Grinding noise during starting
The starter has been replaced twice so that is not the problem. A mechanic seems to think the car is backfiring during startup so the bendix cannot disengage quick enough so the starter is screeching.
The selinoids and ignition coil have been replaced and the car continues to make the noise. What can be causing the problem?
The selinoids and ignition coil have been replaced and the car continues to make the noise. What can be causing the problem?
My car has 80000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi There,
I believe you may be on the right track in terms of the starter gear not disengaging from the flywheel quick enough upon start up. This can happen for a couple of reasons. Either the starter solenoid itself may be faulty or, as your mechanic mentions, if the car is backfiring at start up, this could also cause this to happen. However, if the car is backfiring during start up, this generally means you have some kind of misfire happening which would likely continue beyond start up. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your car to see what may be causing this to happen.
I believe you may be on the right track in terms of the starter gear not disengaging from the flywheel quick enough upon start up. This can happen for a couple of reasons. Either the starter solenoid itself may be faulty or, as your mechanic mentions, if the car is backfiring at start up, this could also cause this to happen. However, if the car is backfiring during start up, this generally means you have some kind of misfire happening which would likely continue beyond start up. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your car to see what may be causing this to happen.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Causes include the starter not lining up correctly with the ring gear on the flywheel, missing or damaged gear teeth, or a faulty solenoid. Replacing the starter is most often the right solution. However, if there is damage to the ring gear on the flywheel, the ring gear will need to be replaced.
If you hear this grinding noise both while you`re driving and idling, it`s possible that worn-out bearings are to blame. If the grinding noise comes when you shift, it`s likely due to a worn clutch. Grinding when you turn a corner could be due to a CV joint that needs to be replaced or another suspension issue.
Hearing a grinding noise when you start your car typically isn`t a good sign. The problem usually lies with misaligned gears in your starter, a low battery, or a worn flywheel. While it may be hard to identify exactly which piece is causing the grinding, repairs should be pretty straightforward once you do!
Your Alternator Might Be Wearing Out
When your alternator is starting to wear out it will often make a grinding noise. This is because modern alternators have a decoupler pulley system designed to help you save on fuel, but can make a grinding noise when they are not working properly.
When your engine oil is running low, your engine`s components stop receiving the lubrication they need to function properly. Once this happens, you may start to hear clunking, knocking, ticking, or grinding noises coming from your vehicle`s engine.
The serpentine belt (also known as a fan belt, alternator belt, or drive belt) is a critical car component. Hearing a sharp squeaking noise or a loud grinding noise are tell-tale signs of wear. It`s your car telling you something`s not right, and it may be your car`s broken or old belt.
One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. However, a starter can die without making any sound at all, or it may announce its impending death with whirring and grinding noise—so listen up!
Check Your Motor Mounts
If one or more of them wear out, your engine or transmission will be less secure and you may notice a rattle that doesn`t go away when you start driving. While an unsecure engine or transmission can more easily be damaged, replacing any worn or broken mounts is a relatively simple car repair.
Cold weather can exacerbate underlying car problems, so you may begin to hear squeaks, squeals and other funny noises you haven`t heard before. These noises may be caused by the engine belt, the serpentine belt, the air conditioning compressor or a power steering pump.
Check Your Motor Mounts
If one or more of them wear out, your engine or transmission will be less secure and you may notice a rattle that doesn`t go away when you start driving. While an unsecure engine or transmission can more easily be damaged, replacing any worn or broken mounts is a relatively simple car repair.
One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. However, a starter can die without making any sound at all, or it may announce its impending death with whirring and grinding noise—so listen up!
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Fuel pump engages. Batery good, alternator good volts, jump start helps when wont start. Temp does not matter. Intermittent?
ANSWER : Hello. Thank you for writing in. There are several reasons your vehicle may only start when jump starting. The first and most common is a build up of resistance that is causing you to need a boost of voltage to get the engine started. This may be due to poor battery cables, a bad ground connection, a poor starter solenoid, and a couple of other issues. The first thing you want to do is perform a visual inspection of the starting system. Make sure there is no corrosion build up in the battery cables. You can also check the resistance across these wires and make sure you have a solid connection between components. You then want to make sure the starter solenoid is doing its job. It is responsible for taking the small amount of electricity sent by the ignition and turning it into a huge electrical charge that is strong enough to push over the engine with the help of some gear ratios in its favor. Do some more testing, and stick to the basics before assuming its something seriously complicated.
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Grinding noise when starting engine.
ANSWER : Hi there:
Improper alignment or installation of the starter can cause this grinding noise to occur. However, it’s also possible that internal components inside the starter, the starter relay or the flywheel teeth could also be the source. It’s really difficult to diagnose a noise without physically being there to inspect the vehicle on site, so you should have a mobile mechanic complete a car is making a noise inspection, so they can pinpoint the issue and recommend the right repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : Grinding noise during starting
Vehicle won’t start, once it’s jump started it only stays running until you turn it off, then it work start again without jumping.
ANSWER : Hi there. There could be two problems here. It is possible that your battery is bad and will not take a charge from your alternator while driving. In that case every time you shut your car off you will not have enough juice to start it again. Inspect your battery – it should have at least 12.5 to 13 volts to start your car, if it doesn’t you will need to replace the battery. The second problem could be that your alternator is bad and not charging your battery, in this case you will need to replace your alternator. Both the battery and the alternator can be tested in your car. If you would like to have the car checked for you, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the starting problem and proceed with repairs.
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There is a grinding noise when I start my car.
ANSWER : Hello,
It sounds like you may have a faulty [starter solenoid](starter solenoid that could be hanging up on the flywheel which would produce a grinding noise as you start the car. If you hear a clicking sound when turning the key, it is likely that your starter solenoid may be faulty. The starter solenoid is located on the starter and has internal electrical contacts that transmit electricity to the starter. As electricity is supplied to the starter a small gear comes out and engages the flywheel to spin the engine over as you turn the key. When this fails, it may cause a clicking sound and will not allow the starter to engage the flywheel when you turn the key. In your case, this small gear that comes out to engage the flywheel may be not retracting as it should which would cause it to grind against the flywheel of the motor once it starts. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
It sounds like you may have a faulty [starter solenoid](starter solenoid that could be hanging up on the flywheel which would produce a grinding noise as you start the car. If you hear a clicking sound when turning the key, it is likely that your starter solenoid may be faulty. The starter solenoid is located on the starter and has internal electrical contacts that transmit electricity to the starter. As electricity is supplied to the starter a small gear comes out and engages the flywheel to spin the engine over as you turn the key. When this fails, it may cause a clicking sound and will not allow the starter to engage the flywheel when you turn the key. In your case, this small gear that comes out to engage the flywheel may be not retracting as it should which would cause it to grind against the flywheel of the motor once it starts. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
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Issue with Mazda 626, starts up then makes a grinding noise while in park
ANSWER : Your symptoms suggest that the starter solenoid contacts are burned enough to stick in the "Start" position (engaging the starter drive and motor), even when the ignition switch is not energizing the relay portion of the starter solenoid. The starter motor continues to run after the motor starts, causing the horrible grinding. Eventually, the engine speed kicks the start drive back enough to jar the contacts loose, and things are fine – until the next time the solenoid contacts stick. Replace the starter solenoid – usually packaged as a starter assembly.
I would recommend having the starter replacement job completed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who can assist you at your home.
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Car makes grinding noise – 1996 Chevrolet Corsica
ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in. I would have a professional mechanic check out the constant velocity joints on your vehicle. One or more of them may be worn enough to cause the noises you describe. S/he can diagnose and replace any failed CV joints.
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Car won’t start. When trying to start, starter makes a clicking noise and then closed back hatch recloses.
ANSWER : It sounds like there is some type of drain on the battery. When there is low voltage in a battery, it can cause several symptoms. The electrical systems can act very strangely when they don’t have the correct voltage being supplied. When a battery won’t hold a charge, it can be caused by a wiring issue, a bad battery, or some type of parasitic draw that can slowly pull voltage from the battery. Some electrical diagnosis done by a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, will be necessary to pinpoint the cause.
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2001 Chevy s-10 truck that won’t start. Lights come on but when I turn the ignition there is no noise ( grinding, clicking )
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle depends on two main components for starting. Considering the starter motor is not functioning at all, you either do not have power going to it, or the motor has failed and is not using the power. There are several ways to handle this situation. You can have the starter and the battery tested at your local automotive parts store if you remove them both from the vehicle. Secondly, you can test at the starter for a proper power supply with a voltmeter. Anything less than 10 volts means that you have a weak connection due to a bad wire, or the battery is dead. If your starter is receiving full battery power (12 volts), then the starter may have failed. Only further testing will tell. For more help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
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