1991-2005 Lexus GS400 Starter remove and install

[@frankt2398]

A few tips that will save you time and simplify the job. Removal of throttle body is unnecessary. It can be left attached to the plenum. Removal of fuel lines bolted to the plenum is unnecessary, just disconnect the main fuel supply line on the driver side of engine and leave all other fuel lines attached. Good to see you taped up the intake holes to the block and finally disconnected the battery. Kudos for the video

[@BobbyFigliola]

Agree....did that job twice....2x too many. On these oldies ya wonder what ya bumped ...if it doesn’t start.. Leave the fuel rails on ....even 95-97.. book says to take off....unless ya want a headache don’t break the injector seal...unless ya goin to replace all of em.. I would but just sayin. Great job...thanks for posting

[@xxic3kingxx356]

LL Bean lol all look great on lol 😂😍😘 l

[@deimosphob]

Depends on how you do the job, if you want to drain the coolant, disconnect the lines from the throttle body, but you can just unbolt it and leave the coolant lines attached and not have to do the coolant bridge aswell, you can avoid that with the right tools to get down there, a right angle prybar with a long tip to hold the back of the wrench down, deep well and a long wrench will get both bolts and you don't have to remove the crossover or even put your hands down there outside of getting the socket on the bolt. The main fuel supply line almost ALWAYS gets damaged on disassembly as they bind up before you can even get them loose. DON'T LOOSEN THE SUPPLY UNLESS YOU HAVE TO, thats why we do the dampers instead to prevent damage that you cannot repair in book time. You can do injectors in a 5 hour period easily with the starter if you avoid draining coolant Those lines are a pain in the ass to take off and reflare or replace in these cars, so again, just take the safe option of replacing crush washers.

[@randolphcirilo4800]

Why Toyota why?!? Is this revenge for ww2?

[@ebrahimfix8539]

😂😂😂😂

[@petermazur3529]

@@ebrahimfix8539 LOLOLOL!!!

[@wrotedog]

I agree....

[@jhdfjhgdkjgfjgfghf]

Can believe i did this a while back to the project gs400 in my driveway, i guess once i got so into it, it didnt seem this complicated lol

[@Restitute]

I'm using this video and another one to guide me through replacing the starter on my GS430. They've been immensely helpful. Honestly, it's not too bad at all if you have the tools, but by far the most challenging thing for me is getting these goddamn electrical connectors off. They won't budge on my car. Not sure if they're broken or what, but I've only gotten 2 of the fuel injector connectors off. Still trying. Also, the hoses connected on my car are hard as hell, so I broke 2 of them while removing them. Hopefully the replacements won't be too pricey. Once I get all the plastic off, the rest should be simple. Wish me luck.

[@nominamagica802]

Update please

[@Restitute]

@@nominamagica802 well, I ended up having more issues, but getting the starter out wasn’t too bad after getting the harness for its connectors off. By far the worst part is removing plastic connectors and harnesses. I’ve taken that intake off more than 3 times now and can do it in about an hour. Cars not totally fixed yet though.

[@jimmysparks315]

I'm just about to have a go... Great video BTW...'98 LS400...330,000km... take a deep breath !!...

[@chipbabini]

Thank you. I followed your video step by step and wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own. 1999 ls400.

[@yolopookie]

Were there any differences between this video and your '99?

[@wholeNwon]

Dread the day when mine goes....20 years now.

[@deimosphob]

The prev owners of my car replaced it at 80k, its now at 130k and has a starter failure, they used carquest. Praying for 80k min out of the OE reman unit.

[@wholeNwon]

@@deimosphob Mine is 26 yo now and no problems. Original starter.

[@alfredodamian3865]

that's alot of work just to replace a starter

[@NutzAboutBolts]

it is...

[@carminemurray6624]

I turn those down, it is not worth the risk, If the car doesn't run right after. I just send them to the Lexus Dealership Service Department. 😇

[@nellerzh8r]

One thing to mention is that the knock sensors are right there so be careful since they can be fragile. Also, I am betting he has a capacitor for the stereo and the is where you got the spark, scary since you had an open fuel line RIGHT there as it was sparking.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

turbo guy yeah, best thing to do is disconnect the battery lol. We did that afterwards, so that was not a good idea.

[@matty7771]

I thought the same exact thing. Great minds

[@yourface8698]

Holy crap the starters inside the engine great

[@MrBossuporbowout]

Great vid thanks. Quick question. Im having a problem with my key deactivating the alarm after the starter install did you have any problems with your key afterwards thanks

[@BobbyFigliola]

Just a tip....have a magnet Andy for when ya drop a bolt down where ya cant get it..... gonna need it for the starter bolts.... maybe a mg tray for the bolts instead of cowl....but its all good

[@raymondsmith6315]

Opinions: Which job is harder? The starter replacement on the 1UZFE or the water pump, timing belt job? I've done the timing belt, pump job and it went well. Thoughts?

[@875daily]

any plans on doing any other videos on a GS400 like valve cover gaskets etc? very informative

[@jayb4965]

Yo Tony this comment was funny lol why not just ask him to make a valve cover vid 😂

[@TheAnonymous1one]

That starter looked brand new lol I wonder if it was replaced before

[@sabrinabutler9]

is it the same procedure on a 97 ls400

[@Mabeylater293]

How many miles before the starter went out?

[@tonys521]

Mines 250000. 99 gs 400

[@psilocube3968]

Are you positive there arent any torque specs on the manifold bolts? I would really like to know this as im using your video as my guide and I love my lexus. Ive looked and couldnt find anything. Great video btw!

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Kurtis Gansen there is a torque specs but we don't know what it is, you can use 1/4 ratchet and hand tight from the middle bolts outwards.

[@texan176]

I saw a dealer invoice in a junked SC400 for this very repair. They charged $825 for it in 1999 when money still had some purchasing power. Aside form the enthusiast most people will not touch removal of the plenum even on a simple 4 cyl car as a DIY job.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

+texan176 well, its always good to know how to do it. :) knowledge is power.

[@willthecardude6900]

This is reallly simple compared to my old honda. And I owned a grand prix with a 3800. Trust me. This is one of the easier plenums to remove despite it being a v8.

[@brianlantier7437]

Thanks for the insightful video. I have an 06 GS300 that appears to have the starter in the same general location. Svc manual says to remove the front seat, center console, manifold and exhaust to get at the starter. This seems like a much better approach - do you think it would work following this guide to get to the starter?

[@megatran2010]

I have a 97 LS400 so it's similar to yours but don't have a whole lot of space between the starter & the firewall. Anyway, I've finally got the two 14mm bolts removed but still haven't been able to remove the starter. I've looked at the starter & it's only attached by the 2 bolts so what the heck? Was yours pulled right out?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

yes, its held down by 2 long bolts and I believe a couple of connectors with smaller bolts on the harness

[@jimmysparks315]

One thing got me stumped.. How you got sparks when battery was disconnected ????... WTF ?... Power came from somewhere ?

[@lilrednosey]

Right I'm wondering the same thing

[@jparossignol]

looks like he might have a big capacitor in the trunk judging by the big red cable

[@hennesseygarage1481]

On the real tho this is a actual good video actually helped me

[@xXilisminusXx]

Instead of letting the coolant run all over the engine could you have taken the hose off on the driver's side and drained it into a bucket?

[@MrTrevorblack1977]

Did you have to use force to lift off the manifold are it came off easy

[@Shawnessey]

I removed all 10 bolts, and I keep looking just incase I missed one but I have them all off...... I still can't pull the intake manifold off......I haven't undone the banjo bolts though: I tried to but it's super hard. And when I pull up on the intake manifold it still feels like I haven't removed any bolts...... Any pointers ??

[@NutzAboutBolts]

remove the banjo bolts.

[@JoseGonzalez-oz9lz]

how did u ever take out the intake manifold???? I'm in the same situation as u right now......all bolts are off but it still won't come off

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Jose Gonzalez make sure the rear bolts and wires aren't in the way... we kinda just wiggle everything around to make sure everything is loose.

[@JoseGonzalez-oz9lz]

thanks a lot... I really appreciate it ur video n help .....are the 2 bolts on the back of the starter supposed to be weird shape 9/16 ????

[@poeticchild1]

Jose Gonzalez.. no. regular 14 mm hex.

[@sharifbronson6459]

Did you break a lot of tabs for the connectors

[@Eeddee408]

BIG ups to you bro. I was gonna change the started cause my car was doing the same thing. But after watching this, daaaamn that's ALOT OF WORK. 😂

[@NutzAboutBolts]

si6ni6st6er yeah, it took at least 2 hrs to do.

[@carminemurray6624]

You changed the **Started** Not the **Starter Motor ? ** I suppose there was a name change whilst I slept for 20 years 😐 Also sometimes called a **Starter**

[@Eeddee408]

@@carminemurray6624 😂 misspelled

[@MiggyM3]

Any advice on how to change the alternator on the same vehicle, a 1999 gs400?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

We removed it once but don't remember... but do make sure to disconnect the battery out first.

[@hectortrejo1198]

Michael Nguyen ..... smh

[@juanheidy8130]

I took off 2 14mms screws from behind the starter and it still won't come out, it looks like there's 2 more in the bottom but I can't find them at all I touched all around and nothing

[@k.wandeevong1828]

Some items on the Vihical can they be replace with others thing, like similar to after market parts,

[@joebor1776]

Did you disconnect the fuel line over by the brake master cylinder? I never saw that step in the video. Thanks. This video has been a great help to me so far (although I'm not done yet!).

[@joebor1776]

+joebor1776 Nevermind, I see that you mention that at 25:30 or so. Thanks again.

[@joebor1776]

+joebor1776 And I cannot figure out how you remove those banjo bolts. Do you remove the little hat first?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

+joebor1776 try using a crow foots. those banjo bolts are soft and sensitive, you don't want to strip them

[@joebor1776]

+NutzAboutBolts thanks, I ended up not removing the fuel line at all and just moved the intake forward enough to get the starter out. I think I messed up the fuel line connection trying to unscrew it, but I think I got it retightened OK. Your video has been SO helpful, thanks for posting it!!

[@NutzAboutBolts]

joebor1776 good work :)

[@yolopookie]

Why is it necessary to drain radiator coolant?

[@bartmann83]

How many bolts to remove intake. I only see 6

[@rudiemahan4588]

Do you know where I can find that coolant piping under the manifold in the back you had to remove? Mines cracked can't find it anywhere online lol

[@billdougan4022]

I listened to Scotty Kilmer rant about replacing this starter and said it cost $1000 bucks. Now I know why. 💸 Great video & info.

[@headyxfilms1523]

so i did this on my 01 gs300 but car still no crank no start wish someone could help i saw power coming from the only two wires connected to it , does anyone know if theres suppose to be a control wire on the starter thats seperate from the bolt on cable and the plug connector cable

[@danielgomez-vx7ih]

how do you do a full tune up on a 2006 lexus gs300 ?

[@MrHeadshot1982]

wow lots of work for a starter hope mine don't go. they do last long time

[@k.wandeevong1828]

Can I show you how. To put it back,,

[@k.wandeevong1828]

Wait I am sorry was there any reasons for this ,,they don’t look or explain straight can we first keeping thing straight before we can understand some other thing else,

[@futureshinesbright5557]

Do you need to replace just the upper-intake-gaskets when changing the starter?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

FutureShinesBright we took the whole intake off, so we didn't replace any intake gasket, we placed the exhaust gaskets and the coolant gasket.

[@pramos8973]

Did you ever find where the knock sensor pigtail harness connect to? Just curious

[@soulsurvivor420]

I'm going to be trying to figure this out real soon, I have to replace my harness, wire broke off my knock sensor plug when I was going to replace them (was getting a check engine light and the only code popping up was for my bank 2 knock sensor.) Unfortunately, I thought my knock sensor was bad, but once I changed them the car ran the same. I got back into the intake and inspected the plugs and saw a wire was frayed, when I went to unplug it the wire broke off. Figured that was my problem from the get go. Nonetheless, I'm going to replace the whole knock sensor harness (as long as I can get to it) and put my OEM sensors back in. I purchased NTK/NGK knock sensors for it, which I'm sure will work, but I'm just curious if my OEM ones were even going bad in the first place

[@raymondsmith6315]

There's no reason this starter couldn't be designed so that it is mounted to the side of the block like every other v8 out there. On the other hand, these starters go literally 20 years before going out.

[@jaydeal1498]

Good video. Crazy place for a starter.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

+Jay Deal thanks! Yeah very might place.

[@lenjisoo]

how can i know torque when i put back the all nut? should i follow excact torque?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Jisoo Park just hand tighten is fine, don't over torque the small bolts though.

[@scruff25323]

My car whines and won't start... Like the teeth on the starter are ate up, just hear it spins and not engaging the flywheel. I'm attempting to change the starter next week. Hopefully just a bad starter. I've changed the knock sensors before so kinda know what I'm doing.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

+Scruff McGruff sounds like a starter since you got spark and fuel, unless there's already those problems then I would look further into the problem.

[@scruff25323]

+NutzAboutBolts it was the starter... Thanks!

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Scruff McGruff great work! :)

[@juanheidy8130]

With what do u take off the big bolts that are holding the fuel rail?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Juan Heidy we used a 3/8 ratchet and extensions.

[@k.wandeevong1828]

Would all these would cost less than federal tax,

[@darkreno750]

I have to do all this to access the thermostat housing

[@speedwrenchmobilemechanics6089]

The most crucial part which is removing whatever is holding it in the back doesn't show smh

[@user-gb1ne5jj8v]

How much to fix mines ?

[@Sandmane213]

Im guessing this is the same for 01 gs430?

[@itskOOps]

+Sandmane213 yes

[@robertwilson5605]

where’d you get the handheld ratchet?

[@JoseGonzalez-oz9lz]

hey bro do u know the torque specs on bolts when putting back the manifold???

[@NutzAboutBolts]

we actually don't :(

[@cstcomputers]

What is the brand of that battery operated wrench you used in the beginning please.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

its by Craftsman, you can buy them at homedepot

[@cstcomputers]

Thanks a lot. I think I have to do this job on my wifes' car. Click, Click, Click, only periodically though, and if I charge the battery it goes away for a while, so I might try a battery first... Thanks again.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

yeah check the battery first, easier to do that than this lol

[@cstcomputers]

Well, if I end up having to do it your vid will be a great help.

[@samstone6007]

where can I find the Starter on My 1999 Lexus GS300 please??

[@NutzAboutBolts]

ebay, dealerships or auto stores.

[@samstone6007]

I mean where is it Located in the Engine body? Easiest way to get to it?

[@ALSALAZAR1985]

Piss poor design..... Why would you put a starter that is a common wear item under the intake.... ????

[@NutzAboutBolts]

AL SALAZAR I know right? lol

[@KCWhoa]

AL SALAZAR because its dead silent tucked in the engine.

[@hectortrejo1198]

AL SALAZAR by the time you need to replace the starter all thst shit you remove to get to it like hoses coolant throttle body cleaned etc have to be done its like killing 2 birds with one stone when you think about it

[@Somechonchon]

AL SALAZAR oh that’s not piss poor design... that’s the intended design to get you to take it back to Lexus $$$ mission accomplished. Lol

[@k.wandeevong1828]

You should lower them because they too high

[@1995RangeRover]

:O what an ordeal!!!! Good work bro!!

[@NutzAboutBolts]

1995RangeRover thanks!

[@CoreyParker256]

Damn you lexus engineers! Why do this? Did they think the Toyota starter would last forever?

[@AshtonCoolman]

Lexus mechanics that I know always say they keep busy....this is why.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

AshtonColeman lol

[@aguilayserpiente]

Methodical technique. What camera and editing software did you use?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

José Duarte Miranda it was 5D2 and Sony Vegas

[@aguilayserpiente]

@@NutzAboutBolts Mount or Tripod?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

José Duarte Miranda Tri pod, hand held.

[@aguilayserpiente]

@@NutzAboutBolts Thank you.

[@BasketballAve]

The only thing that sucks about the 1UZ...but every motor has its bugs!,

[@BTCRAILFILMS]

Basketball Ave about the whole UZ family*

[@k.wandeevong1828]

I know one thing no one else know how to..but I don’t remember how

[@leonvillarreal6417]

I had a question, i took everything apart place the new starter in correctly, but all it does it makes a really loud wining noise? Have this happened to anyone?

[@rekeshorey5571]

How long does the starter last on of these ?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

not sure

[@GSXIKE85]

normally you disconnect the positive terminal on the battery... not the ground, just for that reason.. imagine had you been working around open fumes.. that spark would have been a lot worse..

[@ericjacobsen6901]

I used to do that. Now I disconnect ground first, then positive. I switched my order after unbolting the positive and watching the wrench close the circuit between the truck body (ground) and the nut on the positive terminal. Almost welded the wrench to the truck. :-)

[@jparossignol]

nothing wrong with disconnecting the ground as long as you remember to disconnect the big capacitor you installed in the trunk for sound system

[@danmystro]

3 years late but it's always ground first.

[@illestcokeever]

is this the same for a 92 ls400 ?

[@NutzAboutBolts]

+Michael Simpson not same but similar

[@sergiosantiago4921]

it is the same for a sc400 1995?

[@humble_integrity]

this is not like the 1uz engine i have

[@patricklaporte180sx]

Damm i just swap a 1uzvvti in my 180sx and the starter bolt as loos like unbolt or break i dont no now have too doo that job that suck Tankfully my freind gona doo it for me

[@moneymac2864]

Tighten the valve cover bolts too

[@RabbitCarrots]

Not sure what those engineers were smoking, but this engine design is definitely not user friendly... Always costing me a pretty penny just to get that manifold out to do any other work....

[@novashotz7774]

Starter died on me yesterday on the road😭

[@ronmorzesr.5480]

This job just made me make sure I never buy a Lexus what were they thinking by putting the starter there.

[@samsonn25]

This is why the dealer charges $1000

[@mauriceball4608]

This is not a job for a novice...thats small engine repair.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Maurice Ball true, if you're new, this is a pretty rough job to do, takes about 2 hrs alone to remove it and another 2 hrs to re-install.

[@mauriceball4608]

Thank you.

[@mauriceball4608]

Turns out I didn't have to replace the starter....I had to rest the anti theft system, by putting the key in the drivers side door and locking then unlocking about 5-6 times. Started right up.

[@NutzAboutBolts]

Maurice Ball nice, anti theft alarm does prevent engine start up. Glad you knew what to do.

[@jaydeal1498]

+Maurice Ball Hey there. Quick question on the anti theft. I recently changed out my battery and now the car wont start. Had to jump it and took it to a shop. They said starter is bad. But now that you mention it, I'm thinking that maybe the antitheft has something to do with that. Can you tell me how yours was acting. Thanks.

[@bloodnbutta]

Ima go 5 grand thanks to you

[@Cuhh346]

People like to talk shit on the northstar cause the starter but the 1uz is the same, ah the hypocrisy

[@sleepe361]

Lol that's crazy I hope I never have to replace mine lol

[@k.wandeevong1828]

They should be more with passion fixing someone else car

[@fernandosaucedo2819]

lmao who forgets to disconnect the battery?

[@k.wandeevong1828]

Oh you hi your car by lower them

[@k.wandeevong1828]

There are something else about car and bank business with the new policy the really need to look at and change , got rob by these people when there was more other thing with little of your can make them happen for me . Is like make make this whole world would you think was right for you todo

[@lacyfins9627]

Starter under the intake manifold and a whole lot of stuff bolted to it unnecessarily that could have been held in place on the block instead. I guess Lexus engineers don't consult mechanics at all huh? oh well guys gonna pay me just the same to do this for his ride. Makes me appreciate the engineering in my Volvo that much more.

[@KCWhoa]

you can hear your starter in the Volvo. its dead silent in the lexus.

[@lacyfins9627]

oh really? and when did you drive my car to find this out? I sure don't hear it. All I hear is a turbo charged engine that will outlive most others by many many miles drowning out the sound of someone defending a poor design with an even poorer excuse. like the half second that the starter is used makes hearing it or not matter.

[@KCWhoa]

Ive driven a majority of nearly every manufacturers vehicles. Ive owned 120+ vehicles including volvos and saabs. You can hear your starter, unless its a newer volvo. To claim its reliable may be a faith based claim. Volvo hasnt even been volvo since the late 90s. They were bought by ford, who later sold volvo to a chinese company. even when they were volvo, they actually used some GM parts. They shared transmissions with buicks believe it or not. Im not impressed by your turbo. I have a focus ST. I can push over 20lbs stock. Poor design is subjective. Lexus targets the wealthy who dont work on their vehicles. They over engineer their vehicles. Thats the difference between a luxury car and the average sedan. the design is meant to benefit the driver, not the mechanic. Im not saying i like replacing these starters, but i enjoy the attention to detail. If you want an easy car to work on, get a saab. They designed it to be worked on by the owner.

[@MrCarGuy]

Jason Lacy If people like you complain about a little extra work and don't like it, all the more glorious 1UZ/3UZ for the rest of us.

[@k.wandeevong1828]

This ad. are added to your comment on your video, like if you were watching your self doing my iq. Level has increase when thing doesn’t really make sense sometime but

[@johnb4183]

Please , PLEASE ! remind me . STICK WITH A 1997 CAMRY 4 CYLINDER

[@chengyang4722]

this is an easy job.haha lol.

[@williamdouglas2615]

8t

[@Project23D]

this video sucks for anything other than a supervisor watching someone take stuff out of a car. Perhaps another video will be made to explain what is going on, what is being taking out, "hidden" bolts or nuts that should be removed.

[@ruthsanchez-hernandez1739]

Why don't you make one yourself and show the way you would do this install.

[@iamasmurf1122]

Bullshit car