Hi all,

New member and first post.

We have a 97 LS400 with about 150k miles that mostly sits in the garage. Recently when we tried to start it, the car was dead. The battery won't charge, so we replaced it. Now it will crank, but won't start.

There are clicking noises from the engine bay with the ignition on, before even cranking. Video below of the clicking noises.


The mechanic we trust is over 35 miles away. Before we tow it there, can anyone tell from the video above if this is some obvious problem?

thanks,
Frank

 

All of those relay clicking noises are happening with the key in the on position, but without turning the key or pressing any other buttons at all?

There are some relays that should go off every time the car is turned on, to do things like prime the fuel pump

Is anything happening on the instrument cluster when this is occurring?

Have the ECU capacitors been replaced? I'm wondering if they have failed as that controls almost everything. How often is the car driven (you said it mostly sits), and when was the last time it was moved?

 

The noises are from just inserting the key and turning to on, before trying to crank/start.

The instrument cluster has the following lights on: TRAC, check engine, seat bell, door, oil, battery

Nothing’s been done other than the battery replacement. Tried an obd2 scanner off amazon, but it failed to connect (car is Canadian spec, not sure if that makes any difference).

Car is driven probably < 200 miles/yr, and last time probably 6 months ago.

Frank

 

It sounds like there's no communication then with the ECU when using the OBD-II scanner. That diagnostic tool should work the same as on a US spec car, as far as I'm aware.

Having all the cluster lights on when you put the key in the on position is normal, and since you can't read any codes, we don't really know if there are any at the moment.

I would have the ECU inspected by your mechanic, as well as any electrical grounds. I suspect the capacitors have failed.

 

Thanks for the input. I guess we'll take it to the mechanic to get it checked out.

Frank

 

Np. Another thought I had, even though it looks ok in your video

Make sure both of your battery terminals are clean, and that the terminal clamps are not loose. Corrosion could cause resistance, and loose connectors could cause weird issues like this.

If that is all good, then I would take it to the mechanic as you're planning

Please keep us posted. Curious to hear on this one