Lexus: Starter problem with 1996 ES300

On Sun, 08 Aug 2004 11:24:00 GMT, "Brian" <com> wrote:
 

Buy and install a new battery.

The sound you are hearing is the starter motor turning without
engaging the flywheel.

Tech content to follow.

1) You turn the key to start.
2) Ignition switch connects a 12 volt low current connection to the
starter solenoid.
3) The starter solenoid is energized. The solenoid does two things.
3.1) It pushes the bendix bevel gear into the flywheel. the bendix
bevel gear is heal away from the flywheel with a strong spring. The
flywheel has gear teeth on it's outer rim. The bendix bevel gear
engages the teeth in the flywheel. The starter motor will turn the
bendix bevel gear and hence the flywheel to start the car.
3.2) It closes a high current relay to energize the starter motor.

When your battery is weak, there is not enough current flow through
the solenoid to push the bendix bevel gear far enough to engage the
teeth on the flywheel. There is enough current to cause the starter
motor to turn, but since the bendix did not engage the flywheel, the
car does not start.

The sound you hear is the starter motor turning without engaging the
flywheel.

good luck,

Ken - West Union, SC Population 270 + 2 (counting dogs and chickens)
"If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail."
- Abraham H. Maslow

I'd start with a known good battery, but my experience is that if the
starter turns but won't engage flywheel, more than likely you need a new
starter. If you can get to it with a long screwdriver, a few raps with a
hammer will often allow the bendix to free itself and the car will start.

In either event (battery or starter), these are relatively inexpensive
repairs and are easily done by any decent garage or handy DIY'er.

- Mark

Thank you for your advice. I purchased and installed a new battery and it
took care of the problem.


"Brian" <com> wrote in message
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