when ever I start the car especially when it is cold outside and a cold engine there seems to be a whining noise that dissapears within 2 seconds of the car starting.

This is a 2000 Max and this has been going on for the last few months.

Wondering if you guys might know what it is, here are some possible conclusions that I've made, maybe you guys could help elaborate:

-starter motor
-bearings in the starter motor making the whining noise
-improper lubrication of some sort from belts.

I should mention that the car has no problem starting even in -12(Canada) weather, it starts without hesitation. Nonetheless this noise is loudest in the cold and once the engine is warm, turning the car off then on again eliminates this noise, as long as the engine is warm there is no longer a problem.

any ideas what the problem could be?

 

It happens to the most of us. Its nothing big...

 

this is common on the 4th generation maximas....and it has happened to me on my 96 max se. I regreased my starter and now no issues...I think this issue is now apperaing on some 5th gens now that they are a few years old.

here is a link
http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/516

i used snowmobile grease it had a longer temperature range