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1994 Lexus ES300 starting issues
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hombre
New User
Oct 6, 2009, 10:05 AM
Post #1 of 6
(5876 views)
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1994 Lexus ES300 starting issues
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1994 Lexus ES300, 3.0L engine, 187k miles
The last 3 mornings, my Lexus has been very slow to start. Turn the ignition, nothing happens- no clicking noises, just silence. Dash lights work. This will happen for first 3 or 4 attempts. Then car will start up normally.
I live in Los Angeles, so it hasn't been particularly cold in the mornings.
Throughout the rest of the day, the car will start quickly and normally.
Took it to a Pep Boys this AM, they ran a check on the battery and said the battery is fine, fully charged. Also terminals look clean, no buildup, still have plenty of protective grease. They said cables/connections look ok, but did only a cursory inspection from what I could tell. Rep told me he "thinks" it's the starter, but couldn't be sure. I asked him if it's the starter, why I only have the problem first thing in the AM, and the rest of the day it cranks/starts fine. He didn't really have an answer.
He quoted me $285 to install a new starter. The thing is, I dont' want to throw down $300ish if he can't tell me that it's really the issue... is there a better way to isolate the problem? Thanks in advance for your help.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 6, 2009, 11:17 AM
Post #2 of 6
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Re: 1994 Lexus ES300 starting issues
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Sure, you can isolate the problem but it's going to require troubleshooting the circuit while the problem is present.
It could be a starter, could be the ignition switch, could be the neutral switch, could be a relay or any wiring connections in between.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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hombre
New User
Oct 6, 2009, 12:25 PM
Post #3 of 6
(5866 views)
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Re: 1994 Lexus ES300 starting issues
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Thanks for the reply.
Any idea why it would only be occuring first thing in the AM? The car is parked outside but as I said I'm in LA and it's still 60+ degrees at night, so I can't imagine that would be a factor. But would the fact that the car has been inactive for 12+ hrs when I start it up in the AM have anything to do with it? I usually need to start it 4-5 times throughout the day, it has been starting right up with no problems.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 6, 2009, 12:41 PM
Post #4 of 6
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Re: 1994 Lexus ES300 starting issues
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It's just a contact issue somewhere that weathers from sitting. It really doesn't matter when. It doesn't change how it is approached.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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hombre
New User
Oct 6, 2009, 1:25 PM
Post #5 of 6
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Re: 1994 Lexus ES300 starting issues
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But if I can only check the circuit "while the problem is present," then basically you're saying I have to wait around until the car won't start at all, then get it towed to a garage and checked out? I don't like thinking that everytime I drive the car I could get stranded someplace.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 6, 2009, 1:28 PM
Post #6 of 6
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Re: 1994 Lexus ES300 starting issues
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You may not like the situation but those are the cards you were dealt. You can just start throwing parts at it but that will get very expensive, very fast.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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