Loud noise when starting

[melky128]

When I turn my key to start there is a really loud screeching noise. My car has almost 112 thousand miles. I just replaced the starter. I think it has something to do with the ignition, well that's what I was told. It only makes the screeching noise when the key is at start, no other time. What do you guys know about this?

[gt00]

When I turn my key to start there is a really loud screeching noise. My car has almost 112 thousand miles. I just replaced the starter.Sounds like the starter drive , probably need to have a look at that new starter ... ;)

[rixGAphx]

Well, if the 'screech' developed after the starter was installed, I'd go along with gt00 and say it's the starter drive (the little drive gear in the starter that is shifted by the solenoid to engage the big ring gear on the engine's flexplate ('flywheel').

Either the starter wasn't installed properly, or it's the wrong starter, or the solenoid is malfunctioning and not shifting the drive gear deeply-enough to engage the ring gear.
In any case, this will soon destroy one or the other gears, and that ring gear is $$$ to repair/replace.
Did the starter motor come with a new solenoid, or did you swap-over the old solenoid?

But, you haven't said if the engine actually runs.
If it starts and runs, that means the gears are eventually engaging and the engine is cranked so it can fire and run.

If the engine starts and runs, and THEN you hear the screech, then I would guess that the serpentine belt (which turns the A/C compressor, alternator, waterpump, and PS pump) is slipping a little on start-up, 'cuz the belt is bad, or has some oil or water on it, or the tensioner is bad and not keeping the belt tight enough.
Frequently, a failing belt will screech only on start-up; then as it flexes and warms, it gets better traction on the pulleys and the screeching stops.

I guess it boils down to the exact nature of the 'screech' and when it occurs.
* If the screech is metallic and occurs before the engine starts to crank, then it's almost certainly the drive gear.
* If the screech is more 'rubbery' (kinda like tires skidding on pavement) and occurs after the engine fires, then it's prolly the belt.

Get back to us on the nature of the sound and when it occurs.

In either case, I highly doubt it's related to the ignition switch.

Standing by,
-Rick

[blklable91]

occaisonally my car makes a loud screeching noise it used to be only when the motor was hot but now it is making the noise when the motor is cold and warm. Also when the motor is hot it dosent start up like a normal fuel injected car it either takes several turns of the motor to start up or it starts up right when u turn the key. I had the alternator tested and that is perfect. I also had a new pass lock sensor installed because the security system wasnt letting the car start.

[gt00]

occaisonally my car makes a loud screeching noise it used to be only when the motor was hot but now it is making the noise when the motor is cold and warm.See Ricks post above . Especially the part about the serpentine belt and /or tensioner ... ;)

[Firefox234]

Yeah gf has a 1979 Ford Custom with a bad belt. If I drop her off at her truck I'll get out and walk her to her truck then run back to my car. That screech can be ear piercing in the winter.

[rixGAphx]

Also when the motor is hot it dosent start up like a normal fuel injected car.
It either takes several turns of the motor to start up or it starts up right when u turn the key.
And no SES light.

I would take a look at the fuel pressure, in particular the Fuel Pressure Regulator may be faulty and leaking.
Do a 'search' in this forum for FPR; it's a $50 part that takes about 1/2 hour to change.

Hope this helps,
-Rick

[melky128]

Well, if the 'screech' developed after the starter was installed, I'd go along with gt00 and say it's the starter drive (the little drive gear in the starter that is shifted by the solenoid to engage the big ring gear on the engine's flexplate ('flywheel').

Either the starter wasn't installed properly, or it's the wrong starter, or the solenoid is malfunctioning and not shifting the drive gear deeply-enough to engage the ring gear.
In any case, this will soon destroy one or the other gears, and that ring gear is $$$ to repair/replace.
Did the starter motor come with a new solenoid, or did you swap-over the old solenoid?

But, you haven't said if the engine actually runs.
If it starts and runs, that means the gears are eventually engaging and the engine is cranked so it can fire and run.

If the engine starts and runs, and THEN you hear the screech, then I would guess that the serpentine belt (which turns the A/C compressor, alternator, waterpump, and PS pump) is slipping a little on start-up, 'cuz the belt is bad, or has some oil or water on it, or the tensioner is bad and not keeping the belt tight enough.
Frequently, a failing belt will screech only on start-up; then as it flexes and warms, it gets better traction on the pulleys and the screeching stops.

I guess it boils down to the exact nature of the 'screech' and when it occurs.
* If the screech is metallic and occurs before the engine starts to crank, then it's almost certainly the drive gear.
* If the screech is more 'rubbery' (kinda like tires skidding on pavement) and occurs after the engine fires, then it's prolly the belt.

Get back to us on the nature of the sound and when it occurs.

In either case, I highly doubt it's related to the ignition switch.

Standing by,
-Rick

The screech is more metallic and only occurs when the key is at start. The car does start better than before, but that's probably because I changed the fuel filter which needed to be changed, and it runs fine when it's started. I changed the serpentine belt about 6 thousand miles ago. Sorry I haven't replied faster, i'v been really busy with school. So yeah, I think i'm going to look at that starter another time and i'll get back to you guys

Thanks,
-Alex

[blklable91]

i got a new belt and so far so good thanks guys