2000 ES300 Platinum Starting Problem

[James]

Hello,

I am experiencing intermittent problems with engine starting on my
2000 Lexus ES300 Platinum. I know for certain that it is not the
battery, because eventually, the car does start. I know there is a
mechanism in the car to prevent starting when not in P or N, or for
other reasons.

Here's what happens:
1. Insert key and try to start. I get a split-second sound like it is
going to start, then it just stops.
2. Try several of the following in any combination and eventually it
starts:
a. Just try again
b. Jiggle the key
c. Pull the key out and reinsert
d. Move the shift lever to N, try, then back to P. (requires pressing
the shift-lock release)
e. Pull out the key, turn it over and insert it that way
3. Car eventually starts

I'm trying to figure out what component might be going bad. Could a
low battery in the key cause this? Could the gear selection
protection component (requires car to be in P or N) be going bad? I'm
sort of leaning towards the latter.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!
James
Nashville, TN

[Ray O]

Post by James
Hello,
I am experiencing intermittent problems with engine starting on my
2000 Lexus ES300 Platinum. I know for certain that it is not the
battery, because eventually, the car does start. I know there is a
mechanism in the car to prevent starting when not in P or N, or for
other reasons.
1. Insert key and try to start. I get a split-second sound like it is
going to start, then it just stops.
2. Try several of the following in any combination and eventually it
a. Just try again
b. Jiggle the key
c. Pull the key out and reinsert
d. Move the shift lever to N, try, then back to P. (requires pressing
the shift-lock release)
e. Pull out the key, turn it over and insert it that way
3. Car eventually starts
I'm trying to figure out what component might be going bad. Could a
low battery in the key cause this? Could the gear selection
protection component (requires car to be in P or N) be going bad? I'm
sort of leaning towards the latter.
Any suggestions?
Thank you!
James
Nashville, TN

The battery in the key is just for the keyless entry system and doesn't
affect starting.

Clue #1 eliminates pretty much everything except for worn starter solenoid
contacts, low vehicle battery and loose connections.

The most likely cause of the problem is worn starter solenoid contacts.
Check for power at the starter solenoid when the key in the start position.
If there is power there, the solenoid contacts are suspect. If you are
handy, you can remove the starter and solenoid, replace the contacts, and
put everything back together.

[john]

Autozone or your local parts store should be able to test your starter
for free. You basically have a Toyota Camry, so it's something they're
used to seeing.

Autozone in-store services:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/inourstores/services.jsp

"Some places charge you for testing your car, but at AutoZone, it's
free.

Don't buy a part you don't need. AutoZone will test your car's parts
for free. We can test your car's battery, alternator, starter and
voltage regulator while they're still on your car. We can also give
your car a complete starting and charging systems test. You can also
take your alternator, starter or battery into our store and we'll test
it. In most stores, we can also test voltage regulators, control
modules, coils, throttle position sensors (TPSs) and other engine
management components."

Post by James
Hello,
I am experiencing intermittent problems with engine starting on my
2000 Lexus ES300 Platinum.  I know for certain that it is not the
battery, because eventually, the car does start.  I know there is a
mechanism in the car to prevent starting when not in P or N, or for
other reasons.
1. Insert key and try to start.  I get a split-second sound like it is
going to start, then it just stops.
2. Try several of the following in any combination and eventually it
        a. Just try again
        b. Jiggle the key
        c. Pull the key out and reinsert
        d. Move the shift lever to N, try, then back to P. (requires pressing
the shift-lock release)
        e. Pull out the key, turn it over and insert it that way
3. Car eventually starts
I'm trying to figure out what component might be going bad.  Could a
low battery in the key cause this?  Could the gear selection
protection component (requires car to be in P or N) be going bad?  I'm
sort of leaning towards the latter.
Any suggestions?
Thank you!
James
Nashville, TN