99 Lexus Rx300 Ignition

[Volcano29]

Hello, I live in NYC and the weather is cold. Every morning when I get into my car and try to start it up, the car wont start. It seems like it is not making any contact therefore no spark. However once I get it to turn on (after about 10 trys) and I warm it up, the ignition will turn on with no problems. I was wondering if anyone knows what the problem could be? Im sure its not the starter or battery.

[SKperformance]

more details needed.

When you start the car does it seem to start then die?

It may be your iacv search the ES forums for fixes.

[NikeRJC]

Hello, I live in NYC and the weather is cold.  Every morning when I get into my car and try to start it up, the car wont start.  It seems like it is not making any contact therefore no spark.  However once I get it to turn on (after about 10 trys) and I warm it up, the ignition will turn on with no problems.  I was wondering if anyone knows what the problem could be?  Im sure its not the starter or battery.

←

Do you have full power to everything? If you do then I am bout 100% positive you need an ignition switch.

[Volcano29]

The car will not crank up until a couple of tries.

[SKperformance]

When you turn the key to start does the clock turn off?

If it does then your ignition is not the problem.

You probably have a low battery or a failing solenoid.

[Volcano29]

When I turn the key, the clock is on until I move the key back into the OFF Position (because no spark and the car doesnt turn on).

[rlin78]

Maybe the battery is dying? Does your clock reset to 12:00? This is a sign of dead battery.

[Volcano29]

The battery is brand new, only about a month on it.

[hayden]

Hi, I have a similar problem and live in Santa Barbara, where it is not cold. I hear the solenoid click and all electric functions work. I've noticed that if I twist the key different, either a little more pressure in or down I can sometimes get it to work. Sometimes the engine will start to kick over, but then dies in about 1/2 to 1 second. When it does start, it runs great. It does not always happen. I may go a week with no issues, so it is not the car battery.

Davis

[Volcano29]

Yes, I can hear the click aswell. Most mechanics say that it is 100% starter. They say that the starter won't last too much and recommend rebuilding or replacing it.

[tjmc11]

Yes, I can hear the click aswell. Most mechanics say that it is 100% starter. They say that the starter won't last too much and recommend rebuilding or replacing it.

The starter is suprisingly easy to replace. First take off the air filter box. Open the air filter box and remove the filter. Disconnect the air line from the air filter box which connects to the throttle body (this is done using a 10 mm socket or phillips screw driver and loosening the clamp). Disconnect the sensor and vacuum line which connect into the air filter box. Next, remove the 3 bolts from the bottom of the air filter box. Once this is done you should be able to remove the air filter box as one complete piece and take out of engine compartment (place bolts inside the box and place to the side of your working area). Next disconnect both battery terminals. Remove battery bracket which holds battery in place (this runs across the top of the battery and bolts into the sheet metal along the front of the engine area). Remove battery from engine comartment. Remove rectangle casing surrounding the battery.

Once the air filter box and battery have been completely removed, you will see the starter just to the left of where the air filter box and battery were. The starter is apprximately level with the base support of the battery. The starter has 2 bolts to be removed along with the contact terminal and sensor. Remove the two bracket bolts which bolt into engine (should be 14 mm I think) which are locate on each side of the starter (look at the replacement to locate exact position). Next remove the contact terminal (should be 10mm) connected to starter. Next remove sensor clip (this is done by squeezing the end and pulling off). \

Once starter is removed:

Bolt contect connection onto new starter (should be 10mm). Re-insert sensor clip to new starter by pushing it in until you hear it click or until it is securely in. Next, line up starter bolt holes with bolt holes on engine block and start threading BOTH bolts before tightening one down. Snug bolts securely. NOW YOU HAVE REPLACED THE STARTER!!!!

Replace Battery and terminal connections (red to + and black to -) and battery bracket.

Replace air filter box and reconnect all connections taken loose. Bolt 3 bolts at base of filter box back to original position. NOTE: when replacing filter box, make sure the opening on the right hand side of box (large open hole) lines up with air intake opening from right side of engine compartment. Connect hose back to throttle body by tightening clamp. Replace sensor connections and vacuum line to air filter box. Replace air filet if needed in filter box. Clamp air filter down.

START IT UP!!!!!!

[Egypt]

I didn't realize this was a common problem! I'm taking my 99 RX300 to the dealership after work today because mine is having trouble starting!!

It's happened a few times before, but I could try again and everything would be running. Last night I tried to start it up and after trying about 10 times, it finally started. I let it run a few minutes, then turned off, tried again...and it wouldn't restart! All of the components inside work fine and I don't hear clicking when I turn the key. Very unusual, but I'm going to get answers today from the dealer!

[tjmc11]

I didn't realize this was a common problem! I'm taking my 99 RX300 to the dealership after work today because mine is having trouble starting!!

It's happened a few times before, but I could try again and everything would be running. Last night I tried to start it up and after trying about 10 times, it finally started. I let it run a few minutes, then turned off, tried again...and it wouldn't restart! All of the components inside work fine and I don't hear clicking when I turn the key. Very unusual, but I'm going to get answers today from the dealer!

REPLACE THE STARTER YOURSELF>........SAVE YOURSELF THE HASSLE AND MONEY............it should only take you about 30 minutes or so to change.......

[Egypt]

Yeah, I read your layout of how to DIY, but I don't wanna take any chances. I can say, when I got it to the dealership yesterday afternoon...after it acting up 3 times that day....it did nothing wrong in front of the dealer!! And they called this morning saying, we can't find anything wrong, need to keep it. But of course...that's always how it is....things never give trouble when at the "doctor" but will as soon as you get it home....trouble!! LOL!

Thanks for your response and guidance, but I'm too chicken to do it myself. ;)

[jaru22]

OK, what do you all recommend? The Lexus original part starter from the dealer or the slightly less expensive re-manufactured BOSCH? Or another brand? Should I get the Starter w/ Solenoid? Will see any difference between the Lexus part and the after market? New vs. re-manufactured?

I may try to do this myself so any replies or suggestions here would help.