I have been getting this insanely scary noise upon start up. I would drive my car for a good time...everything is warmed up. Then I'd shut it off to go tot he mall or get gas. Then when I start the car up, I hear this disturbing grinding/clunking noise when the engine is trying to turn over and get going.

The car actually stops and won't start. After about 3 tries, it fires up normally.

The sound sounds like a bunch of bearings or metal parts getting knocked around by whatever engine part is turning or moving. It sounds like metal to metal clunking.

Has anyone experienced this ? I've been trying to record every start up in hopes of catching it at the right time, but it happens so randomly.

I can't even explain it. My car is under CPO still, so I could take it in...but I'm hoping someone has gone through this so I can maybe help identify it before I take it in for servicing. It happens so randomly.

Is this a sign of engine failure ?

 

Take it in. IMS failure?

If your car is '06 or younger, could be.

New engine is fix.

 

I have an 07 with about 32500 miles. Ugghhh...

 

could be the starter, could be a weak battery or bad connection making it sound like the engine when in fact it s not turning over and you are hearing the starter... With the right battery tester it s easy to check those two items. One while checking the battery load while starting it. That would be my simlpest first guess before I panic.

 

any smoke when running (or trying to start) ?

 

is it a possible loose muffler/muffler internals? sometimes (at startup, when the car is coming to life, shaking a bit...?) that might sound like a scary bearing problem, when hearing it from inside the car.

point being that you dont mention hearing anything once you get going or are driving it. i.e. a blown IMS would be constant rattling and you'd def know it.

 

"I could take it in" What would make you think you had better bring it in if this doesn't do it? Btw, not symptoms of IMS failure.

 

So you have a 2007 SY Carrera 4S ( always helpful to give some good basic info) is it a 6 speed or an automatic? - sounds like a starter that is not disengaging. Any lights / cells when it happens??

 

Hi everyone...thanks for your replies.

- I forgot to update my garage..it's a 6spd Carrera S
- No CEL on
- no smoke coming out
- no rattling/grinding once engine is running

I'm thinking it might be a starter cable -- a known problem for some, from what I've read.

I'll see what the service guys say.

 

from your symptoms of running the car and then turning it off for a short time and it won't restart, i would guess its your starter cable as well.

 

possible as a DIY but i hear it's a ***** - extremely cramped area to work in. good news is i dont think it's (relatively) that much to have an indy do it.

 

should be covered under CPO, no ?

 

I had the same problem drove around and pull over to get gas cars hot i fill up crank up and it sounded like a clunking awful start up. I toke it to the dealer and they replaced my altornator cable. Ever since i replaced never had that problem again. 2006 carrera S 35k miles.

 

Awesome avatar!!!

 

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