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Grinding Noise When Starting

A harsh grinding when you turn the key or press start usually means the starter motor gear is not meshing cleanly with the flywheel, because of a worn starter, damaged flywheel teeth or a loose starter.

Normal risk

Have it checked soon. Continued grinding damages the flywheel teeth, which is a bigger repair.

Short answer · Why does my car grind when I start it?

The starter has a small gear that pushes out to engage the teeth on the flywheel. If the gear or its mechanism is worn, or the flywheel teeth are damaged, the gears grind instead of meshing. Grinding after the engine has started means the starter is not disengaging, which can damage it quickly.

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Safe checks you can do

  1. Note when it grindsBefore the engine starts or after it has started.
  2. Do not crank repeatedlyRepeated grinding damages the flywheel.
  3. Check that the key is releasedHolding the key too long keeps the starter engaged.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Does it grind every time?The starter is likely worn.
  2. Only sometimes?Damaged teeth at certain flywheel positions.
  3. Does it grind after the engine runs?The starter may be sticking.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. Worn starter gearDoes not mesh cleanly.
  2. Damaged flywheel teethGrinding at certain positions.
  3. Loose starter mountingMisaligned gear.
  4. Sticking starter solenoidStays engaged after start.

Questions about Grinding Noise When Starting

Is a grinding starter dangerous?

Not to you, but it can damage the flywheel and leave you unable to start.

Is the flywheel always damaged?

Not always. Early repair often needs only a new starter.