Flip the ignition:

Starter makes a free-reving whine, as I release the ignition, the starter makes an ugly grinding noise. I usually have to crank it another 2-3 times before it starts. I'm worried that someday I'll end up draining the battery all the way. This only happens when its cold outside during a cold start. It will usually crank right up if the engine and engine bay is warm such as on a warm day.

Is it the starter? or the starter solenoid? I was wondering because according to the Haynes manual, replacing the solenoid on the starter is as easy as the replacing the starter itself. Im wondering if you guys have an idea as to what to replace?

 

It sounds like your starter is on its way out. Just replace the whole thing because if the seloniod is bad,the rest of the starter is not far behind.

 

I agree with GreenMax, you should just replace the whole starter. I was having a problem with the starter engaging, so I replaced the solenoid and it work for a couple of days and then I started having the same problem again. So i just went to autozone and pick-up a new starter and no more starting problems.

 

what they said...also get one with a lifetime warranty in case it goes bad again. should be~~$100

 

Just hope all those grinding times you started the car up did not chip any teeth of your fly wheel

 

Yeah thats why I replaced it today, I was getting worried about that also