I try to turn the car on and a loud grinding high pitch noise occurs, electrical lights come up but engine doesn't start. This issue usually occurs when I try to start my car after coming back into it from the store, running errands, etc... On a cold start up it never happens. I had my starter replaced due to this issue 5 months ago but it hasn't helped. Any ideas?
If the engine turns over but it won't start, based on what you said, you may have leaky fuel injectors which results in flooded engine. Try this: Press the gas pedal all way down and then start the car and see what happens.
The problem is that the grinding noise doesn't always happen. It occurred 7 times since the new year and each time it occurred, the engine was off for about 10 minutes. I'll try your suggestion from now on.