW, it has 170k miles on it.

Anyone? Anyone?

[jzz30]

good news!! since you have a 300 you can do it yourself! might take a few hours but you can do it! and well its most likey the solenoid contact and you should just take it out and get it rebuilt. it should be about a $100 bucks.

[xl8rguy]

That is good news!

Is there a good place I can go to for instructions? Maybe a good manual?

I honestly rarely open the hood of that car and I wouldn't know where to begin.

[DomLee]

Purchase the Lexus Factory Service manual for your vehicle. That is one of the most important things for your car.

I don't know how much you know about cars, but...the starter should be on the underside of your vehicle, near where the engine connects w/ your transmission.

[sc_toy]

I have rebuild the solenoids on a lot of Toyotas. If you've got a buddy that's halfway mechanical, take your starter out and get him to clean/replace the copper contacts and ring on the solenoid.

I've never had to replace the metal. Everytime I shimmed/filed/sanded the contacts, the starter ended up outlasting the car.

A rebuild kit should only be $20-40 and that'll come with new contacts, bearing, bushes, etc.... but again this is work for somebody pretty mechanical.

Good luck,

Aaron

[don_juan_miami]

hey bro... the same thing happened to me. It is def the starter. I went and got the starter rebuilt and it worked like a charm. Cost me 145.00 b/c i got the alternator rebuilt too. Watch out for a leak in the distributor, as it tends to leak oil in high mileage, older sc's. If it leaks oil, it falls on the alternator causing that to go as a well. Happy Hunting.

Juancho

[RonW]

I have rebuild the solenoids on a lot of Toyotas. If you've got a buddy that's halfway mechanical, take your starter out and get him to clean/replace the copper contacts and ring on the solenoid.

I've never had to replace the metal. Everytime I shimmed/filed/sanded the contacts, the starter ended up outlasting the car.

A rebuild kit should only be $20-40 and that'll come with new contacts, bearing, bushes, etc.... but again this is work for somebody pretty mechanical.

Good luck,

Aaron

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Anyone have the part number on that starter rebuild kit for the sc300?

[xl8rguy]

I had the starter replaced. I was just going to have the solenoid done but I figured since they have to take the whole thing out anyway, might as well.

It cost $308. Works GREAT! Starts right up now.

Thanks for all your help!