Hard time starting 100 series. Need help diagnosing starter, relay, or other. (1 Viewer)

[The Mac Attack]

Unfortunately the time has come that I need to sell my 99 100 series LX470. My wife and I are having a baby this fall, and we decided we didn’t need four cars, so it was between my E46 M3 or the 100 series, I’ll probably get some hate for my choice!

Anyway it’s like my truck knew it was coming because the day I got my new car it wasn’t starting. I get a click, and hear some humming, but nothing more. If I keep trying eventually I can get it to start.

Here’s what I’ve done and tested:

• Installed new battery
• Cleaned all terminals, grounds, etc
• Replaced EFI fuse
• Checked all other fuses
• Pulled starter relay and tried ‘paper clip’ method - this causes the starting sound, but not really sure what I’m looking/listening for with that

I’ve recorded a video that goes through the clicking, the sound of it trying to start, and eventual start.

I’m hoping it’s the starter relay because I can get one easily, but if it’s the starter I want to get it in and replaced before selling.

Background

• Truck has ~180k miles
• Very well maintained and documented (kept shop reports)
• Oil/fluids changed twice a year given age of truck
• It’s been an absolute dream since buying during covid in Northern California and bringing it east when we couldn’t travel.
• Can provide other details

 

[excessive]

sorry to say this, but it's likely the starter itself going bad

 

[The Mac Attack]

sorry to say this, but it's likely the starter itself going bad

Thank you - funny I saw a post about using Chat GPT. Put my post in there and included the video for it to analyze. Got to the same answer.

Well next owner will have all new things under that manifold!

 

[DuckLN]

Is your battery fully charged?

 

[The Mac Attack]

Is your battery fully charged?

yes - both the old one was (2 year old), and I had the store warranty it and brand new one fully charged as well.

 

[DuckLN]

Good - My starter turned the motor over but grinded on startup for a month or two before I replaced it.

Replacing the starter is a sum buck of a job to right. You’ll break several plugs during the process that can easily be repinned if you get the correct replacement.

 

[DuckLN]

How do your battery cables look?

 

[The Mac Attack]

How do your battery cables look?

How do your battery cables look?

They look good - I cleaned them up, and the ground points. Couldn’t get to down under manifold to starter to see down there though.

Keeps pointing to Starter. Having my shop quote me on replacing with a bunch of other nice to haves while in there. Then work on the sale.