TheeSlowPoke

Thanks! Here are a couple pics showing the starter contacts. The kit was $93 and included the contacts, the plunger and the intake manifold gaskets.

I just rebuilt the starter in my 1999 and when I put it all back together, it wouldn't start. It turned out that I forgot to reconnect the solenoid wire connector (this is a plastic connector, not the main power wire that is held on with a 14 mm nut). Before I took it back apart, the starter relay would click and there was a whirring noise coming from the starter (perhaps it was spinning - I don't know). Anyway, it sounded kind of funny and didn't stop until the key was turned all the way OFF. After I reconnected the solenoid connector, it works great! Good luck!

Spins like a top, now! As soon as I pulled the intake back off, I noticed that I somehow forgot to plug in the solenoid wire connector. I put it all back together and this time it starts perfectly. I didn't have the torque specs for the cross tube nor for the intake. I had to re-use the cross tube gasket "and have my fingers crossed that it won't leak". I put new intake gaskets on and torqued to 18 ft-lbs, not knowing. I thought I was doing big things by showing my 14 yr old son how to do this. But, I think I traumatized him by having him included in this effort. Poor guy, he was totally deflated that it wouldn't start after the first attempt. He had to go to bed, as it was getting late - I told him to not feel bad and that it just means we (I) get to learn something more. It's all back together - when he gets up tomorrow morning it will look the same as when he went to bed, except now it starts!

Well, I had to try it about 10 times before it actually started yesterday. I had ordered the starter kit a while back, "just in case". So, today I took it apart and found the contacts to indeed be worn and only making contact in a couple places. Figured ah ha, that has to be it. I replaced the contacts and the plunger. Put it all back together and nothing. Well, not nothing but, not starting. The starter relay clicks. It also sounds like the starter solenoid is trying to pull in but just isn't quite making it. Too bad I filled it with anti-freeze before trying it! Oh well, back at it...

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.

New battery measured 3.3 Vdc - just FYI

New battery - remote works.

After charging the battery over night, I haven't had a problem since. As the weather is starting to warm up, it may take a while for the battery to discharge again. I have never had a car behave like that due to a low battery. It could be a loose connection. I checked the easy to get at connections and am too lazy to search further until it happens again.

I didn't replace the batteries for 2 reasons: 1. They both quit working (actually I only used one of them a couple times when I first got the car and then didn't try it until the first remote quit working). Since neither key would work, I figured it probably wasn't the key. 2. I checked the battery (it is a 3 V battery) and found it to be at 2.87 volts. I would think at >90% charge, the battery would still do its job. Maybe not, though. I will get a new battery and try it - they are cheap. The only dumb question is the one that is not asked. Thanks!

I read through 4 pages of the "Keys" posts and again ran into "flood something something - try again in 17 seconds" and didn't find anything that matched exactly with my problem... My keys don't remotely work, they quit working all at once about a year ago. I have been opening my doors and trunk the old fashion way, i.e. by using the key as a key rather than as a remote. As I was Searching the site for other issues, I ran across the key posts and became intrigued. What are the recommended steps for getting the key fobs to work again? Since both keys stopped at the same time, is it a key issue or a transponder issue (kind of points to the transponder)? Is there an easy way to find out?

There are around 140,000 miles on it. When I said nothing happens, I mean nothing, no click, no nothing (I must say I didn't pay attention to the dash when this happened - so, I can't say whether any lights were on/off, or whatever). It was like it was charging up each time I tried to start it - I know that makes no sense, but that is what it was like. Nothing, a little and then normal - sounds like either a bad connection (but I would think it would go the other way, i.e. the more you try it the higher the temp and resistance) or a bad cell in the battery, perhaps. The battery may be going bad. I put a trickle charge on it last night (started below 2 amps ~1 A). This morning it was charging at around 3 amps. Now that I think about it, I should have put it on boost for a few minutes just to get the electrolyte moving a bit in case there are any flaking plates. I may try that later, if needed. Car started like normal after removing the charger. Car started like normal the 6 times I had to start it today. When I got home, I checked the voltage with the engine on = 14.17 volts. I checked the voltage with the engine off = settled down to 13.15 volts. At this point, it is hard to say. I only brought it up with you folks in case this was a common issue that was heading in a known direction. I will update the post as it progresses.

Most times when I start the engine, it fires up no problem. Ocassionally when I turn the key, it does nothing. Turn the key again, and it may start, do nothing, or slowly turn the engine over. If it didn't start or turned over slowly, then third time it spins over like nothing was wrong. I did try searching for "start" and got through 4 of the 6 lists. When trying to view pages 5 and 6 the search comes up with a Ooops and a time to wait for the next search - couldn't get past page 4. Thanks in advance for your help!

Got in ready to go to work this morning - key worked to get into car, steering wheel adjusted upon putting the key into ignition but, key wouldn't turn to allow starting the car. After a little searching this website, discovered the steering wheel cannot have any pressure on it in the locked position. Remembered turning the wheel to the locked position after turning the car off last night. Re-inserted key, relieved pressure on steering wheel and wha-la, key turns. Thanks for the wonderful website! TheeSlowPoke