es99

Thanks for posting the procedure. I just completed the job and it solved the problem my wife was having with her 1999 ES 300. The symptoms were the same as you noted; an intermittent inability to start, just a "click" of the solenoid with no engagement to the flywheel. This morning it refused to start. I had taken the vehicle to service at the dealership where we purchased it. After $60 for a charging system analysis they found the battery was fine and since they could not duplicate the problem (it was intermittent) they said they could do nothing other than recommend replacing the starter (estimating $300). Your procedure was well noted. Just a couple of deviations: I removed the battery and some other obstructions to access of the starter. On your 4th step I'm not sure how you could access the starter from below the vehicle as its position is on top of the transmission, I removed it from above. The contact posts cost me an even $6 at the auto electrical repair shop. They also "cleaned" the pitted surface of the center solenoid. Now if any part of the procedure is tricky it's this next part; take note of the location of contact post and appurtenances. I suggest you remove them one at a time, renew the contact on the post (bolt) and then reinstall. There are washers and o-rings and insolative pieces, etc. Not difficult, just make sure it goes back in the same order once the contact is replaced. Everything’s back and functioning great, Thanks BLAISERSC430!