Grinding Noise Upon Starting 2000 9-3

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Newtoy - 09 Jan 2008 12:59 GMT

When I start our year 2000 9-3 convertible we get a terrible grinding
noise. Turn ignition car starts fine but then starts grinding as if we
are holding the key in the start position too long. Have made
conscious effort to immediately release key from start position as
soon as engine fires but noiser still there. Wife seems to think its
only started happening in the cold weather. Anyone help?

Thanks

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still just me - 09 Jan 2008 14:52 GMT

>When I start our year 2000 9-3 convertible we get a terrible grinding
>noise. Turn ignition car starts fine but then starts grinding as if we
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
>Thanks

Sounds like your starter is bad. That's not a common failure. You
should get it attended to promptly. If it is failing to disengage
after starting, it will wear quickly as the engine spins it and fail
in a short time. You can also damage the flywheel gear that it hooks
into if it is partially disengaging and that is a very expensive
repair compared to replacing the starter.

The good news is that the starter is not labor intensive to replace.
If you can find an independent shop that uses a rebuilt unit, you can
probably save a few hundred $ over the dealer price for a new starter.

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Eeyore - 09 Jan 2008 16:53 GMT

> >When I start our year 2000 9-3 convertible we get a terrible grinding
> >noise. Turn ignition car starts fine but then starts grinding as if we
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> If you can find an independent shop that uses a rebuilt unit, you can
> probably save a few hundred $ over the dealer price for a new starter.

I don't know how accessible it is on that model but in general, starter
motor replacement can be done by a competent enthusiast without any
trouble. It may even only need cleaning up.

Graham

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Newtoy - 09 Jan 2008 23:34 GMT

On 9 Jan, 16:53, Eeyore <rabbitsfriendsandrelati...@hotmail.com>
wrote:

> > >When I start our year 2000 9-3 convertible we get a terrible grinding
> > >noise. Turn ignition car starts fine but then starts grinding as if we
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

Thanks a lot I may give it a go or get a friend involved.

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Eeyore - 09 Jan 2008 16:52 GMT

> When I start our year 2000 9-3 convertible we get a terrible grinding
> noise. Turn ignition car starts fine but then starts grinding as if we
> are holding the key in the start position too long. Have made
> conscious effort to immediately release key from start position as
> soon as engine fires but noiser still there. Wife seems to think its
> only started happening in the cold weather. Anyone help?

I suspect the starter motor isn't disengaging from the flywheel properly.

And yes, that could well be affected by colder weather. Some damage could
be being done so you ought to get it fixed.

Graham

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squid - 10 Jan 2008 04:26 GMT

> When I start our year 2000 9-3 convertible we get a terrible grinding
> noise. Turn ignition car starts fine but then starts grinding as if we
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Thanks

Before going ahead and replacing the starter, do some simple
elimination. Remove or slacken the serpentine belt so the accessories
are not driven. Could be water pump, a/c drive pulley, alternator,
tensioner, or idler. With your description, it could be the starter,
and a minimal investment in time will confirm that. Could even be the
turbo, usually by the time its grinding, it's processing some oil or
coolant though.

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