When your car is running normally everything is fine, however if it starts to have frequent problems you may possibly start to worry, especially if your car won’t start. In this post we will show you where the starter of a Lexus IS is, it will help you to fix your ignition problems. To achieve this, we will first explain the purpose of a starter, then, where is the starter on a Lexus IS , and, finally, how to replace the starter of a car.

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Function of the starter on your Lexus IS

We start this article by explaining the purpose of the starter motor on your Lexus IS. The starter is an electric motor which is powered by your battery, its job will be to make your engine run at a high enough speed to start it (usually around 300/400 rpm). It is consisting of three main parts:

  • The Solenoid: This part is an electrical relay that will act as a switch, it will be activated by the key of your Lexus IS and let the current from your battery to the engine unit of your alternator.

    • The engine unit: Most important component of your alternator, it is the one that will drive the flywheel of your Lexus IS and bring about enough speed for your engine unit to start.

  • The engagement pinion: This is the last component of your starter, it is the toothed wheel that will be in direct contact with the flywheel, it allows to transmit the force from the starter to the engine.

Where is the starter on a Lexus IS?

Now that we have quickly detailed what a starter is and how it works, we will answer the question that most of you have to ask yourselves where is the starter located on a Lexus IS? It is quite easy to discover a starter, in actual fact, it is a large component that will almost constantly be positioned in a similar location. We let you see the two possible spots for your car starter below.

Location of the starter on classic Lexus IS

First and most common circumstance, where to discover the starter of a Lexus IS with a conventional motor (implied without start and stop). The starter has a specific function, to start the engine unit of your car, for that, it must constantly be near the engine unit flywheel of this one because it is the component that it actuates when it is used. The flywheel is located at the junction between your gearbox and your engine unit.

Location of the starter to Lexus IS with start and stop

And now second possible starter location of your Lexus IS . This case is much less frequent. It only is about engines equipped with start and stop, and a good component of them will be equipped with a starter positioned close to the flywheel. Nevertheless, on some specific series or engines, the starter of your Lexus IS may be integrated in your alternator, it is then named a starter-alternator, to discover it nothing less difficult, identify your accessory belt and you should find out the big starter block.

How to replace the starter on a Lexus IS?

Finally, we’ll describe to you quite quickly how to replace the starter of a Lexus IS. This process is not necessarily complex, it can be considered by people who have a minimal of basic mechanical experience and adapted tools. Follow below the main steps to carry out this intervention:

  • Disconnect the battery on your Lexus IS, if you don’t know how to do it, don’t think twice to consult our article which details how to do it without taking any risk.
  • After locating your starter, loosen the fasteners that hold it in your engine unit block, there will generally be 2 or 3

    • .

  • It will be time to disconnect the power cables from the starter motor of your Lexus IS, however before doing so we suggest you to take a picture of the set up to avoid making a mistake when reassembling.
  • It’s possible that to remove it you may possibly need to remove parts like the gimbal.
  • Remount the new starter, being careful when connecting the connectors.
  • Reconnect your battery and test your starter.

To find more tips on the Lexus IS, take a look at the Lexus IS category.