99 Lexus ES 300 Starting problems

[dgoude266]

I have the above car with almost 90K miles on it. Twice in the last few months I have tried to start my car and it will turn over and crank, but as soon as I let go of the key and it falls to the start position the idle doesn't catch and it shuts off. The first time I had it towed and the next morning when the shop opened they called and said they got in the car and it started right up. After that it ran fine for two months then I got in it today and it did the same thing. This time when it didn't catch, I let it sit for an hour then went back out and tried again, same thing. So I cranked it again and red lined the RPM's and when I let off the gas it stayed cranked. Anyone have any idea what could be causing this?

[Woogee]

Fuel Delivery problem maybe? Check fuel pump and fuel filter. That or try checking the Idle Air Control valve ( i think that's what it's called) on the throttle body.

[The Car Newbie]

If the temperature has been a little cold then i would reccomend putting thinner oil in it. Oil gets really thick in cold weather. In the summer change to thicker oil so you dont ruin your engine.

[mk3turbo]

i got the same problem but only if i park it on a down hill