Lexus RX (RX 350L, RX450h) 2016-2025 Repair Manual: Inspection

INSPECTION

PROCEDURE

1. INSPECT STARTER ASSEMBLY

CAUTION:

As a large electric current passes through the cable during this inspection, a thick cable must be used. If not, the cable may become hot and cause injury.

NOTICE:

Perform each of the following tests within 3 to 5 seconds to prevent the coil from burning out.

(a) Perform a pull-in test.

(1) Remove the nut, and disconnect the field coil lead wire from terminal C.

(2) Connect a battery to the magnet switch as shown in the illustration. Check that the clutch pinion gear moves outward.

If the clutch pinion gear does not move outward, replace the magnet starter switch assembly.

*a	Terminal 50
*b	Terminal C
*c	Starter Body
	Moves outward

(b) Perform a hold-in test.

(1) While maintaining the battery connections of the pull-in test, disconnect the negative (-) lead from terminal C. Check that the clutch pinion gear does not return inward.

*a	Terminal 50
*b	Terminal C
*c	Starter Body
	Disconnect

If the clutch pinion gear returns inward, replace the magnet starter switch assembly.

(c) Perform a return test.

(1) Disconnect the negative (-) lead from the starter body. Check that the clutch pinion gear returns inward.

*a	Terminal 50
*b	Terminal C
*c	Starter Body
	Disconnect
	Returns inward

If the clutch pinion gear does not return inward, replace the magnet starter switch assembly.

(d) Perform a no-load performance test.

(1) Connect the field coil lead wire to terminal C with the nut. Make sure that the field coil lead wire is not grounded.

Torque:

10 N·m {102 kgf·cm, 7 ft·lbf}

(2) Secure the starter assembly in a vise between aluminum plates.

NOTICE:

Ensure that the starter assembly is secured in the vise to prevent it from falling out.

(3) Connect the battery and an ammeter to the starter assembly as shown in the illustration.

NOTICE:

Do not allow any lead to get caught as the clutch pinion gear operates.

*a	Terminal 50
*b	Terminal 30
*c	Starter Body
	Rotates

(4) Check that the starter assembly operates smoothly and steadily while the clutch pinion gear is moving outward.

Measure the current according to the value(s) in the table below.

Standard Current:

If the result is not as specified, replace the starter assembly.

2. INSPECT STARTER ARMATURE ASSEMBLY

HINT:

If there is no continuity between any segments, replace the starter armature assembly.

(a) Check the commutator appearance.

If the surface is dirty or burnt, restore it with sandpaper (400-grit) or on a lathe.

(b) Check the commutator for an open circuit. (1) Measure the resistance according to the value(s) in the table below. Standard Resistance: Tester Connection Condition Specified Condition Segment - Segment Always Below 1 Ω If the result is not as specified, replace the starter armature assembly.

*a Segment

(c) Check the commutator for a short circuit. (1) Measure the resistance according to the value(s) in the table below. Standard Resistance: Tester Connection Condition Specified Condition Segment - Starter armature core Always 10 kΩ or higher If the result is not as specified, replace the starter armature assembly.

*a Segment *b Starter Armature Core

(d) Using a vernier caliper, measure the commutator length. Standard Length: 3.1 mm (0.122 in.) Maximum Length: 3.8 mm (0.150 in.) If the length is greater than the maximum, replace the starter armature assembly.

*a Length

3. INSPECT STARTER COMMUTATOR END FRAME ASSEMBLY

(a) Check the brush length. (1) Using a vernier caliper, measure the brush length. Standard Length: 9.0 mm (0.354 in.) Minimum Length: 4.0 mm (0.157 in.) If the length is less than the minimum, replace the starter commutator end frame assembly.

*a Length

(b) Check the brush insulation. (1) Measure the resistance according to the value(s) in the table below. Standard Resistance: Tester Connection Condition Specified Condition Positive (+) brush - Negative (-) brush Always 10 kΩ or higher If the result is not as specified, replace the starter commutator end frame assembly.

*a Positive (+) Brush *b Negative (-) Brush

4. INSPECT STARTER CLUTCH

(a) Check the clutch pinion gear.

(1) Rotate the clutch pinion gear counterclockwise and check that it turns freely. Try to rotate the clutch pinion gear clockwise and check that it locks.

If the clutch pinion gear does not operate as specified, replace the starter drive housing assembly.

5. INSPECT MAGNET STARTER SWITCH ASSEMBLY

(a) Check the plunger. (1) Push in the plunger and check that it returns quickly to its original position. If the plunger does not operate as specified, replace the magnet starter switch assembly.

(b) Check the pull-in coil for an open circuit. (1) Measure the resistance according to the value(s) in the table below. Standard Resistance: Tester Connection Condition Specified Condition Terminal 50 - Terminal C Always Below 1 Ω If the result is not as specified, magnet starter switch assembly.

*a Terminal 50 *b Terminal C

(c) Check the holding coil for an open circuit. (1) Measure the resistance according to the value(s) in the table below. Standard Resistance: Tester Connection Condition Specified Condition Terminal 50 -Magnet switch body Always Below 2 Ω If the result is not as specified, replace the magnet starter switch assembly.

*a Terminal 50 *b Magnet Switch Body