Groaning Sound with key on, engine off

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SentraMench - 01 Mar 2008 18:21 GMT

My 96 Sentra has an inermittent starting problem. When it does
turn over, it starts fine, but you sometimes have to turn the key a
few times, just to get the starter to engage.

It also makes a groaning sound from somewhere in the engine area,
when you turn the key to "on", but do not start the car.

Sort of an "errrrrrrk" that lasts for about a second, and stops.

What is this sound from ?

Is this sound possibly related to the starting problem ???

Thanks

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willshak - 01 Mar 2008 18:45 GMT

on 3/1/2008 1:21 PM SentraMench said the following:

> My 96 Sentra has an inermittent starting problem. When it does
> turn over, it starts fine, but you sometimes have to turn the key a
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> Thanks
>

Due to wear in the ignition switch cylinder, it can get sloppy and slip
a little over the years. When it happens, sometimes you can get the car
to start by turning the key all the way to Off, and then a little
further to nudge the switch cylinder back to where it belongs. Then
sneak up on the start position, so as not move the switch mechanism.
I don't know about the noise in the engine compartment. The electric
fuel pump is in the tank, so that's not it.

Signature

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

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Jim Yanik - 01 Mar 2008 22:56 GMT

> on 3/1/2008 1:21 PM SentraMench said the following:
>> My 96 Sentra has an inermittent starting problem. When it does
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> I don't know about the noise in the engine compartment. The electric
> fuel pump is in the tank, so that's not it.

it also could be a bad starter solenoid.

Signature

Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

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Plague Boy - 02 Mar 2008 14:53 GMT

> My 96 Sentra has an intermittent starting problem. When it does
> turn over, it starts fine, but you sometimes have to turn the key a
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Is this sound possibly related to the starting problem ???

    My car, which has had a different starting problem, makes this
sound. I believe it is the fuel pump, which is located under the
rear seat. However, I might think it was coming from the engine
compartment if I didn't know what it was. My sound lasts for
several seconds however.

    My guess is that the sound you are hearing is normal and you
have only noticed it because of the starting problem.

    I think the primary suspect is the ignition switch, which I
believe you can change fairly easily and is...about $100? I'm not
sure. Other possibilities include the starter and solenoid, and
there may be interlock switches on the clutch/transmission.

Signature

PB
"I suspect you're an arrogant little pissant who grew up in the
Red Bull generation." - CJW

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SentraMench - 02 Mar 2008 15:33 GMT

Hey guys thanks for the replies. How do I check the ignition
switch ? Just put a new one in and see if the problem is cured ? How
do I get to the ignition switch ? Is it in the steering column?

Thanks

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nucleus - 03 Mar 2008 00:39 GMT

first, remove both cables from your battery, clean the posts and
inside of the cable connections. if that does not solve the problem,
it could be a bad starter solenoid, which is located on the starter.
if there was a way to post an "audio clip" of the errrrrrrk sound,
we could help you better.

> My 96 Sentra has an inermittent starting problem. When it does
> turn over, it starts fine, but you sometimes have to turn the key a
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Thanks

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