New Starter from Longo Lexus dealer is acting up (LX450) (3 Viewers)

[nashqadri]

After less than a year of use, the starter I purchased from Longo Lexus has begun failing intermittently. When I turn the key, I often hear loud clicks from the starter but no crank. After waiting 5–10 minutes, it suddenly engages and starts the engine strongly, with no sign of a weak battery. The battery is new and tests fine. The issue is random for example, after a 40-mile drive, it failed to start at a gas stop, then worked minutes later. The same thing happened again this morning. I will try to return the starter but need some recommendations which one i should get now that I can rely on. Leaving on a trip to Page AZ from Orange County CA and dont want to end up stranded. Where should i buy another one from?

 

[OGBeno]

After less than a year of use, the starter I purchased from Longo Lexus has begun failing intermittently. When I turn the key, I often hear loud clicks from the starter but no crank. After waiting 5–10 minutes, it suddenly engages and starts the engine strongly, with no sign of a weak battery. The battery is new and tests fine. The issue is random for example, after a 40-mile drive, it failed to start at a gas stop, then worked minutes later. The same thing happened again this morning. I will try to return the starter but need some recommendations which one i should get now that I can rely on. Leaving on a trip to Page AZ from Orange County CA and dont want to end up stranded. Where should i buy another one from?

Toyota parts are warrantied for 1 year.

Bring back and get another one.

 

[nashqadri]

Toyota parts are warrantied for 1 year.

Bring back and get another one.

True, but they only sell products labeled as remanufactured. I was hoping to get something brand new I don’t want it happening again somewhere remote. That are brands like Denso or Bosch. If anyone has used one of those then some feedback would be helpful.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

True, but they only sell products labeled as remanufactured. I was hoping to get something brand new I don’t want it happening again somewhere remote. That are brands like Denso or Bosch. If anyone has used one of those then some feedback would be helpful.

Huh a Lexus dealership only sells remanufucktured parts

 

[banieldowen]

True, but they only sell products labeled as remanufactured. I was hoping to get something brand new I don’t want it happening again somewhere remote. That are brands like Denso or Bosch. If anyone has used one of those then some feedback would be helpful.

I have a Bosch in one or my 80s and the oem reman denso (the higher rated one for cold weather) in another. Both are flawless. Only reason I have a Bosch in one is that PO installed it thinking it’d be better

 

[OGBeno]

Lexus dealership will only sell a remanufactured starter for a 30 year old truck.

 

[ppc]

Have you checked to make sure the cable at the starter is tight?

 

[jonheld]

I had 2 reman OEM starters that were faulty out of the box. Both of them purchased from a Toyota dealer.
Both had to be rebuilt by me as the solenoid plungers were used and pitted and the contacts were installed poorly.
Just because it came in a red and white box, that's no guarantee that Billy-Bob who rebuilds starters and just got his first pubic hair actually knows what's he's doing.

 

[nashqadri]

Mr. ChatGPT seems to have a step by step troubleshooting steps. Copied below but i am always skeptical about Mr GPT's state or mind. Sometime he hallucinates.
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1. Worn solenoid contacts inside the starter (most likely)​

Toyota/Lexus starters of this era (Denso type) are famous for wearing out their copper solenoid contacts after years of use.

• The solenoid still clicks loudly, but the internal copper contacts no longer carry full current to spin the motor — so you get clicks, no crank.
• When it finally lines up and makes good contact, it cranks normally and powerfully — exactly what you’re describing.

Fix:
Replace the starter solenoid contact set and plunger (cheap repair kit, about $15–25) or replace the entire starter under warranty.

2. Voltage drop or resistance in the starter circuit​

Corroded terminals, frayed cable, or loose connection between the battery, starter, or ground can cause intermittent no-crank.

• The click means the solenoid coil got enough voltage to pull in, but the main contacts didn’t see enough current to spin the motor

Check:

Battery positive terminal clean and tight

• Ground strap from battery to engine block intact
• Starter’s main power cable clean and tight
• Voltage drop test (you should see <0.5 V drop on both power and ground side while cranking)

3. Starter relay or ignition switch weakness
A weak relay or worn ignition switch can intermittently fail to deliver full current to the starter solenoid trigger terminal.

• On the LX450, the ignition switch output for “START” can degrade with age or heat.

Check:
Measure voltage at the solenoid trigger wire while turning the key to START — should be 12 V.

• If it’s low (8–10 V or intermittent), you’ve found the issue.
• Some owners add a “starter relay booster mod” to fix chronic low-voltage start circuits.

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4. Starter itself defective (bad rebuild or intermittent internal open)​

• Even new or reman starters can fail early — misaligned brushes or heat-sensitive internal open circuit.
• If this starter was installed less than a year ago, Longo Lexus should warranty it — especially if it’s an OEM Denso unit.

Action:

• Ask Longo Lexus to bench-test it under load.
• Mention that the solenoid clicks audibly and the engine starts strong once it engages — classic bad-contact symptom.

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5. Ground or battery cable heat soak​

• After a long drive, heat in the engine bay increases resistance in old cables.
• You stop for a few minutes, and the starter won’t engage until it cools slightly.

Clue:


If the no-start happens only when hot, check cable integrity and consider adding a dedicated ground strap directly from battery to starter mounting bolt.

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Summary of probabilities​

 

[Godwin]

Buy a set of the contacts and plunger and rebuild it yourself. Once you pull it out to warranty it you are 1/2 there.

 

[thatcabledude]

Buy a set of the contacts and plunger and rebuild it yourself. Once you pull it out to warranty it you are 1/2 there.

I would want to open it and look inside before trying to return it anyway because there’s a small chance it’s something else. If it looks great in there, I’d for an issue elsewhere.