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Having an issue with a 1996 Lexus ES300 where I turn it over and get a click as if power is being relayed to the starter – but not enough. After enough attempts (3-4 minutes worth) I can get it to turn over.
Headlights and accessories lite up bright and all seems normal. Just when I am in a cold start I get this issue.
Any ideas?
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You need to verify that the battery is good, then verify wiring from the battery. There can be plenty of juice to power your headlights but not enough to run the starter motor, which requires far more current than the headlight bulbs.
Yes, you want to check your battery. A battery may seem OK in other regards, but still be bad/going bad… If you do not have a load tester, the cheapest way is to take it to your local big name parts store and they will test it for free.
Also, make sure your connections are CLEAN and TIGHT! I capitalize this and say will say it over and over again, because sometimes this causes the exact issue. Get a wire brush or terminal cleaner and make sure they look shiny and also ensure the terminals are connected tightly (cannot move easily by hand, preferably not at all).
Your starter could be going as well. If your battery checks out OK then check connections going to the Ground and starter. If they are good, then you may have a bad (or going bad) starter. Luckily, the starter for the ES300 is on top and easy to get to. Next time it fails to start, try hitting the starter on the metal portion with a hammer (dead blow preferred), not enough to hurt the metal, just enough to jar the starter, then try starting it. If it starts, chances are you have a worn starter. Also, you can remove it and get it tested.
Karl!
twiggy – thanks I will check out my terminal posts, cable connections and see what I get from there. I did change the negative terminal from the stock Lexus ‘fancy plastic connector’ to the more rigid, basic and simple connector.
I did however notice that on the positive terminal aside from the larger gauge red cable there is a smaller size wire (red wire) with a lead to the battery. It looks cracked and corroded. Maybe that is the cause? I will clean these up and give the battery a tap with the little hammer and see what happens. If anything else I will just take the battery down to get tested.Ya I just ripped the starter and battery out and will take it down to the local parts store to test both. While waiting, I will come back clean up my connections and go from there.
If it still keeps happening, I have no idea whats up. I mean I can start it eventually so I know its not an internal engine issue. I think this is all pointing to the starter getting enough voltage. I will let you guys know what happens.
Thanks to all who gave advice based on my recent issue with No Crank/No Start.
After pulling the starter and taking it down to the local parts dealer, I was sadly informed that the starter was indeed the issue after a bench test.
Replaced the starter, cleaned the battery posts and connectors and all is good to go. Luckily the starter was easy to get to.
B)
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