Anyways, the past couple mornings (and choice afternoons going to lunch), when I try to start my car, I get some weird grinding noise... I'm thinking either its my starter, or *gulp* someone screwed up my last oil change. I'm trying not to drive my car as much as possible just in case, but I want to know what the hell this is. But then again, could it be because of the freezing weather, that I should pump the pedal at least once before starting or something?

Someone let me know, because I would rather not lose my max...

 

Here is a symptom I had which is common to starters on early 4th gens.

Basically on a cooler morning or afternoon, the starter was prone to making a very pronounced noise that could be described as a low-to-medium pitched metallic grinding sound that would last about around a couple seconds immediately once the car started.

Started happening to me around 80K miles. Replaced the starter, and the issue went away.

 

Well, I'm hoping its just that. How much did a new starter cost you? and was it hard to replace, or did you have the dealership do it?

 

starter is rather inexpensive (100-150?) but the install is very easy. search for it and u'll find the write up

 

Or you could just regrease it for cheaper. Try this site for instructions!

http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/516

 

does it go VEHHHHHHHHHHHH if so follow the instructions on motorvate.ca