I don't know about other cars but when I start my 03 SE Max, it makes a scratching sound for like a second right after i turn the ignition. This happened on my 91 sentra too. Havent' paid attentino to it on other makes/models but does anyone know what thats about?

 

its the starter.

 

so its on all cars?

 

it's the starter.

 

when i had same problem, mine was caused by belts

 

my starter has been acting up lately too, maybe the gear isn't retracting fast enough.. but as long as it still cranks i'm happy =D

 

mine2

 

Does it happen immediately after the car has already started? If so, its the starter.

 

Since you have an '03 just have the dealer take a look at it. It sounds like the starter, which is a known issue with the 4th gen, I didn't know the newer Maxes had the problem too. It could be belts too if there's moisture in the air but I doubt that's your problem. My car is 5 1/2 years old and about 6 months ago I too had that noise. Then I found from the motorvate website that the 4th gen starters had inadequate grease inside causing the drive shaft of the starter to get stuck. My problem went away once the temps warmed up--I'm sure it will be back by next winter. These parts are outrageously priced, I think over $300 in parts alone to get the genuine replacement, so I urge you to take care of it under warranty. From what I hear there is no true "new" starter, alternator, etc. as a replacement. They use various suppliers and they are of various qualities, but put it in a new box with the same part #. Good luck.

 

it happens immediately after i start and since it happened on the sentra too, i'm not too concerned. just was curious as to what it was.

thanks for all the replies.

 

My 96 has done it for over two years now. OEM starter.


Dave

 

http://www.nissanhelp.com/Ownership/.../NTB03-060.htm