1990 Lexus LS 400 Starter Problems

WHITAKER88

MEMBER
1990 LEXUS LS 400
V8
FWD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

My car will not start by just turning the key, i have turn the key then go under the hood, take the starter relay out, and jump it from were the starter relay goes so i bypass it from the starter relay terminals. I tryed to crank it while in nuteral but no luck. i dont know if its the ignition switch thats gone bad or what. it cranks right up when i bypass the ignition and jump it from the starter relay prongs.

1 Reply

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

NEUTRAL/START SWITCH
Use an ohmmeter to check continuity between neutral/start switch terminals. See Fig. If continuity is not as specified, replace switch

STARTER RELAY TEST
NOTE:Starter relays are part of the theft deterrent system. When the theft deterrent system is activated, a contact inside the theft deterrent ECU is opened. This creates an open circuit on the ground side of the starter relay, thus making the starter inoperative. Use steps 3) and 4) of starter relay testing procedure to check theft deterrent system starter cut-out (if necessary). Unlock driver's door with key to cancel starter cut-out BEFORE checking starter relay circuit.

Locate and remove starter relay from fuse/relay block. Ensure continuity exists between terminals No. 1 and No. 3. Refer to Fig .

No continuity should exist between terminals No. 2 and No. 4. If continuity is not as specified, replace relay.
Apply battery voltage across terminals No. 1 and No. 3. Continuity should exist between terminals No. 2 and No. 4. If continuity is not as specified, replace relay.
Remove 3 screws and driver's side trim panel. Remove left instrument panel and key cylinder pad sub-assemblies. Remove bracket finish panel. Remove left register heater duct. Remove fuse/relay/junction block set bolts and clamp.
Separate the tilt and telescopic ECU from fuse/relay/junction block. Remove wiring harness clamp. Pull fuse/relay/junction block down. Locate theft deterrent ECU above fuse/relay/junction block (under left side of instrument cluster).
Disconnect theft deterrent ECU connectors. See Fig . Turn ignition switch to ST (start) position. With transmission in Neutral, check voltage between ST terminal of theft deterrent ECU wiring harness connector and body ground.
If voltage does not exist, check and repair harness/connections between starter relay and theft deterrent ECU. If voltage exists, and starter relay circuit is still inoperative, test and replace theft deterrent ECU