I think im having a problem with my starter. Ever since I got into my accident where I got rear-ended by a truck my car makes this grinding whiny noise when I start the car. It only makes this noise when I start the car and when its a cold start. After the car warms up and I shut off the car and restart the sound goes away. Currently I am waiting for my car to go into the body shop (10/28) and every few days I start my car and let it run so nothing settles.

This sound appeared after the accident and Im wondering could getting rear-ended cause this kinda problem to the starter or is this sound something else? Also can I claim this as damage caused by the accident and bill the other guy's insurance after they fix the problem?

 

I don't think being rear ended is causing that problem, but, if you were really tagged there's no telling what could happen. I have had the same noise/problem with my 96 SE. I have 115K on mine and had the starter replaced at aroung 100K. My car only makes that noise on cold starts usually in the morning. It just all depends on mileage I guess.

 

I have a 96SE... 140k miles and original starter works fine! It doesn't depend on mileage really... if you were rear-ended, ANYTHING could happen. Maybe ure starter really did get F'd up somehow by it. Just get anything u think is damaged replaced! It's his fault anyways.

 

check your belts.

I've had that problem, but I did my belt adjusting, and now I'm start-noise-free.

(in addition to sugar-free )

On front passenger side, 1st main belt runs alternator and a/c compressor. The 2nd belt runs the power steering.

 

how long did it take you to do this? when i start my car(on cold starts), i get the same thing. usually, i will take it out of 1st gear right away, and the noise will go away instantly!!! let me kno