Starter not working

REMART

MEMBER
2004 LEXUS RX 330
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
93,000 MILES

Just bought this but it came with one key, so I added three keys and program them. Added one too many keys to the car and the security system locked car from starting. I turn the key and it will not engage the motor doesn't try to turn over. New battery. I pulled fuses, disconnect the neutral and let it sit, jumper-ed pin 4 + 13 on the plug, open and shut the door multiple times with the key fob and it still will not attempt to turn over. There's nothing wrong physically with the car it just will not turn over. The car thinks it's being stolen so it has shut down the ignition and won't let the car start. I cannot find the procedure to reset it.

6 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,913 POSTS

When you try to crank to engine over is the security light flashing? If so lets try a hard reboot of the system. Remove the negative battery cable and hold it to the positive battery terminal for one minute. This will discharge the capacitors and allow the system to reboot. Reconnect the battery it should reset the system this guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 AT 11:09 AM

REMART

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you, yes I did that last night and I put the two leads together for an hour and then I put the key in and let it sit there with the battery hooked up for an hour and still it would not start. The security light does not flash with the key in it and the fob buttons all work they open and lock the doors and remotely open the back hatch. When I put the key in the ignition and turn it to start it doesn't even try to turn over it just lights the dash lights up and there's no result from trying to start it.

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Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 AT 12:43 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,913 POSTS

If the security light is not flashing the system is disabled and we have another issue like the starter or starter relay went out. but to be sure lets run down this guide. I have included the starter wiring diagrams and fuse and relay location so we can get it fixed. Lets check the fuses as well, # AM1 fuse in the fuse panel.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

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Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 AT 11:29 AM

JIS001

MECHANIC
3,408 POSTS

Unfortunately if you locked out the security you will need to tow it over to your nearest Lexus dealer. Lexus is pretty protective about there security and most likely you will need to be replacing the immobilizer module with the keys. The module is hidden to where it is almost impossible to access.

Sometimes they can "reseed" the unit but still requires Lexus to do this procedure since the technician will need to contact Lexus for a passcode to perform this procedure. Not any Lexus mechanic can complete this procedure. They need to be at minimum a master Lexus certified mechanic and takes more then one person to actually perform this procedure. As stated before, Lexus is very protective about key codes so your best bet now will be to find a Lexus authorized repair shop or go to the dealership if you locked out the security system.

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Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 AT 11:34 PM

REMART

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I was told the only so many keys can be programmed to a Lexus and I only received one previous owner so I was told I must have added too many keys and have a locksmith clear out the keys and add the ones that I had. I had it towed to a master key shop in Portland Oregon, AA Express locksmith. They cleared out the computer and added my keys but the car still would not start. From there I had it towed to Integrity Auto Repair who only deal with Toyota Lexus and Scion. Sorry I only mention these folks by name because they did an awesome job, the locksmith didn't even charge me for the work he did. It did turn out to be the starter. Totally shocked because it did not make a noise that the starters usually make when they're going out. It even started a couple times before completely shutting off. It is now running awesome I should get at least another couple hundred thousand miles out of it and I thank all for their help.