This happened a few months ago, just once, so I didn't think much of it. Then it happened a few weeks later and I started to think something might be up. Now it's happening more frequently, almost once a day.

The sound is hard to describe, but the best way I can think of is to imagine running a metal file along the edge of a thin sheet of metal in a swift motion. Its high-pitched, fairly loud and lasts for about one second immediately on startup. It seems to only happen after the car has been sitting for a while - like overnight or all day and I can't reproduce it by stopping and restarting the car. Since it doesn't happen every time I start the car (yet), I'm hesitant to drop it off at the dealer.

One thought I had is the starter. Any other thoughts on where to start looking? Any advice is appreciated.

Dave

 

Perhaps therez an engine pulley thatz getting jammed? See if all your belts and pulleys are in good condition.

Tuner

 

if it is a pulley, listen close to your pulleys while the motor is running, does it make a squeek squeek squeek sound? Does it happen while cranking or once the engine is fired?

 

I'm going to guess it's the air pump. I seem to recall other people having similar noises from theirs prior to them failing completely... maybe I can dig the thread up.

 

good point heffer, I completely forgot about that.......mine sounds a little like that sometimes if the car has sat for a while....

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by hondaS2001
if it is a pulley, listen close to your pulleys while the motor is running,

 

the air pump has nothing to do with the drivetrain, its strictly for emissions and will only kick on for a little while on cold startups. Its located in the bumper right behind the fake air duct. Its the thing you hear that sounds a little bit like a turbo on startups hehe..... next time you leave it cold like that for a while, have someone else start the car, and go listen by the airpump(its on the left side of the car btw) and see if thats where the sound is coming from.

 

Does it make the noise right before you pull your finger off the start button? If so, I bet it is the starter. It could be worn gear teeth on the starter motor or flywheel.

 

Or your starter Bendix is beginning to go - starting to get "lazy".

 

Is that the "Thing" that engages the starter's output gear with the flywheel?