Ls400 Starter Motor Problem

[Jerry]

I have a starter motor problem with my 95 LS400. It clicks, but won't engage. After turning the key several times, I can usually get it to start. This was actually the topic of a US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall for 95-97 LS400s. See www.nhtsa.org. The problem is apparently the magnetic switch in the starter. The Lexus dealer wants $1000.00 to replace the starter, and will not honor this recall for my car.

I've done a lot of work on cars, and replaced a lot of starters, but I can't even find the damn thing on this car. Does anyone know how to get at the starter in an LS400?

Thanks

Jerry

[solrik]

Hello,

I just replaced the stater on my 93 ls400, the dealer quoted me the same price, but I opted to have a mechanic friend of mine do it, it takes 5 hours to disassemble and install the starter, the starter is located between the intake manifold and the engine block, and unfortunatley you will have to loosen a motor mount to get the starter out, I purchased a rebuilt starter for about 80.00. Best of luck hope this helps. Sorry for the bad news.

[92lexus]

I had a similiar problem as yours and bought a starter from autozone for about 150 dollars. I do my own work on my ls400 and find that this saves a lot of money. The starter is under the intake manifold which really makes no sense because they know it is going to have to be replaced at one point or another. It is a tough job because of all the parts (mostly small things) that you have to take off, just tape numbers on the parts as you take them off so it goes back in the right order. If you have any questions on this look me up at clublexus.com, my id is 92lexus. good luck