08 Highlander Sport, grinding noise

[kitkat17]

Hi everyone...I have an 08 Highlander Sport and for the past few months I've noticed a grinding noise when I start the car...it doesn't happen everytime and sometimes it only lasts a second or two. The noise is the same noise you would hear if you held the key in too long after engine flips over. I've left it at the dealership twice now and of course the car will not make the noise while there!!! Anyone else have this issue? I've been reading where it could be the flywheel or the starter relay.

[vinnyd]

Sounds like the problem I had. It would clatter for 1 sec or two ONLY on cold starts.
Take a video camera and tape yourself starting the car until you capture the noise. Then show the dealer.

Luckily my dealer was able to replicate the noise. They replaced the timing gear sprockets (I think). All covered under 60,000 mile warranty.
Hasn't made the noise since.

Originally Posted by kitkat17

Hi everyone...I have an 08 Highlander Sport and for the past few months I've noticed a grinding noise when I start the car...it doesn't happen everytime and sometimes it only lasts a second or two. The noise is the same noise you would hear if you held the key in too long after engine flips over. I've left it at the dealership twice now and of course the car will not make the noise while there!!! Anyone else have this issue? I've been reading where it could be the flywheel or the starter relay.