Loud Screeching Sound :(

[JamesD]

996 01 C4 6sp Cab 77500 miles

Hi guys, it's been a while.

Well after it's winter hibernation I decided to take out my 996

from storage to go for a drive in the better weather.

Upon starting the engine I heard a loud Screeching Sound for like 2 seconds?

I assume it's the starter motor? It was intermitted but now happens every time I start the engine not cool if theres on lookers!

1. Does the starter normally make this type of sound when it's on it's last legs?

2. It's only when starting the car ?

3. Is it a big job to replace a starter motor with a new one?

4.Will Durametric software give any codes for a bad starter motor

(which codes to look for)?

5. Is it bad for the car, as it sounds pretty nasty on start up, even though it for 2 seconds?

Any thoughts much appreciate

Many thanks

James

Edited May 7, 2011 by JamesD

[JFP in PA]

996 01 C4 6sp Cab 77500 miles

Hi guys, it's been a while.

Well after it's winter hibernation I decided to take out my 996

from storage to go for a drive in the better weather.

Upon starting the engine I heard a loud Screeching Sound for like 2 seconds?

I assume it's the starter motor? It was intermitted but now happens every time I start the engine not cool if theres on lookers!

1. Does the starter normally make this type of sound when it's on it's last legs?

2. It's only when starting the car ?

3. Is it a big job to replace a starter motor with a new one?

4.Will Durametric software give any codes for a bad starter motor

(which codes to look for)?

5. Is it bad for the car, as it sounds pretty nasty on start up, even though it for 2 seconds?

Any thoughts much appreciate

Many thanks

James

No, the Durametric system will not give you a “bad starter” code. Often, starters that are noisy have a problem with gunk and/or corrosion on the shaft of the Bendix drive, which causes it to stick and make this sound when the edge of the Bendix gear is grating on the flywheel; not a good thing.

But it is easily fixable. Pull the starter and clean the Bendix drive with WD 40 or PB Blaster, then lubricate the shaft with DuPont Dry Teflon spray lubricant (does not attract water or dirt, last a long time). You can find this at Lowes. Put the start back in, and enjoy the fact you just fixed the car by spending less than $10.

[JamesD]

Cheers JFP

That's a relief I hope it really will be this easy :)

I think I even have them sprays in my garage sweet.

Thanks

996 01 C4 6sp Cab 77500 miles

Hi guys, it's been a while.

Well after it's winter hibernation I decided to take out my 996

from storage to go for a drive in the better weather.

Upon starting the engine I heard a loud Screeching Sound for like 2 seconds?

I assume it's the starter motor? It was intermitted but now happens every time I start the engine not cool if theres on lookers!

1. Does the starter normally make this type of sound when it's on it's last legs?

2. It's only when starting the car ?

3. Is it a big job to replace a starter motor with a new one?

4.Will Durametric software give any codes for a bad starter motor

(which codes to look for)?

5. Is it bad for the car, as it sounds pretty nasty on start up, even though it for 2 seconds?

Any thoughts much appreciate

Many thanks

James

No, the Durametric system will not give you a "bad starter" code. Often, starters that are noisy have a problem with gunk and/or corrosion on the shaft of the Bendix drive, which causes it to stick and make this sound when the edge of the Bendix gear is grating on the flywheel; not a good thing.

But it is easily fixable. Pull the starter and clean the Bendix drive with WD 40 or PB Blaster, then lubricate the shaft with DuPont Dry Teflon spray lubricant (does not attract water or dirt, last a long time). You can find this at Lowes. Put the start back in, and enjoy the fact you just fixed the car by spending less than $10.

[demosan]

996 01 C4 6sp Cab 77500 miles

Hi guys, it's been a while.

Well after it's winter hibernation I decided to take out my 996

from storage to go for a drive in the better weather.

Upon starting the engine I heard a loud Screeching Sound for like 2 seconds?

I assume it's the starter motor? It was intermitted but now happens every time I start the engine not cool if theres on lookers!

1. Does the starter normally make this type of sound when it's on it's last legs?

2. It's only when starting the car ?

3. Is it a big job to replace a starter motor with a new one?

4.Will Durametric software give any codes for a bad starter motor

(which codes to look for)?

5. Is it bad for the car, as it sounds pretty nasty on start up, even though it for 2 seconds?

Any thoughts much appreciate

Many thanks

James

James,

Another possibility beyond the starter would be the belt tensioners could be worn and beginning to go bad, especially after the long winter layoff and if they are originals.. Easy way to diagnose would be to remove serpentine belt and start car for a few seconds and see if the noise is present. If not, it could be the tensioner or idler pulleys.

Good luck with the diagnosis!! Demosan :cheers:

[fpb111]

Is this first start only when the car is cold? If so have someone start the cold engine while you look/listen to the secondary air injection pump. It lives in left rear of engine bay, by your left knee if you are standing looking into open engine bay. The SAI only runs for a few seconds on cold start to help light off cold cats.