I have a 2000 SE 5 speed with about 84,000 miles on it. During cold starts the car makes a buzz sound similar to the sound if you were to turn the ignition key while the car is already on. It does this everytime the weather is below 40 degrees on a cold start. The buzz last for a second when i first turn on the car. Does anybody know what could be causing this sound? Its annoying, kinda freaked me out when I first heard it.

 

does it happen close to 2k rmps, when the engine winds all the way to 2k, and then goes back down to around 1k rpm?

 

its ur starter, we had this discussion last week sometime. For some reason the cold weather exaserbates the noise. I had mine replaced because the noise was really bad (it had actually damaged the flywheel somewhat) long story short, mine still makesthe noise on some starts but not as bad as it was with the original starter. its going back to my mech to check the flywheel on tuesday (gotta love guranteed work, even though I think they should have replaced the flywheel also)

 

It is indeed the starter. You may not need to replace it, however. I had the same problem and located someone who rebuilt the gearing mechanism that spins the flywheel. He indicated that the dirt and original oil solidify and on cold days cause the starter head not to disengage.

I removed my starter, disassembled the main gearing, cleaned it all up and lubricated it with white litholium grease (spray on type from Autozone or WalMart). It has been working fine for years.

If it goes unchecked for a long time, you will definitely need to replace your starter. The whining noise is so annoying!

 

Mine had the same noise. I pulled the starter dismantled the gearing, cleaned, and lubed it with low temperature lithium grease. That was over 80,000 miles ago and still no problems.

 

Hey I'm kind of a newbie. Can you tell me where the starter is located and anything to watch out for? Is there a write up on how to do this? I'd much rather take a crack at fixing it myself then spend the $$$ to have it fixed. Thanks!

 

anybody? thanks

 

Right here:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=448407

 

i have a 00 5spd also and also 84k, and the exact same problem, but thats irrelevant, the problem is most likely not the starter btu since u say it happens when its below 40, its simply the accessory belts. when its cold the tighen up and soon as u turn the car on they get strched just a bit, enough to make that noise, its nothing.

i would highly doubt it to be the starter, althogh its strange others are saying they had same problem and it was the starter.

EdgeX, u said u replaced the starter and still have same noise, perhaps it wasnt the starter at all, and the flywheel issue is unrelated.

 

could be the belts, the grinding noise, then the whinning noise, its annoying as hell, cant take it anymore...