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pete north
03-18-2002, 01:56 AM
I have a 1997 LE, and I am getting a funny noise on startup of a cold engine (cooled overnight).

On startup, the engine cranks as usual, but after the engine starts and I release the key, a squeaking/grinding noise comes from the engine for less than a second. It kind of sounds like the starter is not disengaging the flywheel properly which results in the terrible noise. But I'm not sure.

Anybody have any ideas?

A few things to note:
1) the battery is original equipment and may be getting towards the end of its life, but seems fine in all other respects
2) the engine does crank fairly slowly before it starts
3) this only happens when the engine is stone cold

Grant
03-18-2002, 03:04 AM
about 4 squeaks right? My car did that as well, and after a while it went away, I could only think it could be the weather change, i could be wrong.

pete north
03-18-2002, 02:52 PM
No, its not really 4 squeaks...

It sounds alot more like when you try to start your car and its already running. (not that this is something i do, hehe)

Its beginning to really piss me off, but I have no idea what it could be.

My only ideas were
- fried starter solenoid
- screwed starter motor
- dying battery

As you can tell im really reaching here... Please help if you have any ideas.