Diagnosis & Repair (Using Hand-Held Tester)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Lexus SC 430. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Read STA signal on the hand-held tester while the starter operates. With ignition switch on, STA signal should be off. With ignition switch in START position, STA signal should be on. If okay, problem is intermittent. If not okay, go to next step.
- Remove starter relay from the engine room No. 2 relay block. Check relay. See STARTER RELAY CONTINUITY CHECK table. See Fig 1. Replace relay as necessary. If relay is okay, go to next step.STARTER RELAY CONTINUITY CHECK
Terminal No. Condition Specified Condition 1-2 Constant Continuity 3-5 Usually No Continuity 3-5 Apply Voltage Between Relay Terminals No. 1 & 2 Continuity - Check ignition switch assembly. See IGNITION SWITCH in appropriate STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES article. Replace ignition or starter switch as necessary. If okay, go to next step.
- Check wire harness between the starter relay terminal No. 1 of relay block and ECM connector by inspecting STARTER fuse. Remove STARTER fuse from engine room No. 2 relay block. Check continuity of STARTER fuse. Remove STARTER relay from engine room No. 2 relay block. Check continuity between wire harness side connectors of ECM connector E6 terminal STA and starter relay terminal No. 1. See Fig 2. If continuity is present, replace ECM. If continuity is not present, repair or replace harness and connector.