So this evening I started up my car and few seconds later this loud noise comes from underneath the hood..probably the starter or sth(sorry I am not very auto savvy). I've uploaded the video(mainly for sound), I am tempted to give it short ride tomorrow and then take it to a mechanic..but any help as to what it could be?
BTW the sound comes even when I turn the key all the way to the right but not actually start the engine. Which is what is shown in the video. Its 98 GS 300
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAkKz1tGpjQ

Thanks

 

Just a shot in the dark, maybe the booster motor? Thats the only thing I can think of that does anything when the key is turned to the ignition position

 

Sounds to me like a pully. Is the a/c still working?

 

Well i guess I should have read that the car is not started. I would go with a booster as well like the jokester said.

 

I believe the booster needs the engine on to create vacuum. This sounds like maybe the ABS pump. Open the hood and see if you can identify the general area the noise is coming from.

I doubt you have one but an automotive stethoscope can be real helpful for this. If not you can touch suspect parts with a long screw driver and see if you can tell from the vibrations where its coming from. My money is on the ABS pump at this point.

 

Thanks guys. Last night I saw it was coming from what seemed like starter?(does that even make sense), maybe it ssth else..but its top right corner when you are facing the engine bay. This morning i tried again but no noise whatsoever..tried few more times and everytime no noise. I want to take it in but just wondering if its safe to drive it..seeing how it comes and goes. BTW, what does booster motor do?
I will also take out the car from garage and try out braking and stuff..see if anything differnt. Also i dont see any check engine light in dashboard, yet.

 

Debonair,
It's definitely the ABS pump I think. I looked at some pics online how it looks like it matches where I saw the sound coming from last night.

 

Correct. Thats what I ment by booster; The electric pump that turns on to adjust the pressure of the brake fluid. And yes. its up at the right corner. The starter on the 300 is at the bottom of the car and on the 400 its IN the engine (under the intake manifold) That pump is the only thing that really does anything (as stated Good luck with that.

 

took into to get it checked out..of course without the problem happening again and no lights on dashboard, they were not willing to look at it except saying its costs 2100 to replace the whole thing(based on what i showed them). Think it's time for me to part ways with my car finally and get sth newer