LS Starting issues

[justin42]

I'm having periodic issues starting my 2002 LS.

It seems to be electrical. About every 10 times I go to start the car, the check engine lamp, oil lamp, and battery light come on.

When I turn the ignition, there is a clicking noise coming from the control module under the hood. It's not the clicking like a battery problem, but it almost sounds like a musical instrument.

If I continue to turn the ignition on and off it will eventually start as if nothing was wrong. I've tried checking the connections in the control module but that doesn't seem to help.

Any ideas?

[shorod]

Others have posted that a weak battery has caused strange issues with their LS's. You should also verify that you battery connections are clean and tight. You may want to have your battery load tested as well.

If the battery connections are good and the load test does not show a concern, then you may have a starter motor that is failing or other electrical issue.

What do the interior lights or headlights do when the no start situation occurs?

-Rod

[justin42]

I checked the terminals and they are clean. The battery cables are tightly connected to the terminal.

When the problem occurs, I get the check engine light, oil light, and battery light.

Any idea on how I could check the starter relay?

Thanks.

[Joe_theboob]

Don't waste your time checking the starter relay yet - I would bet money this is a battery issue. Have it load tested at any auto parts store. If it's at all marginal - replace it

[shorod]

I agree that the focus should probably be put on the battery, but don't necessarily let a "passing" load test divert your focus. You will need to pay attention to what the voltage drops to during the start attempt. Of course, if the battery passes the load test, but the battery won't start the car following the load test, that may be a good indication for you.

If your 2002 has the original battery in it still, it is nearing the expected life of the battery anyway.

You may want to pick up one of the portable jump start packs, charge it up, and keep it in your trunk. The next time your car won't start, hang the jump start pack across the battery and try to start it again. If it fires right up consistently with the pack connected, that's another good indicator of a weak battery.

-Rod