Lexus Ls430 Ignition Switch Doesn't Engage Starter On First, Or So

[Jerry's 2001 LS430]

When trying to start car the starter does not engage on the first try of turning the key in the ignition switch. Always takes at least two attempts. All indications are that the switch is in the on position because guages, lights, etc come on but there is no click of starter when switch is turned all the way to the right. I would expect if it were a starter problem I would at least get a click, or clicking sound. Any ideas?

It is now April 2014 and I am still having the same problem. On closer examination I found out that there is a single click sound each time I put the ignition switch in the start position. By now it usually takes doing it three times before the engine turns over and starts. It's getting to be a little un-nerving. 😊

I guess I'm going to have to let the Lexus dealer go ahead and replace the starter like they recommend, but from what I've read from others with this problem that isn't always the necessary solution.

[landar]

When you say 'attempts', do you mean that after the first try, you turn the key completely back to the 'Off' position and then rotate it clockwise to 'Start'? Or just go back to the 'Run' position and then to 'Start' and it works? Be very specific in your analysis and testing as it may provide valuable clues. How about if you turn the key to the 'Run' position and wait for 10 seconds before "Start' on the first attempt?

[Yamae]

 

All indications are that the switch is in the on position because guages, lights, etc come on but there is no click if starter when switch is turned all the way to the right. I would expect if it were a starter problem I would at least get a click, or clicking sound. Any ideas?

 

The ignition switch has 2 separate contacts. One for gauges, lights, radios and the other for the starter relay and the ECU via the neutral safety switch located at side of the AT unit. Your problem may be caused by one of these below.

The second contact of the ignition switch,

The neutral safety switch

The starter relay

The starter itself including the solenoid

One of fuses between these including cables.

Since you need to attempt at least two times, I think it may be caused by the ignition switch or the neutral safety switch. In case of the neutral safety switch, shifting AT lever several times pushing the release button before the try (engine start) would be a way to find the cause.

[TheeSlowPoke]

Do you have your window down or door open when you try to start? If not, you probably won't hear the "click" the starter makes. I have the same issue with my '99 LS400. For me, it is probably the starter solenoid. But, as long as it starts I plan to just keep on going.

[Jerry's 2001 LS430]

Do you have your window down or door open when you try to start? If not, you probably won't hear the "click" the starter makes. I have the same issue with my '99 LS400. For me, it is probably the starter solenoid. But, as long as it starts I plan to just keep on going.

Thanks for your hint, I had someone turn the switch to start with me outside and I could hear the "click".

How did you make out with your '99 LS 430 problem? (See my amended post above.)

[Jerry's 2001 LS430]

When you say 'attempts', do you mean that after the first try, you turn the key completely back to the 'Off' position and then rotate it clockwise to 'Start'? Or just go back to the 'Run' position and then to 'Start' and it works? Be very specific in your analysis and testing as it may provide valuable clues. How about if you turn the key to the 'Run' position and wait for 10 seconds before "Start' on the first attempt?

I am turning the switch to the "Run" position to allow all the electronics to zero out (about 10 seconds) then turning the switch to the "Start" position. At that point I get the "click" sound. Then I return the switch to the "Run" position for a second or two before going back to the "Start" position. After two or three attempts it starts. At least up to now. 4/11/14

[landar]

Yep, sounds like your starter solenoid contacts are toast. You probably have it fixed by now anyway.

[Jerry's 2001 LS430]

Actually I haven't done anything yet because it hasn't failed completely. It's a little like Russian roulette at this point.

If I was sure what the problem was I would replace it (starter, solenoid ,etc.). The dealer wants to start with the starter but won't guarantee that will fix it. I keep hoping someone will come up with the answer.

[landar]

Well that is absolutely crazy that the dealer will not guarantee the diagnosis. Maybe If this was not such a well-known issue... but with your symptoms, it is more than a little certain that your starter solenoid contacts are compromised. I do not know what your electrical skills are but I would hook a wire to the starter relay and monitor the voltage to the starter solenoid. If the relay is energizing but the starter is not whirling then it is 100% certain that your starter is the culprit.

If your 2001 has over 100k miles on it, this is a VERY 'normal' failure mode. Yes, it is Russian roulette. That is why YOU should pick the time to strike and fix this problem. Do not let the starter choose the time and place. You probably won't like its choices.