New starter installed and it started to start without the key in the start position

1992 LEXUS LS 400
200 MILES • 4.0L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TIMMAHANEY
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I have recently purchased a new starter and put it in, put it all back together and when I went to start it it started to start before I got the key to the start position. so now I have recently checked the battery and it is good, I also checked the big wire that goes to the starter it had power. so I checked the little wire's and neither had power. i hope you will help me with my car. Sincerely, Tim Newton
Apr 23, 2018 at 1:55 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning.

When you say two little wires, I am concerned as I only remember one wire.

Also, you said there was no power to the little wire but it started anyway. Have you made sure the wires are not touching each other?

I also suspect the ignition switch.

Roy
Apr 23, 2018 at 5:11 AM
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TIMMAHANEY
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I tested the fuse box where the starter relay switch is and I used a test light the big wire had power but the one that plugs in did not. The one on the solenoid does not either.
Apr 23, 2018 at 8:28 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Would the mass air flow have anything to do with not starting? And one last thing. I hear a clicking right side by the headlight when I try to turn it over.
Apr 23, 2018 at 8:37 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Did you receive the pictures?
Apr 23, 2018 at 8:39 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Sorry, no pictures.

No, the mass air flow has no effect on this issue.

Roy
Apr 24, 2018 at 4:28 AM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Thanks.
Apr 24, 2018 at 4:46 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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If you could resend the pictures, I would love to see them and continue.

Roy
Apr 24, 2018 at 5:01 AM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Here are those pictures you requested:
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Apr 24, 2018 at 6:41 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Here are some pictures:
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Apr 24, 2018 at 6:42 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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And more.
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Apr 24, 2018 at 7:32 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Well I just found a blown 20 amp fuse ECU.
Apr 24, 2018 at 11:28 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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I am sorry EFI fuse 20 amp.
Apr 24, 2018 at 11:32 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, did you replace it and retest?

Roy
Apr 25, 2018 at 4:13 AM
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TIMMAHANEY
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No.
Apr 25, 2018 at 2:52 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Did not think about it and figured it was good. I will retest now and will let you know as soon as I am done.
Apr 25, 2018 at 2:55 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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keep us updated.

Roy
Apr 25, 2018 at 3:31 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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What is the safest and easiest way to test the starter while its in the car? And I have a fluke 335 clamp meter can I use it anyway for my Lexus? And did you receive my pictures?
Apr 25, 2018 at 3:39 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Starter is good.
Apr 26, 2018 at 10:56 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good. put it back together and test. sounds like you got it.

My concern is why did that fuse blow. they fail for a reason. if it does it again, you will need to find the reason the fuse is failing.

Roy
Apr 26, 2018 at 3:54 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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There is no power in the little wire's when I try to start it.
Apr 26, 2018 at 3:56 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, sorry I thought you meant it was fixed.

I attached a wire diagram for you to view.

Do you know where the starter relay is located?

Roy
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Apr 26, 2018 at 4:03 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Yes, in the fuse box on driver's side under the hood.
Apr 26, 2018 at 4:12 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, can you check for power to the relay with the key on? remove the relay and test. Leave the little wire for the starter off.

Roy
Apr 26, 2018 at 4:18 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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I tested and there is power in one hole bottom right.
Apr 26, 2018 at 4:25 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Tested power bottom right hole.
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Apr 26, 2018 at 4:29 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Relay test:

1. Apply battery voltage across terminals 1 and 3, Fig 6.
2. Using an ohmmeter, ensure there is continuity across terminals 2 and 4.
3. If no continuity exists, replace relay.
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Apr 26, 2018 at 4:36 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Can I use a fluke 335 for this test?
Apr 26, 2018 at 4:44 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Sure, good meter.
Apr 26, 2018 at 5:14 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Okay, I really appreciate everything you have have done for me, it means a lot. This car is my pride and joy and I recently lost my job and cannot afford to pay for a mechanic. I am just worried that I am going to mess my car up.
Apr 26, 2018 at 5:19 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Just take your time.

Roy
Apr 26, 2018 at 5:21 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Do I set the fluke on ohms?
Apr 26, 2018 at 5:24 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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correct. the test is ohms.
Apr 26, 2018 at 5:36 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Without the key on there is power bottom right hole.
Apr 26, 2018 at 6:00 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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No, the test for the relay is done with the relay out of the fuse block. You need to apply power and ground to the relay terminals as shown in the diagram I sent you, then you measure the ohms on the other two terminals.

Roy
Apr 26, 2018 at 6:08 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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And tell me inside the fuse box where the starter relay is. there are four pins. One always hot correct and that would be pin number two and I have to turn the key to the crank position right?
Apr 27, 2018 at 4:25 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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How did the relay test turn out before we go to the fuse block?

Roy
Apr 27, 2018 at 12:35 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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Relay was good.
Apr 27, 2018 at 1:55 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay.

Now, at the fuse block.

You have one power and now you need a power with the key in the start position. have someone turn the key to start.

Be very careful. Do you have the fuel rail off? Fuel may spray for the pump when you turn on the key.
Apr 27, 2018 at 1:58 PM
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TIMMAHANEY
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I already have done that a couple of days ago and I used a test light and I did have one that stayed hot and nothing else lit up. I will try again though.
Apr 27, 2018 at 2:32 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You need a signal from the ignition switch to the relay.
Apr 27, 2018 at 2:33 PM