Gs300 Mk 2 1998 - Inhibitor Switch

[Mike246]

My trusty 165k GS, owned and cherished for the past 14 years, has developed a cold starting problem.

The engine does not turn and just gives a click, as if the Battery is flat. Exercising the gear selector between Park and Neutral brings the starter into life.

The Battery tests out OK and this points to the gearbox inhibitor switch. The Lexus part costs £ 275 plus VAT and fitting which would come to around half the value of the car!

Does anyone have any experience of servicing, adjusting or replacing this part?

[TigerFish]

Removing should be simple enough, the control shaft lever is held on top of the switch by a nut, and once removed, the bolt holding the switch on can be undone. No idea if the switch can be dismantled and serviced, it doesn't look like it to be honest. I'm sure a breaker would have a second hand unit. it mentions in the manual to remove the front exhaust section, not sure how much room there is if you don't. I don't have a GS300 anymore to have a look though.