got a question for all you maxima experts. i have a 99 se and it's starting to make a funny noise when i start my car. it happens right before the engine catches. so i hear the normal turning and then a grinding noise. anybody have an idea what's wrong? please help. thanks.

ben

ps-could it be my spark plugs? if i'm wrong just let me know. thanks.

 

i don't think it's the sparks. i had mine replaced about 5,000 miles ago, and my car does this when the temperature is cooler. if you do figure it out, let me know.

 

hey maximamoose. yeah, cold weather does seem to cause it. especially the first time i start the car in the morning. it's a pretty nasty sound isn't it? well, i hope you'll also let me know if you hear anything. does your car do it in warmer weather every now and then?

 

have you checked your ECU? Have you taken it to a mechanic? It sounds like a possible starter problem.

 

May it's your starter solenoid. It may not be retracting fast enough after you start the engine. I think there is a thread that discussed the sticky solenoid problem and listed a procedure on how to take the starter apart and lubricate it. Use search for "Starter solenoid" or "sticky solenoid"

 

I've had this problem for a few years too.

I definitely think it's the starter going bad.

Gonna be replacing it this year, finally.

 

I have a similar problem and have not yet attempted this yet. But when time permits, I plan to try what this site goes through. Go to "engine" and scroll down to the starter noise fix topic. Takes you step by step.

http://www.motorvate.ca/

 

If just as the car starts you hear a second or two of an ugly grinding noise, just take the starter out and down to checker or autozone or pepboys. They can test it (safely). Mine made this noise for more than a year before it began to just not work at all and began to exhibit symptoms of a weak battery. Batteries only last a year or two in my part of the country and when a new battery didn't speed up the starter, I got a new Hitachi one at NAPA for $170.

 

does it happen AS you start the car, or after? I have problems where for the 1 min after the car has started, i hear intermitten strange noises coming from the engine area (i can only hear it when I am sitting inside teh vehicle), and usually happens when its 50 degrees and below outside. The noises that I hear resemble a groaning noise, and some noises can actually be felt in the seats/floor of the car. The belts have already been changed about 8,000 miles ago. Any ideas?

 

i just startin gettin the same noise this week. when its cold just as you the car starts it screech or grindin noise. its sucks bein a poor college student i aint got time to tear it apart or cash to replace it