Has anyone ever experienced this? Starter makes a whirrring, or over-spinning sound on occasion. It seems to be random. It's not a teeth-grinder, as in when you keep the key engaged too long. No problem starting. It still sounds weird and wrong though. Anyone with ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like the starter motor is spinning but the pinion gear is not engaging the flywheel. Could be a bad solenoid, starter starting to fail, usually requiring a new starter motor.

 

 

You didn't explain if this noise is after the starter is engaged or before, if before the solenoid is probably acting up. If this is happening after engagement the Bendix can get sticky, in this case you can remove the Starter and clean it up with some Brake cleaner and re-grease with Lithium grease, not an uncommon problem I just did this with my Sons Boxster and it cleared up the issue.

 

Thank you for your reply and advice. The sounds occurs After the starter has engaged and started the car. I will take your advice. I just replaced my t-stat and H20 pump this weekend (even overcoming that stupid bolt placement between the pulleys somehow), so I'm feeling confident......

 

No problem, There may be a DIY on youtube for this as well, I know there is one for the Boxster
Good luck

 

Hi,

I have the exact same issue on my 2002 996. If you ever got to the bottom of this please let me know.

For those that are still looking into this with the same issue, I have noticed that if I leave the key in position 2? (the one that turns on all the electrics but does not start the car) for a few seconds longer it normally starts up OK, without the over-spinning screeching sound. So now I am thinking that it could be a relay issue. Any comments welcomed. Thanks.

 

I have the same issue. Starter going out is typically the issue. Lubing the output shaft is doable but relatively pointless as it is just a bandaid. Furthermore, this can draw an immense amount of battery power if starting a bunch in one day. I had this issue recently and killed my battery momentarily - not by starting or attempting to in one sitting either. It is by frequent starts. Anyway, replace the started....