2001 Mazda 626 Grinding Park/Neutral

AUTONOVICE505

MEMBER
2001 MAZDA 626
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

When I start the car normally, I am hearing a grinding when it is park/neutral but not in any drive gear, including reverse.

Furthermore, the car actually turns on when I turn the key to just turn on radio/headlights (I don't know the term for this spot on the ignition--remember, car novice). When I start it like that (as opposed to starting it normally) I don't hear the grinding, but do hear it again when I put the car in park in order to turn it off.

Lastly, I checked the oil and found that it was really low. Though not completely empty. I have since filled it. I have checked since and the oil level is still high.

Thanks in advance

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi Autonovice505,

Thank you for the donation.

The noise that you are getrting should be from the transmission as it does not grind when any gearsare engaged and that could be an indication of the trans internal faults. Get professional opinion on is as we are not able to provide any concrete diagnosis without hands on physical examination.

There is one thing to note, if the grinding occurrs at different ignition switch position, the starter circuit of the ignition could be bad and this is causing the starter to remian in the extended position. This would damage the starter when it keeps overrunning.

The igniton kkey/switch consists of 4 parts/sections:
1. Lock = this is where the key can be remove to lock the steering wheel.
2. ACC = Accerrories where you would have the radio and other accessories working.
3. RUN or ON = This is where the key stay when engine is started and all electrical equipments can be operated except the starter circuit.
4. START = The starter is operated in this section and the ACC circuit is cut OFF.

If you are able to start in ACC position, the ignition switch is bad and would require replacement.