100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470: Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank

Checks, in order

1. Battery voltage
   Resting voltage should be about 12.4 V or more. Under 12 V, charge and load-test the battery before chasing anything else.
   easy $ · under about $50
2. Terminals and grounds
   Clean and tighten both battery terminals and the engine ground straps. Corrosion gives the same click as a dead battery.
   easy $ · under about $50
3. Shift position
   Try starting in Neutral. A neutral safety switch that is worn or out of adjustment can block cranking in Park.
   easy $ · under about $50
4. Immobilizer and key
   If the security light stays on or flashes, try the spare key. A key or immobilizer fault can stop the starter.
   easy $ · under about $50
5. Starter and solenoid
   A single click with a good battery and clean cables points to the starter. Have it bench tested or replaced.
   medium $$ · about $50 to $500

Applies to: US-market UZJ100 Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 470, 1998 to 2007, with the 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8 (timing belt). AHC items apply to the LX 470 only; most US Land Cruisers have conventional shocks. Transmission is the A343F or A750F depending on year, so check the fluid spec for your truck.

Tools and parts for these checks

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The same problem on other Toyotas

• 3rd Gen Tacoma (2016–2023): Turn the key or press the button: click or nothing, engine won't crank
• 1st Gen Tacoma (1995.5–2004): Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank
• 5th Gen 4Runner (2010–2024): Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank
• 4th Gen 4Runner (2003–2009): Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank
• 3rd Gen 4Runner (1996–2002): Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank
• FJ Cruiser (2007–2014): Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank
• 80 Series Land Cruiser (1991–1997): Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank

More 100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470 problems

• Timing belt due, squeal or rattle from the front of the engine, or coolant and oil weeping at the front (Engine)
• Engine temperature gauge climbing, overheating or losing coolant (Cooling)
• Engine cranks normally but won't start (Fuel & Ignition)
• Rough idle, stumbling or a misfire code (P0300 to P0308) (Fuel & Ignition)
• Check engine light with P0171, P0174 or air-fuel sensor codes (P2195, P2197) (Fuel & Ignition)
• Check engine light with secondary air injection codes (P2440, P2442, P2445, P0418), whirring at cold start (Emissions)

All 15 100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470 symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.