ignition noise when starting ..

at times when start the car it makes this awful noise like a grinding noise instead of starting ,very loud not good ,only sometimes it happens...isit my ignition on its way out ???

 

sounds like the starter motor is grinding on the flywheel. get underneath and have a look to see if the starter is loose (which is pretty common) or get someone t have a look under there for you.

 

What jinxed says is on the money I think but to explain further.

The starter motor extends its gear to mesh with the ring gear on the flywheel on a manual or the flex plate on an automatic.

If this does not mesh properly it will "grind gears".

This video shows how the gear works: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLZkBmHjAYM

Causes of this can be one or more things, worn ring gear, lazy starter motor actuation, low battery power etc.

If it only happens very occasionally, putting up with it is an option.

If you ever have trouble getting started, put the car in gear and rock it back and forwards can help position things in a more favorable way.

If it gets to that point I would get it sorted.

First place I would look, is the battery up to the job ? Clean connection/terminals on starter and battery etc.

Testing the battery is pretty easy with a multimeter.

 

i usually find it happens because people strip the bottom starter bolt and just leave it sitting there then the top nut slowly loosens. then the grinding begins

 

third jinx !

first check starter bolts are not loose - then check cogs are not worn

 

thanx ,ive also sent a message regarding coming to event on the 29th as a spectator...does it also cost ??regards katrina carter..my fair lady

 

thanx very much ...

 

well get that looked at thanx ...

 

well do cheers ..

 

My starter motor did that when I first bought my car,
It then did this


was only being held in by one bolt and slowly fell out as ezzsupturbo said.

 

Gee not good ,mine ok cheers

 

If your battery is low or on the way out it will make a similar sound