Well the title pretty much says it all. I'll detail it more. Ever go to start your car and when it is started you still hold the key (on accident or purpose) then your started makes the grinding noise? Well that's sort of the noise I hear when I start my car when it's normal driving temps, but if I time my starts right as in, letting the key go sooner than what is really needed the "grinding" noise doesn't happen. The car hiccups a little as if it doesn't want to start but does since I'm letting the key go very early. What could this be? My thought is that the starter gear is not releasing from the flywheel soon enough or something.... I'm afraid if this keeps going I'll rip some teeth out of my flywheel. :/ Any thoughts?

 

When you hear the noise how long does it last and what makes it stop?

 

The noise begins as soon as the car starts and stops when I let go of the key after started an no I am NOT holding the key too long. Every Honda I've had, you had about a second to let go of the key before the starter starting grinding or making a noise but not this one. I mean when the car is warm and I go to start it, as SOON as it starts it makes the noise but stops as soon as I let the key go or doesn't make the noise at all if I pretty much bump the key to start it.

 

Sounds like the problem is within the starter.

 

If it (the starter) won't disengage from the flywheel or torque converter ring gear when you release the key, check for the following until you find the cause.

o Solenoid plunger and switch malfunction
o Dirty drive gear or damaged overrunning clutch

Either one of these will cause this type of failure....based on my expierence I would suggest you remove the starter and check the drive gear for dirt/binds or damage.

You can also visually check, upon removal, and disassembly the solenoid plunger. The switch you would have to check electrically.

Good luck with this.

Bligh

 

The starter disengages when the key is released. At least that's what was posted.

 

the started does disengage when the key is released. I'll just take it off and inspect it to see if I see anything unusual.