Shop Lexus Ignition Switches

Thanks for the reply.

Any idea why it would only be occuring first thing in the AM? The car is parked outside but as I said I'm in LA and it's still 60+ degrees at night, so I can't imagine that would be a factor. But would the fact that the car has been inactive for 12+ hrs when I start it up in the AM have anything to do with it? I usually need to start it 4-5 times throughout the day, it has been starting right up with no problems.

It's just a contact issue somewhere that weathers from sitting. It really doesn't matter when. It doesn't change how it is approached.

But if I can only check the circuit "while the problem is present," then basically you're saying I have to wait around until the car won't start at all, then get it towed to a garage and checked out? I don't like thinking that everytime I drive the car I could get stranded someplace.

You may not like the situation but those are the cards you were dealt. You can just start throwing parts at it but that will get very expensive, very fast.

Does the starter just keep cranking with a battery hooked up? If so the solenoid is on top of it and you won't like where it's all located if like another I just observed it's a 12 rated job whole top of engine needs come off as the motor is hidden inside! Not sure every model did that and forget now which one it was.

Any other history, remote starter or any hacked wiring?

Yes, with the battery hooked up the vehicle just keeps cranking.
I did get a visual on the starter just by googling what the spare part looks
like and where it is available. I have not found a visual diagram as of yet or a haynes manual on it.
No remote start or hacked wiring that i have observed.
Its a 95 Lexus ES300
Dang..... I appreciate your insight Tom any further would be appreciated
I will do my best.

This solenoid on top of starter motor is triggered by a small wire to energize solenoid for a much larger gauge wire to run the starter which is enabled by the smaller gauge wire and when meshed with (I'll just call it flywheel gear/ring gear) would in turn crank the engine.

Solenoid is just an electromagnet plunger and could be stuck after the years but is spring loaded to be off and small starter gear should back off is the typical style. I don't have wire colors for you to check to see if it's staying "triggered" and if a hidden starter which it might be awful job to check right at it. Generally this is not a problem set up but sitting for a very long time open the book of maybe problems. I'm pretty sure if gear from starter is staying engaged with the larger right gear the power will stay on to keep it running. Wish this was easier to get at as just a tap on solenoid might snap it to retract and right now bet it's stuck engaged. This type starter and solenoid on top the solenoid makes the connection to empower full battery power to starter itself AND throws the gear out to engage it.

Basic Haynes manual I doubt is going to be comprehensive on wiring.

The time and conditions while sitting make this a challenge.

IDK for the moment but how long did it sit without being run? What were the conditions of the garage it was in?

More - do you want this car for yourself to use or just get it out of there?

T