Takes 3 To Tango!

[VVProtocolVV]

Got a weird problem with my '99 is 200. Every now and again, at random times of the month (average 4 times a month) it takes 3 turns to start, never 2 or 4 always 3 when it doesn start first time round. This happens throughout all seasons, weather regardless, even when the car has been driven 20 minutes and left for 2 hrs, full take of fuel, half tank of fuel...

Whenever it doesn't start the first time, Ive tried....

...taking the key out leaving it for a bit

...taking the key out and inserting the other way round

...make sure everything is off (lights, phone charger, stereo etc)

...have the lexus key seperate from all other keys

...replaced Battery in key

...scratching my head

But nothing works, always the third time it starts. My lexus key only has one other key attached to it, i know in the manual it says not to attach any keys with it, but i can't see why that would cause the problem and as stated above ive seperated it before, but makes no difference. So has any of you had this problem before and what causes it (and maybe cost to fix). Tried explaning to my local lexus dealer, but they don't know nothing like this and its not something i can proof to them at the garage. Im almost scared to start my car at my work place with people in the car park as its a lexus and it doesn't start is most embrassing lol, and its random like jack in the box waiting to happen..

Not sure if this could be a reason, when i fill up my car and drive it like normal until near empty, i go to fill up and theres a huge suction that lasts like 2 seconds, is this normal? maybe the car is struggling to get fuel into the cyclinders? Any ideas?

[Vyker]

thats one wierd problem...

i have no idea why thats happening to you, but i do know that the release of pressure when your first open the tank cap is normal.

it even mentions it in the manual.

[Sang]

Hmm... You don't think there might be a glitch of some sort in the ignition system do you? Is there any way of checking each stage/component of the "Start-Up" Sequence? But saying that, getting a mechanic to check everything for you might not sound cost effective especially if your chasing gremlins... In my experience if you get a mechanic to find an intermitant gremlin, Especially if nothing's ACTUALLY broken, then they tend to guess on a part, replace it then find that it wasn't that part then guess on another part... next thing you know you'r left with a big bill for parts and labour and the Gremlin is still not found... If it were me i would probably dismiss it (i know it's wierd and it's not supposed to happen) but until something is ACTUALLY broken or there is a sign of somthing about to break then there really isn't much to go on...

I hope this helps...

[stuie]

do you allow the system to prime before you start?

What i mean is the wiring noise you get when you first turning the ignition on. I believe thats the injection system pressurising (it is on bikes anyway).

[Parthiban]

Does it sound ill when it fails to start? Or does it sound healthy, but just doesn't fire up?

If the latter, I'd assume you have a problem with the immobiliser not being deactivated every time......have you tried using your spare keys to see if they have the same problem?

[Scarlet Pimpernell]

....following on from Parthiban, how does it sound immediately after starting? Coughy, spluttily and warbly for a few seconds, or sweet as a nut?

My Peugeot used to do something similar, needed new Injectors...

[Rob]

do you allow the system to prime before you start?

What i mean is the wiring noise you get when you first turning the ignition on. I believe thats the injection system pressurising (it is on bikes anyway).

not on any car i know of... can put the key in and start straight away, never have to wait....

for the original poster: before you start the car just push the throttle to the floor and then release then tell me is it starts first time.

[Gord]

do you allow the system to prime before you start?

What i mean is the wiring noise you get when you first turning the ignition on. I believe thats the injection system pressurising (it is on bikes anyway).

not on any car i know of... can put the key in and start straight away, never have to wait....

for the original poster: before you start the car just push the throttle to the floor and then release then tell me is it starts first time.

Old Ford xr3i use to do that to, fuel pump would kick in when you turned the key, as the injection system was pressurised, same with old VW Golf Gti (same bosch system)

[VVProtocolVV]

Thanks for the replies people...

Yeah, ive let it "prime" up, all the lights on the dash goes off before i turn the key to start. When it doesn't start first time, it sounds normal, then i turn again (never starts second time, no matter how long i leave the starter motor turning) and starts third time, no stuttering etc, all normal. Ive even turn the key so it starts the starter motor for no longer than 0.5 seconds the second time and third time it starts lol.

And yes i thought about it being the immobilliser Parthiban, as its always the same. It points to something electronic. But like Sang says just let it be (maybe thats my own cars unique personality lol), just be nice to know what it is maybe so i can get it sorted.

[Parthiban]

And yes i thought about it being the immobilliser Parthiban, as its always the same. It points to something electronic. But like Sang says just let it be (maybe thats my own cars unique personality lol), just be nice to know what it is maybe so i can get it sorted.

Did you have any luck with trying the spare keys instead?