Sometimes the car has a slight metallic buzzing/grinding noise for a second when the car starts up, seems to happen at random times maybe once out of every 7-8 start ups. Any ideas on what it might be? It's definetely coming from the engine bay, can't identify which side.

 

That happens to me sometimes...I think its because I'm over due for a service.

 

no...that's not the reason.

if you do a search, there's a couple threads about this startup grind.

the best theory out there is that its a "sticky" starter...that can possibly be fixed by being greased up...or just replaced entirely.

possible potential damage is to the flywheel...

 

I replaced my starter with a newer one but that did not stop my problem. It happens to me more frequently around the winter time. I took out my old one and the fins were fine...it didn't seem like it was rubbing against the flywheel. I wish I could find the solution but I have just learned to live with it. It happens I would say once a month and during the winter once a week.

 

that was what i was afraid of hearing...

that replacing the entire wouldn't fix the problem...

maybe its the flywheel?

 

i'm confused...cuz a few people said they replaced the starter...including the person that posted below you...

 

Funny you mentioned this problem, cuz I noticed this exact issue RIGHT THIS MORNING!
Oh, boy it freaked me out.
After I got to work, it disappeared.
I tried to think of it as a startup noise, but it was too loud to be true.
So.. should I get this checked at the dealer, or is this something we can live with?

Dan

 

thanks for the clarification

 

I doubt it's the flywheel, might be the starter. I'll see if I can grease it up and see if that helps, it doesn't happen that often so no big deal.