xtremex626

iTrader: (3)

Hello guys. I have a 98 LS400. On some cold startups (my car doesn't do it all the time), my car will make a whining noise when trying to turn over and I believe it is coming from the starter but I want to make sure. It has been really cold here lately and I believe the weather may have contributed to that. Eventually, my car will turn over if I turn the car off and let it sit for a few seconds..

To get a better idea of what it sounds like, here's a video (not mine). The whine is very much similar. Could it be a bad solenoid in the starter?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Are you bumping the starter in the video? Normally, on my 99, I let it engage for about 1 second or so. My car likes this a lot better then very short starter engagements. Every once in a while the the engine catches immediately but my ls400 usually takes slightly longer to start compared to other cars I have owned.

xtremex626

iTrader: (3)

yeah youre right. if i let it "engage" longer like 3-5 dings from when you turn the car to "on", it usually starts with no problems.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I believe it is normal for the LS to take a second or so to start and believe I read it around here somewhere. It has certainly been the case with my 91 and the 98 that I now own.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I did forget to mention that my starter does not whine like that. It probably is failing. The less you have to use the starter the better. If and or when you replace it practice the 1 second rule and this will help longevity a lot.

Do.Man

maybe check the battery voltage and amps. my buddy's 4runner did the same and it was a weak battery that wasn't holding a load. doesn't hurt to check and make sure it isnt the battery first. multimeter is your friend.

AYEmike

wtffffff nah mine wasn't like that when i went to replace mine when i failed

xtremex626

iTrader: (3)

my battery is fine. it's fairly new (got it in the summer).

haven't encountered this problem since doing the 1 second rule.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

same occurrence here, it takes a longer hold of the key to get the car started esp the cold weather we are having (uncommon) in socal. what i do is let the pump prime for a second then turn the key. i like to make sure the steering wheel motors are done spinning before engaging the starter too.

dunno about a whining noise though.