I've done a search and looked through the various starter threads and not quite found one exactly like my problem. Sometimes my car will not start. The dash lights go on but no noise. No click(s). No cranking. No nothing but lights. I try the slow key method and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Lights dim slightly(normal for as long as I can remember) but wipers sweep normally. Battery is 6 mos old. Connections are clean and tight. I tried the jiggle the key when she is running and car runs fine.Car is 100% stock with 185K and other then tires,muffler and trans all original from the day she was born. All services have been done. I read that it could be the PGM F1 main relay and see that we have 2. One near the kick panel and one under the dash. It's the one under the dash that goes bad? Can I just pull it out? If it is the starter can we replace the bushings while it is still in the car without pulling the wheel and axle(98 3.2TL)? I'm thinking electrical vs. fuel because of the silence. Any thoughts?

 

try the relays first. its probably something stupid

 

I had the same issue, it turned out to be the starter. I have a 2.5.
I never heard the click nor light or dash would dim.
First I replaced the battery that did not do it. so changed the starter.Everyting is ok now.

I had 257k when starter first acted up.

 

wow lots of miles you almost to 300k yet?

 

sounds exactly like what i had going on for the past few months. Turned out to be the starter after all. ('96 3.2TL, 200,000kms on the car)

I was worried it would be a really expensive job. my mechanic did everything for $150 and only replaced the brushings on the starter and its been working perfectly since. He said he never removed the axle, apparently something was seized. He said all he needed to do was remove the exhaust pipe and he was able to access the starter but definitely needed to be on a lift to get to it and the starter does need to come off in order to rebuild it.

 

I had a similar problem with my '98 3.2TL recently, and it was the starter contacts for me also. In my case, the solenoid "click" was not very loud, and it took some time for me to recognize it. If you listen carefully you may hear it, especially if the car is in your garage, or if the driver's window is open. Good luck,

 

Bang on the column directly opposite the key with your fist. It should start.

~Cheers~

 

Does that mean you think his problem is the ignition switch? I tried that fix first... replaced the electrical part of the switch, and when that didn't help, replaced the whole key switch. No good. Eventually I learned to hear the faint "click" when it wouldn't start. Replacing the starter contacts (including the solenoid plunger) fixed it.

 

Update - After it would not start several times today I finally heard the clicks. 1st when switch hit the on position - dash lights on, 2nd when the light went off and then a 3rd over by the glove box shortly after. Then after it started it sounded wierd. Like the starter did not disengage. I turn the ignition off but the car still runs. I disconnected the battery then got back in the car and played with the ignition switch until it finally stopped. I think I'll hit it with a hammer to see if i can dislodge the starter on Saturday. This narrows it down to the starter I think. I do most of the work on my cars from tune ups to brakes to a timing belt but I don't know if I want to do a starter as I am not as young as I once was and I don't think my back is up to a 4-5 hour job.
Thanks for the responses

 

^ Mine did that until it was smoking... in the parking lot at work...

It only dislodged after I revved to 6K.

~Cheers~

 

The pdf manual that used to be on this site indicates you need to remove the L axle and exhaust pipe A to access the starter. Definitely a 4-5 hr job if you're lucky.

good luck

 

I hit it with a hammer and revved to 6K and now she is fine. Starts and turns off. Go figure. Time to sell her.

 

So you fixed the problem and now you are selling her?

 

Yeah. My wife wants a new car. She has a 99 Max with 120K. The TL is my DD. I do 100 miles /day for work. I think I'll take her's and trade the TL in.

 

Keep your car and get rid of hers You will get more for it. Also it depends on how many miles are on the TL. Either way good luck.