Start Up Noise

[ProPAL]

Hi Everyone,

I have been noticing lately in the colder weather immediately after the engine starts running the starter gear sounds like it gets stuck up for a second or two. Making a notable gear winding sound.

This happens even though am not holding the key in in the start position.

Is this the typicial slow death of the starter motor?

I'm trying to not fix anything till spring, which includes the battery (OEM) and all the various bushings, tires, etc.

Pete

 

[VDUB TECH]

it will do that forever that does not indicate a dying starter...Dont worry its just noisy thats all

 

[Wingnut]

Lots of these cars do it. It gets worse in the colder temps. My theory is that the clutch dust builds up in the starter and causes it to stick in the engaged position for a few seconds. So the gear does not retract fast enough and makes that grinding sound as it is retracting. I was able to cure my problem by removing the starter & cleaning it. There is a how to in my signature. But its definately something that can wait till the warmer spring temps. My new car is makinhg that noise, so i will have to do it myself in the Spring.

 

[craig01b]

mine had been growling like that after releasing the key....50% of the time, I took the starter apart when I did the engine, and its been better since. Just a little clean and lube of the pinion shaft and gears...Wingnut had a how to with this.

Unless it sticks completly, its more annoying than anything..

C

 

[ProPAL]

Thanks guys! Sounds like an easy fix and not something to loose sleep over.

Cheers

 

[RichDiesel]

it will do that forever that does not indicate a dying starter...Dont worry its just noisy thats all

Agreed. Mine has been doing that for 2 maybe 3 winters now. Not every time, but its definitely a winter thing.

 

[ProPAL]

Its definately a random / cold issue. It didn't do it for the last 5 starts.

 

[imo000]

Nine, like many others, have bene doign it forever (4 years). Sounds like $hit to those that don't know what it is and have gotten a few looks from people walking by it during start up too. Sounds bad but it really is harmless. Mine only does it in cold weather and it goes away after winter.

 

[SheeB]

Sorry to bump up this older thread but my starter recently started doing this grinding/whirring sound after key release but also my car seems to not want to crank over as quickly either now that the colder weather has arrived. Battery is only 1.5 years old and recently was load tested and passed very well. I will go out and clean all the terminals and ground ensure those are not the culprits. Would this sound like a dying starter? I have not replaced it within the 2 years I have owned this car, not sure if it ever has been replaced, car has ~275,000 kms now.

 

[CHEMVW]

So to be clear, the sound occurs after you release the key and the engine has presumably already fired up? My car will make a low "moooo" sound in the warmer months occasionally just after the engine fires up, and now that it is cold out, it is a higher pitch much worse sound nearly every startup. But if it is the starter, it sounds like you guys are saying it is something I can wait on a while to fix? Thanks,

2002 TDI Jetta

 

[craig01b]

Yes, that is it....

 

[imo000]

If you can live with it, leave it alone. Mine was like that for 6 years. Gone in the summer and back when the temperature dropped.