Es300 Starting Problems

[prl]

Yesterday, a hot day in Texas, my 2002 ES300 would not start. This morning, it started with no problem. I drove it for 15 or 20 minutes and it would not start again. After about 15 minutes it started with no problem. Could not jump start the car yesterday. Later found out that the battery was OK. Any ideas greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[blk_on_blk]

It could be vapor lock. I would think higher pressure fuel pumps would over come this, but you never know. Here's the definition from Wiki:

"Vapor lock (also known as vapour lock) is a problem that mostly affects gasoline-fueled internal combustion engines. It occurs when the liquid fuel changes state from liquid to gas while still in the fuel delivery system. This disrupts the operation of the fuel pump, causing loss of feed pressure to the carburetor or fuel injection system, resulting in transient loss of power or complete stalling. Restarting the engine from this state may be difficult. The fuel can vaporise due to being heated by the engine, by the local climate or due to a lower boiling point at high altitude. In regions where higher volatility fuels are used during the winter to improve the starting of the engine, the use of "winter" fuels during the summer can cause vapor lock to occur more readily."

It could also be your IACV (Idle Air Control Valve). If so, there are several guides on here of how to clean it.

[George_Jetson]

When you are having the problem, does the engine crank/turn over? If not, the next time it acts up, give the starter a couple good pokes with the largest screwdriver you have. If it then turns over, replace the starter.

[bigjohnlow]

About once every two weeks car wont start. It behaves like the battery was removed. Took it to Tri County Lexus. They keep trying to replocate the problem so the cars computer will tell their automaton mechanical what to fix! Has anyone out there discovered the cause of this condition.