Camry Makes Grinding noise at cold start

[atoth22]

I have a 1994 4 cylinder Camry with 135,000 miles. On cold mornings, the car makes a terrible grinding noise when I turn the key before it starts. It makes the noise for about a second and then turns over normally. It has never failed to start, but I fear one morning the car not starting. If I drive to the store, when I get back in the car, it won't make the sound since the engine is warmed up (I assume). I am curious what is going on, if I need to fix it, and how much it would cost to fix. Thank you very much.

[new echo owner]

My guess would be the starter drive; however, that is just a guess. It is possible that it is sticking when it is cold.

N.E.O.

[Loganwiththe'93]

My car usually does this as well. I think it's pretty normal.

[iratoyota]

Here is my post but i only got 1 reply-


In the morning my car does not start on the 1st crank....It makes a god awful loud kinda grinding noise. It turns over cleanly on the 2nd turn always.
At 1st it was intermittent at once a week now it is 3-4 times a week. It's happens on the colder mornings. What is this problem ?

Could be the starter gear not fully engaging the flywheel gear, or a worn starter gear. I'd pull the starter and check the condition of the gear and the flywheel gear as well. You can turn the flywheel with a large screwdriver to inspect all the teeth. Remove the plugs first.