Mark Sparrow

Hi Brad- I had this on both a MKIII and a MKIV, and unfortunately both times I had to replace the starter. The problem is usually with the solenoid/plunger inside the starter itself, and while that part is cheap gaining access to it is difficult. You could try replacing the starter relay in the fuse box (as I did with my MKIII) in case it is that, but that cost me over £30 fifteen years ago and made no difference. I sincerely hope that you find an easy solution to the problem, but if that doesn’t work it’s worth paying out for a new or reconditioned starter as it’s not a job you’d want to do twice. Best of luck, Regards, Mark.

Well, it appears that lightning does strike twice-I used to have a MK 3 LS 400-the starter went on that at about 90,000 miles, and now the intermittent starting/clicking is occurring on my 70,000 MK 4. I don't want to get rid of the car for what could be a £20.00 solenoid plunger / contact replacement as to be honest, I haven't found another car as comfortable, and generally reliable as these. I spent three years as a mechanic in the early eighties (working on much simpler machinery!), and my question to everyone is-should I attempt this?

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts on the subject-I suspect that I will have to get used to it (or it used to me!), but as seems to be the general consensus it's a small price to pay for a wonderful driving experience! Will keep you all posted if anything changes-Mark.

Hi Pete-I was out in it last night and selected power mode just to see if it improved-great minds obviously think alike! Unfortunately I wasn't on a long enough journey to notice much difference, but I think I may take it out for a long drive this weekend and see what happens. Thanks for the advice-regards, Mark.

Hi Toxo-I have the service history-and it only has 56,000 miles on the clock, but I will check the gearbox oil again-thanks for the advice and I'll let you know how it goes-regards, Mark.

I've recently changed my trusty MkIII LS400 for a MkIV DHP-much improved in many ways over the old model but it has an annoying habit-after slowing down on the approach to a roundabout/junction etc and then attempting to accelerate when my way is clear the gearbox seems to hesitate before selecting a gear, resulting in either an enforced slow pull away on light throttle while I sense it thinking about gear selection ,or if speed is of the essence a huge jolt in the back if I apply full throttle. Is this a trait of the five speed gearbox (my previous LS400 was no trouble in this department, or is there a problem I should be looking into? Would love to hear from anyone who has experienced the same, or has some advice on the subject-regards, Mark.

I found the site quite a few years ago on google-and I've only just got round to posting a message! Just about to part company with my trusty but neglected 1995 LS 400 MkIII (owned for the last nine years)for a 2000 MkIV DHP-will be watching the site more closely from now on!