A continuous sound would suggest that it was related to the wiring between the starter and the battery. That sound would be relatively quiet, and you might smell some ozone. There might also be some smoke and your battery would probably run down very quickly.
Why does my car make a weird noise when I start it?
So, what is that grinding noise you hear when starting a car? Most likely, if it is true grinding that you hear, the problem is related to the starter. Causes include the starter not lining up correctly with the ring gear on the flywheel, missing or damaged gear teeth, or a faulty solenoid.
Why is my car making noise when I start it and the noise goes away after a few minutes?
This is usually due to the bearing on the pulley for one of these beginning to go bad, and so it makes noise during startup that will usually go away once oil circulates or the bearings heat up and expand slightly, making the operation smoother and quieter.
What does a broken starter motor sound like?
Something sounds off.
One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. However, a starter can die without making any sound at all, or it may announce its impending death with whirring and grinding noise—so listen up!
Why is my starter making a whining noise?
Freewheeling. Freewheeling occurs when you crank the engine and simply hear a whining noise without the engine cranking. When this occurs, it means the starter is not engaging with the flywheel. This is a worrying situation which could result in having to replace the whole component.
Why does my car sound like a helicopter?
You Have a Loose Tire
The reason this can cause your car to drive louder than usual is due to the changed and uneven motion of your tires against the surface of the road. Especially if you recently had your tires changed or rotated, this could be the cause behind your car sounding like a helicopter.
Why is my car making a rattling noise when I turn it on?
If the rattling noise occurs when the car is stationary the origin is in the engine/transmission and/or exhaust system. If the identical rattle occurs when the car is moving, too, motor mounts or loose exhaust system components are a possibility.
Why does my car sound like a lawn mower when I start it?
The noise could be due to an exhaust leak although it is also possible that a failed wheel bearing could cause enough “rumbling” to sound really loud. If you request a vehicle noise diagnostic the origin of the noise will be pinpointed and the certified mechanic will let you know of the required repair and the cost.
Why does my car rattle when I first start it?
If you hear a “clack-clack” kind of rattle when you start your car’s engine, it could be a sign of piston slap. Pistons move up and down in their cylinders with a tight fit between the piston and cylinder wall.
Can alternator make whining noise?
If you hear any type of whining or grinding sound that’s a good indication that your alternator needs to be checked. The alternator could be bad if your car won’t start or it’s turning over several times before finally starting.
Can low battery cause starter to grind?
Starters Can Fail Due To Low Battery voltage
Welded contacts can cause the starter to stay engaged with the engines ring-gear and should the engine actually start the high revolutions will cause the starter to blow apart inside.
Can a bad starter sound like a dead battery?
A bad starter actually sounds quite a lot like a dead battery – you turn the key, and all you hear is a click. It might not be the entire starter, though – it could be a weak component known as the solenoid. It prevents the starter from creating the correct current to start your car.
What does a bad solenoid sound like?
When the starter motor solenoid engages, you should hear a clicking sound. If you hear a clicking sound but the starter motor isn’t moving, the solenoid could be engaging but not receiving enough battery power. If there’s no sound, the starter solenoid is likely malfunctioning or you might have a dead car battery.
What does a failed alternator sound like?
Alternator Whining Noise
A common sound made by failing alternators is a very high pitched whining noise that you’ll hear when the engine is running. When the RMPs increase, such as when you accelerate, you’ll hear the noise get higher in pitch as the pulley spins faster.
What does bad ignition switch sound like?
A silent starter motor can indicate a bad ignition switch. However, if you hear any clicking sounds from the motor, you may be dealing with something other than an ignition switch problem.
What are the symptoms of a bad ignition relay?
Bad Ignition Relay Symptoms
- Ignition is Unresponsive. The ignition relay’s primary job is to give power to all control modules and sensors in your car needed for the engine to run. …
- Engine Stalls. …
- Fluctuating Ignition power. …
- Dead Battery after night. …
- Bad electronic smell.
What are signs of ignition problems?
5 Signs of a Failing Ignition
- Car fails to start. Perhaps the most generic symptom of ignition trouble is a vehicle that won’t start. …
- Key will not turn. On the other end of the spectrum of obviousness is a key that will not turn in the ignition. …
- Stalling. …
- Flickering dashboard lights. …
- No noise from starter motor.