oaktodd

I had the same problem with my 99 gs 400 a few years ago. When I tried to start it the motor it turned over slower than normal and not even sounded like it was going to start. I tried several times but it would not start. Called Lexus because at that time it was CPO. When the rollback got to my house the driver asked what was wrong and I tried to start it again and the same thing happened. The battery had plenty of power. It would just turn over like the engine was full of water. The driver took the car to the dealer and they called the next day and said it cranked up on the first try. He said I could have flooded the engine. Iasked him how you flood a fuel injected engine and he gave me some BS story. I told him I don't even touch the gas pedal when I start a car and just got another BS story. He said to hold the gas pedal to the floor if it happened again when starting. This did happen again a year or two latter and it did work. This car has been great but I still don't know what the cause is. Anybody have a clue what is going on with this car?

My 99 has 161,000. Change oil & filter every 5000 with regular 5w30. I think this car will easily go 300,000

All better now. I checked on the location of the starter and found it is under the intake manifold. I called a Lexus mechanic and asked about my problem. He asked if I was at 100k and I'm at 115k and said that the starter contacts fail at this milage. He said he could replace the contacts for free because the labor was going to be $650 or he could replace the starter for the same price plus what ever the starter cost. I would of liked to done the repair myself but I need to get a good service manual(anyone know of a good one). I took the car into my Lexus dealer and they gave me a nice ES330 loaner for the weekend(no power). They called me and said my car was ready with a remanufactured starter for $650. A lot of money for a repair but I'm happy it is done and the way these dealers treat people I don't think I'll ever own another brand of car than a Lexus. These guys are great. The wifey was looking at a LX470 to trade the GS400 in on. I love this car and would hate to trade it. Is the LX470 a good SUV? Thanks for all the help you people gave.

My problem is gettig worse. It now takes 5 to 6 times of turning the key off and then on to start. Does anyone know how hard it is to get to or change the starter on a 99 gs400. Dealer wants about $900.00 to replace here in Atlanta. This sounds like a good project when the wife is off for the holidays. I priced the starter at a parts house and it was only like $150.00 plus core. I don't know what brand this is and have seen other brands on the net for $250.00 (Denso and Bosch). Does anyone know what brand is on the car or what is good. I think my only problem is the solenoid but I can't buy it. I'll keep ya'll posted on repairs

I'm having the same problem on my 99 GS400. Replaced the battery 3-4 weeks ago and the problem went away. Now its back again. Go to start it and all you hear is click, turn key off and back on and she fires right up. Last weekend it did this and I put a Fluke 87 on my battery and turned it over. It started but the voltage dropped to 10.5 when cranking. I don't know if this is good or bad. If it is the starter how hard are they to change on a 99. When I look at prices for a new some say the intake may need to come off on some models and a water outlet. Thanks.

good advice, and I sure hope it helps! I'm have to go out on a limb though, and say that I think it's something different. it just seems too consistent in it's nature to be a connection, and the description of the problem is off IMO. I would suspect a solenoid to act like this, where it will click only, but not even attempt to turn over. I would suspect a loose connection to be a little less consistent. (again, just my opinion here...) now, I have to admit that the problem sounds like no other starting problem I've seen, so,.....I'm wondering if it could be the key? ← ←