[aco_coa]

during cold days, 30-40 degrees, when engine is cold, loud grinding noise is heard when starting engine. Noise lasts about 2 sec upon engine ignate. My altima is 93 manual and I would like to get feedback whether this is starter problem or something else. Since car is ranning its 9th year, I am reluctant to spend $500+ before I now for sure what problem is.

Please reply if you experienced this.

Thanks,
Alex

 

[zEk-sss]

after it is engaged do you still hold the key in the start postion or do you let off the key right away ?

 

[Rick]

could be flywheel, starter drive gear, or the starter just isn't disengaging in time...... might not be, but it's something to check out...

 

[SHAWN]

Probably just the starter , Nissans have had problems with starters ... And that is usually the first sign of problems , grindy noises when the starter is used , replace the starter , make sure the flywheel is checked also while the starter is out , but I would bet it is Ok ... my Moms 93 GXE has gone through 3 starters and the flywheel is still fine ....

 

[95_XE]

I had the EXACT same problem in cold weather. It would make a grinding noise for 1-2 seconds after the startup. Got it replaced, never heard a sound since then

 

[aco_coa]

ALtima Starter Grinding Noise

I don't keep the key in start position, I let it go as soon as the engine crancks. Based on postings from 95_XE and SHAWN seems it is starter problem (I assume when 95_XE said " got **it** replaced" he/she thinks the starter). As a matter of fact car died this morning, I turn key it is silent dead. I am waiting for the towing right now. If it is the starter went bad, seems it will cost me about $230 to replace it at Pep Boys.

I want to thank all of you for your quick response to my probem.

Alex

 

[Peterson]

If you are at all good at working on your car, it's very easy to do yourself...

 

[aco_coa]

Starter Grinding Noise

I figured I can do it myself, but the problem is, the starter is at the bottom and it is accessable only if I get the car up or going under it, but not having good jack is my problem

Alex

 

[Peterson]

Jack stands are like $15 at the parts store. Use your factory jack to jack up each front side, and put a jackstand underneath it....You'll be good to go. That's how I did it.

DO NOT GET UNDER YOUR CAR ON A FACTORY JACK.

 

[Sassan]

DO NOT GET UNDER YOUR CAR ON A FACTORY JACK.

DO NOT GET UNDER YOUR CAR ON A FACTORY JACK.

 

[Tommy]

Change the starter before it strands you somewhere.

 

[alchemist]

its simple to do, just be carefull bolting the new one in so you dont strip the hole

 

[aco_coa]

Starter Grinding Noise

Just to thank everybody - I bought new starter, replace it and car is running fine now.

Thanks,
Alex