Hey guys.. I am having a small problem with my starter i think. I have no problem starting the car, but after it starts, i get this metal grinding sound for a second afterwards...that sound you get when you accidently turn the key when your ignition is on, but maybe a lil louder. can it be that my starter gets stuck? it only happens when my car has been sitting for a while and is not warmed up. if it is a sticky starter, does anyone know how much that would cost? any input would be helpful. thank you!

 

starters run about ~$160 at advanced autoparts or autozone.

a sticky starter would take long to start up but once your started I beleive the starters job is done, so your situation may be related to something else.

When my starter was going (actually it is) it drags meaning it takes longer for it to crank.

 

I think I have the same thing to what you have. The starter makes like a high pitched sound after starting it. Usually happens the first time you take the car out for the day. Its probably those gears with the starter that are dried out grease on it (would explain that after they warmed up, the grease is a little moist and the sound is less severe or inexistent). I tried to grease it up 2 weeks ago but couldnt take out the starter and didnt want to break it at the time. Going to try at it next week.
For now look at this link from how to's
http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/516

 

my 97 max has exactly the same problem.
last weekend, I took to the garage and the mechanics said
the problem was the two belts. So I had two belts replaced
for 60 bucks. The old belts did have some cracks.
Now it seems ok except still I can hear a very slight
sound when I start it in the morning, but it's far more
comfortable than before.
So at least, the belts do something with the high pitch sound

 

if you dont feel like spending the cash for a new starter just regrease it or leave it alone its not a big deal. As long as it starts your fine.