Starting but not restarting for a few days

Tiny
LEXUSHELP#
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 LEXUS ES 350
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 209,000 MILES
The car will start up but not restart again until a few days later.
Tuesday, April 19th, 2022 AT 5:42 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,689 POSTS
Hi,

This could be a few different things. First, we need to determine what is missing that prevents it from starting.

In most cases either ignition spark or fuel is lost preventing it from starting, so here is what I need you to do. When it won't start, watch if it starts for a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, it is likely fuel related. If there is no change with starting fluid, then it's likely ignition related. In this case, we need to check for spark to the plugs. Here is a link that explains how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Try these things and let me know the results. Note: If it does start and stall with starting fluid, spark isn't the issue.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, April 19th, 2022 AT 3:54 PM
Tiny
LEXUSHELP#
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These have already been checked. The car will start up and re-start in the driveway about three times after turning it off. After that it won't. My friend thinks the problem is ignition (a fuse) or key fob.
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Thursday, April 21st, 2022 AT 2:57 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,689 POSTS
Hi,

Which was missing, spark or fuel? Also, a fuse is either good or bad. It won't work, not work, and then start working again.

Let me know which one is lost so I can make a determination if it is related to an immobilizer issue, fuel, or ignition problem.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, April 21st, 2022 AT 3:45 PM
Tiny
LEXUSHELP#
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It's not a fuel problem. This morning my friend started the car, the green came on the starter button. He turned it off to see if it would start again, and it did. He drove it to the convenience store nearby, went in and left it running. Came home and turned it off. Tried to start the car again, going start a button would not come on and the car would not start! This has been the problem all along.
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Friday, April 22nd, 2022 AT 5:26 AM
Tiny
LEXUSHELP#
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I meant to say the green light on the starter button came on and the car started twice in the driveway. He drove it to the convenience store, went in and left the car running. He drove it back home and turned it off. When he tried to start it up again, it would not start, and the green light did not come on. I hope this makes sense.
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Friday, April 22nd, 2022 AT 5:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,689 POSTS
Hi,

Have you checked the ignition two relay, or the starter cut relay? Both are in the under-hood fuse/relay box. I normally have a pic of the box, but don't for this vehicle. I attached a pic of the relays in the schematic.

Check them. First, remove the relay and check connections for damage or corrosion. If that looks good, switch the relay with another one from the box having the same part number. If there isn't one, here is a link that explains how to test a relay:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pic below.
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Friday, April 22nd, 2022 AT 6:10 PM

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