Intermittent starting problem

reverest@mac.com · 05-17-2007, 08:36 PM

I have a Lexus 400h w/ 30,000 miles. In the last week, the car has failed to start 3 times.

The first time I had the car taken to the dealer; after an analysis they said the auxillary battery had run down and needed a charge; they charged the battery. The car ran fine until the morning of the 5th day when the car would not start. As with the first time, all the interior and dash lights came on, but the Ready light would not come on.

I had the car taken to the dealer a second time; after the car was rolled off the truck I, for no good reason, put the key in the ignition, turned and the Ready light came on; everything was fine. The people at Lexus checked over the car; said they could not find anything wrong; put in a new battery; kept the car another day during which time it started w/o difficulty.

I pick up the car yesterday afternoon. This AM I got in the car and, again, it would not start. Having learned something from the second episode, I waited a few min and tried again, and the car started.

I drove the car back to the dealer; the service manager said he could not explain what was happening. I suggested there might be switch or solenoid that might not be working.

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge about this kind of starting problem?

galaxee · 05-17-2007, 08:43 PM

check the battery terminals and make sure they're tight. brake switch is another possibility. next time it happens, see if the brake lights are on when you're stepping on the pedal.

brick · 05-18-2007, 10:16 AM

My brake switch was out of adjustment from the factory. It felt like it took 30% travel to get it to activate, and I'm sure my car isn't the only one. Fortunately that's an easy fix if it's out of whack.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Starting Problem	davidtoo	Gen II Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	3	12-04-2006 09:38 PM
Problem With Starting Prius	TwelveInchPrius	Fred's House of Pancakes	4	06-16-2006 05:22 AM
Possible Starting Problem	alcor	Gen II Prius Main Forum	11	06-06-2005 10:05 PM
Starting Problem	blue2004Milpitas	Gen II Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	7	05-19-2005 01:35 PM
Starting Problem	0 emissions	Toyota Prius Service Bulletins - TSBs	0	12-31-1969 07:00 PM

05-17-2007, 08:36 PM	#1
reverest@mac.com Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I have a Lexus 400h w/ 30,000 miles. In the last week, the car has failed to start 3 times. The first time I had the car taken to the dealer; after an analysis they said the auxillary battery had run down and needed a charge; they charged the battery. The car ran fine until the morning of the 5th day when the car would not start. As with the first time, all the interior and dash lights came on, but the Ready light would not come on. I had the car taken to the dealer a second time; after the car was rolled off the truck I, for no good reason, put the key in the ignition, turned and the Ready light came on; everything was fine. The people at Lexus checked over the car; said they could not find anything wrong; put in a new battery; kept the car another day during which time it started w/o difficulty. I pick up the car yesterday afternoon. This AM I got in the car and, again, it would not start. Having learned something from the second episode, I waited a few min and tried again, and the car started. I drove the car back to the dealer; the service manager said he could not explain what was happening. I suggested there might be switch or solenoid that might not be working. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge about this kind of starting problem?

05-17-2007, 08:43 PM	#2
galaxee resident lab rat Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: boilermaker territory Posts: 9,676 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: N/A Package: #5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 94 Times in 37 Posts Friends: 26	check the battery terminals and make sure they're tight. brake switch is another possibility. next time it happens, see if the brake lights are on when you're stepping on the pedal.

05-18-2007, 10:16 AM	#3
brick Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 895 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 10 Thanked 21 Times in 15 Posts Friends: 0	My brake switch was out of adjustment from the factory. It felt like it took 30% travel to get it to activate, and I'm sure my car isn't the only one. Fortunately that's an easy fix if it's out of whack.