Can someone help? 98 GS400, located under driver side panel under steering wheel. Has been making a grinding type noise. What is it for? Can it be replaced with one from another year? Plug and play?

 

Looks like the steering wheel tilt / telescoping ECU. You will need to get a part number off it to confirm its purpose and interchangeability.

 

Did that car go for a swim?

 

That's the ABS ECU.
(I know because it was a b*tch trying to get that upper most bolt out).
Yea, what's up with all that rust?

I got an extra one in my garage I think if ya need a newer (less rusty , at least) one.

 

Its the ABS VSC module I found out. It is making a strange intermittent noise like a chirping sound or something. I have no lights on the dash lit up nor has the car went into any limp mode condition. Can this be replaced with a new one with just plug and play? Or will something else need to be done? It has 2 harness that plug into it.

 

Are you sure that's the source of your noise? I would find it very odd that an ECU would make a noise. I'm not sure that its even possible.