My MY2000 S started making grinding noises on engine startup when the engine is cold or it's cold outside. It's a slight grind as the engine spins up but goes away. Has anyone experienced this? My guess is that something in the starter is seizing up a little and making the noise but I hope it's a simple fix.

Also my top occasionally does not want to fold all the way flat. It will go 90% of the way down but not sit flush correctly. It is a 00 but has a 02 top retrofitted into it and has been reliable for 4+ years, this problem just started developing. Any ideas are welcome.

 

hopefully it is an easy fix cuz my starter has started doing that as well grind sounds terrible lol

 

By the way I'm pretty sure it's not the TCT, I've seen videos and it does not sound like cards in bicycle spokes. It's an actual grinding noise like you already started the car and tried to start it again. My guess is something is sticking but I'm not sure which part to look for.

 

im having same problem with the cold start....
and ill be pulling the starter out in couple of days... so if i find something ill let you know

 

my02 makes the same grinding noise every once in a while too usually when it sits for a couple days i'm assumed it was something to do with my starter as well.

for the top the elastic straps that pull the front bar back may be worn out you can get new thicker heavier duty ones from modifry for cheap or as the top is going down you can push back and that bar and it should fold correctly

 

i switched from amsoil 10w30 to amsoil 5w40 and the starting grind went away.

the folding top, you need to make sure the bar towards the back is folding...if not, you need to help guide it with your hand...

 

I believe that grinding sound is the starter sticking slightly. I have the same issue and it seems that is what is wrong with mine. Goes away right after it starts right? Sounds the same as if you push the start button when already on?
If so I would put my money on it being the starter sticking.

 

I'm convinced the S is just the noisiest car ever....I find new noises all the time. I think instead of worrying about what I'm hearing I just need to drop the top and crank up the radio....then you can't hear shit


Btw, I wouldn't try to lower the top when its too cold, anything less than 50 deg will cause teh material to be stiff and won't fold properly. You may also have an elastic strap issue that pulls the middle top bar back. If that is worn, your top will also not fold properly.

check modifry.com and look up the convertible top fix, best $20 I've spent.

 

i have this safe starter noise, because it is a starter noise.

i'm going to pull the starter out this weekend and lube up the shaft with some mobil one.

that'll do the trick, mobil one fixes everything.

 

oh and last time i started my car cold, it made grinding noise and stalled
any idea why???