Anyone with a Lexus IS300?

[LuckyTaxi]

This was probably the 5th time the car has done the following. I called the dealer and they aren't sure and asked me to bring it in. I said hell no because I know they wouldn't be able to duplicate the problem since it does it randomly.

I would go turn the key and the car wouldnt cut over. No grinding noise and the lights work fine. It just happened again on Saturday and for some reason I decided to step on the brakes. What do you know, I turned the key and it worked. I did everything from taking the key out and wiping it down (made sure nothing was on it) and even made sure I was in park.

Weird that once I stepped on the brakes it went back to normal.

 

[iamwiz82]

Ignition flaking out maybe? I'd probably pull it out and wiggle the connectors and such.

 

[BassBomb]

Does it click? If it doesn't it could be your starter has died or is dying

 

[zoiks]

Gasp! A Lexus. Probably the starter. The ignition doesn't have to click to be bad.

 

[Abel007]

From the my.is community. This is a cut/paste job from user vprojis. Hope this helps you out in some way. Good luck!

The first thing you should do.... Get a spare key. Believe me its worth it.

OKEY... Back to the subject.
Does the car locks/unlocks with the remote, without any problem?
IF yes....
i would like you to get a spare key and try to start the car with it, and let me know if you are having the same problem. ((This is the best and the easy way to find out whats wrong, eventhough there are other ways.))

If you are having the same problem with both keys.......
Your Ignition switch (also called Ignition cylinder) is bad/going bad.


Also

How to find out If its the Ignition cylinder/switch?

I) Like i have already told you, Try it with a spare key.
.....OR......
II) Hook up a Lexus Special Monitor (Only at the Dealer) to the Car and see if there is any code, and what the code is for.

How to find out If its the ECU?

I) If you know somebody who has the same year/model car....
Swap their Immobilizer ECU with yours. And try to duplicate the problem, see if its still there.
*** When you swap another ECU from another Car, You Will Have to use their keys to start your car.

II) II) Hook up a Lexus Special Monitor (Only at the Dealer) to the Car and see if there is any code, and what the code is for.


** I have seen many Ignition switch going bad on many Lexus'.
Very rarely i have seen ECU go bad.... But it does go bad.

 

[LuckyTaxi]

grr - i think i'll take it to lexus during my next oil change. i tried spare key and it didnt work either.