Check the starter mounting bolts for tightness. This is the most common reason for clunking/grinding noise.

 

My car was making a terrible metallic clanking sound upon startup. After being driven for about a minute, it would stop. Well, yesterday, it never stopped. Tried turning off the car and it wouldnt shut off. After about ten mins, white smoke, smelling of burning plastic or rubber, started pouring from the engine. Popped the hood, pulled the battery cable off and saw it was coming from starter. Parked it in a store lot and have tried tackling it today.
I thought maybe the starter war stuck engaged. Since, though, I've been able to unplug the solenoid from the starter, while it's running, amd it is still making that AWFUL sound, indicating the problem wasnt with the solenoid, nor that it was stuck engaged. Am i correct in thinking this? But why couldnt it be shut off?
I've been bumbling around underneath my car - and the internet - for the last four hours, with no luck, really because I have no idea what I'm doing. Google amd YouTube are my only knowledge when it comes to auto mechanics....

 

Seems to be a pretty common issue on .1 997's. Had the same thing on my 06 C4S. Only after warmed up though. Never happened with a cold start. Traded mine before addressing the problem so not sure exactly what the fix is but I believe it's either the starter or the alternator cable. Should be covered by CPO.

 

It sounds like the charging system. Mine did the same thing when I (wink wink wink) kill the car when in 1st gear and I don't apply enough gas. It only happens when the car is warm/hot.

As a matter of fact, the car would not start again unless I take the key out and reinsert it.

I haven't had the issue ever since I replaced the battery. In summary, it could be the battery and the cable.


BTW, mine is a 2007 C4S.

 

what kind of ridiculous grim diagnosis is that? geez!

 

IMS failure for M96 and M97 motors = engine go bye bye (most of the time). If you ever want to scare yourself into thinking every single sound your car makes is terminal, do a search for IMS Failure on here, renn, pca, etc. I apologize in advance.