Hello All ! I am having a problem, I have 2008 LS460, it just stopped starting, all lights and dash lights come on, I hear the click from the engine like it's trying to start but doesn't, then after I get out, with my head under the hood, I hear this whining noise or something spinning. I'm pretty sure it's coming from this black square box looking thing, at the top rear of the engine compartment next to what looks like a white brake fluid container. I hear a spinning noise for a few seconds and then it stops and then maybe 1 min later it does it again. This goes on 3 times then stops. It sounds like one of those little electric matchbox cars when you flip the switch and the tires start spinning (hope that helps and not confuse?) I researched the (not starting) problem online, everything I find indicates it's most likely the starter but it seems the starter is located near the bottom of the engine behind the passenger side tire. I read one can remove the passenger side tire, bend back the fire walls and see or access the starter. So I'm uncertain as to what the issue is based on all I hear and see from the car and what I'm finding online. The spinning noise is coming from the opposite area were the starter is supposed to be? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I did try starting it with a jump starter, no changes. Thanks!!


Black Square Box on the Left, Sound seems to come from it or around there?

 

What have you done to determine that the car's battery has enough energy available to start the car? Being unable to jump start the car is not proof that the battery is good.

 

I did not do any testing. All the lights come on in the car, the Nav. system and on the dash, repeatedly as I have tried to start the car several time for a couple days, it appears strong? I thought the car should start with the booster starter even if the battery was low or not good?

 

First, remove the battery and get it checked.

 

Ok I will. Tank you. Any idea what that whining/spinning noise is?

 

Your logic seems to be OK. But not foolproof.

If you are not equipped with the tools and knowledgeable to determine if the battery is good and charged, the best, and easiest thing to do might be to remove the battery and take it to a battery dealer to be charged and tested.

 

Ok I will. Thank you. Any idea what that whining/spinning noise is?

 

Just a guess. It may be the vapor recovery system, and those sounds are normal.

 

Always check the battery first.

 

I recommend following jmcraney’s advice first and foremost, but I bet it is the starter that will need to be replaced. That is based on a similar experience I had a few years ago.

 

It was the starter, had a shop replace it. Cars back to normal...for now! Thanks everyone for your help!

 

When you said shop, you mean someone other than the dealer!

 

yes, not the dealership. Someone I know.