Often when I start up my 2000 Jetta TDI, once the engine starts I hear a grinding noise for just a few second... almost as though I'd turned the ignition with the car already started and had the starter grind.
At the very least I'm sure that's what everyone around me thinks I've done as that's exactly what it sounds like.
Yet that's not what I'm doing and the key isn't turned - and in fact I can't replicate the noise by even trying to turn the starter with the engine already engaged.
I can't figure out if this is the starter doing something funny or something else.
Anyone familiar with this issue?
This is a common problem with VWs. The starter is not backing out fast enough and the flywheel/ring gear is hitting the starter gear. You can remove the starter, disassemble and lube it, but since you would have it out it is recommended that you just replace it.
Sounds like your starter is slow to disengage , but I would check with someone who is handy with cars , not necessarily a mechanic , just someone who can confirm your assessment and my suspicion. If that's the case , you might have to replace the starter. This problem could damage the ring gear on the engine which would be a lot of $ to have replaced.
Yeah, the shaft on the Bendix wears and dries out and is slow to retract. That sound is the starter motor gear overrevving as it's being spun by the now quickly rotating starter ring. I'm not sure if the starter ring gets any damage from this. I've had the noise for several years and hundreds of thousands of kilomajiggers. It recently stopped making the noise and still starts instantly.
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