I have a Lexus 400h w/ 30,000 miles. In the last week, the car has failed to start 3 times. The first time I had the car taken to the dealer; after an analysis they said the auxillary battery had run down and needed a charge; they charged the battery. The car ran fine until the morning of the 5th day when the car would not start. As with the first time, all the interior and dash lights came on, but the Ready light would not come on. I had the car taken to the dealer a second time; after the car was rolled off the truck I, for no good reason, put the key in the ignition, turned and the Ready light came on; everything was fine. The people at Lexus checked over the car; said they could not find anything wrong; put in a new battery; kept the car another day during which time it started w/o difficulty. I pick up the car yesterday afternoon. This AM I got in the car and, again, it would not start. Having learned something from the second episode, I waited a few min and tried again, and the car started. I drove the car back to the dealer; the service manager said he could not explain what was happening. I suggested there might be switch or solenoid that might not be working. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge about this kind of starting problem?
check the battery terminals and make sure they're tight. brake switch is another possibility. next time it happens, see if the brake lights are on when you're stepping on the pedal.
My brake switch was out of adjustment from the factory. It felt like it took 30% travel to get it to activate, and I'm sure my car isn't the only one. Fortunately that's an easy fix if it's out of whack.
