Year: 2004
Make: Toyota
Model: Matrix XR
Mileage: 160k
Trans: Auto
Hey there, I think I've diagnosed a starter grinding noise upon starting my matrix. Just after the engine cranks I hear a grinding noise near the passenger side of the engine compartment. The car starts every time. I've done some research at it seems the starter has teeth that interlock with the pressure plate in the transmission. These teeth must be misaligned and/or worn down?
My real question is this: is it a good idea to replace the starter and hope for the best? I really hope the pressure plate teeth aren't screwed now, so I'm leaning toward just replacing the starter, which seems to be an easy enough job. What are your recommendations?
Thank you 🙂
Sounds like you're describing the same noise as when the key isn't released after the engine starts.
If you ever taught your teenage daughter to drive, you know the sound when the key is held to the start position after the engine starts.
Does your noise sound like that?
If so, I'd suspect your started solenoid.
Sometimes they get "sticky" before they fail.
jack62,
It does sound like holding the key in the start position! I never even thought of that. I hope that is the case, because grinding teeth into my transmission doesn't sound like a good alternative.
I suppose, if it is the starter solenoid, that I'll eventually just have to replace the starter, which is no big deal, as I am fairly comfortable with small jobs like that in my car. However, do you know if there is any way to diagnose whether it is the solenoid?
(also, I didn't know what the little checkmark next to your reply meant and then, when I clicked it, it said "done". Sorry if you get notifications for that. I checked it and unchecked it a couple of times! My bad)
No worries on the "clicking", everyone is learning. Use check to say it answered your question/solved the problem. Up and down arrows are for saying if if like or dislike a post.
Oh, rebuilt starters are up there with rebuilt alternators (not quite as bad). Suggest oem grade replacement, not rebuilt.
HillyBilly, thanks for the info on the symbols. As far as the starter goes, what about a new Duralast or Bosch? I understand the allure of OEM, but...yeah, what's your (or anybody's) take on a NEW off-brand starter? I've been told OEM is important for certain parts, like rotors, but is the starter one of those you recommend to be OEM necessarily? Thanks.
I would also stick to OEM for starters. Bosch is /probably/ ok. I would probably pass on the Duralast.
I wouldn't hesitate to put either of those in. If sameish price, I'd probably grab the Bosch.
You inadvertently gave me an "up vote". (I can live with that)
But the clue seems to be cold weather affects the malady.
I doubt that stripped gears would care about a 50 degrees Fahrenheit decrease in ambient temperature.
Electrical components are more susceptible to heat/cold.
So, to answer your question, sure there's a way to test it.
First, we know your starter motor is fine. Afterall, it starts your car every time.
So, you'll have to pull the starter whether it's a solenoid or "buggered up' gear problem.
When you pull the starter you'll be able to inspect the gear on the starter's pinion. It will be apparent if that's been damaged. If not, then you'll pull the solenoid off of the starter.
When that's removed you'll be able to stick your finger into the solenoid's mount on the starter and physically manipulate the movement of the starter's pinion thrust.
Engage it and quickly release it a few times.
Does it operate smoothly?
If so, and if there's no damage to the gear, I'd be looking squarely at the solenoid.
Use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and with Toyota, you might find that it's almost as expensive to buy an OEM solenoid as an OEM starter/solenoid unit.
So there's that to consider
I just did too Jack! I like the animation ' )
remove the starter and inspect the teeth
yeah, jack62 below says it might be the starter solenoid, so I'm going to see if there is any way to diagnose that before I start removing stuff. I think in either case I'll have to remove the starter though :/
Thanks for your response mountainmanjoe!
jack62 makes a very good point, but yes I think you still need to get your hands dirty 🙂 If the teeth are still in usable condition , and you fix the plunger, you might be able to rescue your starter. I don't know how serviceable they are. These days some parts you can't fix without destroying them. You could try spraying a bunch of cleaner at the solenoid. Your mileage is up there though. New starters come with new solenoids.
I got a starter from a Pontiac Vibe in a junkyard, replaced the starter, and no more noise!
Thanks everyone 🙂