My 1996 LS400 abruptly developed an intermittent start problem a few days ago.
1) When I turn the key to start it goes through the first three key positions fine, but when turned into the last position everything "dies": the dashboard goes blank, lights turn off, ...nothing works.
1.1) This is usually accompanied by a "snap" that sounds like an electrical arc from somewhere in the engine compartment, but it doesn't sound like it's coming from the relay/fuse module.
1.2) This problem happens whether the engine is warm or cold. I've tried doing it at night in my garage to see if I can locate an arc, but turning it on & off 10 times did not result in the problem.
1.3) The relays in the relay module all seem fine, and when the problem doesn't occur the engine starts immediately.
2) When the problem does occur the car loses all power, lights, dashboard, etc. But if I switch the key to the 2nd/3rd positions (back & forth 1 or 2 times) the dash comes back on along with all other electrical items.
2.1) If I now turn the key to the 4th position (start) it will either (a) start normally, ...or (b) I'll hear an arc and everything will go dead again. Sometimes I will have to do this several times before the car will start, ...or it will not start. If I leave it for awhile it may start right up.
I'm 75 y/o and don't have lots of $$$ so I'm worried about what it will cost me if I take it to a Toyota dealership in Butte, MT (65 miles from where I live) since they may end up changing parts indiscriminantly ...costing me $$ that I don't have. I set up an appointment for Thurs,morning anyway, but am hoping someone can point me to the cause of this problem first. HELP!!!