Not starting/turning over

LOU98

MEMBER
2001 NISSAN MICRA
1.0L
2WD
MANUAL
100,000 MILES

Hey.

Just wondering if any one has come across this problem.
So my car sometimes starts fine first time but sometimes especially in the morning or if it is cold, when you turn the key it does not turn over and instead makes a sort of screeching/crrrrrr sound is the only way I can describe it.

Normally when I turn the key the second time it starts, sometimes I have to turn the key three or four times before it finally makes the turning over noise and starts.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

If you could record and upload the sound, it would help. However, it sounds like the starter isn't full engaging and you hear the gears grinding. What needs done is the starter needs removed, inspected for damage to the gear that turns the engine as well as the flywheel which it engages to for evidence of damage. Often times, a parts store will bench test the starter, but since it is sporadic, it may not fail when tested.

Here is a link that explains in general how a starter works and how to replace a starter. I'm adding it to help with removal for inspection.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-starter-and-solenoid-works

,https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

If at all possible, record the sound so I can hear it. That way, I can be sure it is a starter related issue.

Take care,
Joe