I need your opinion about this: I never noticed that on my previous car but now, my Corolla 2006 automatic is making a "metal" noise (a little like when you try to start the car when it's already running) when starting in cold weather, let say -20 celcius and lower. (which is the case almost every night this time of year) the sound is audible just after the car tries to start (takes longer but that's ok since the battery is weak) and around the same time the engine start. I don't have a block heater, might this solve this problem or is there something else?
well -20c is f$%King cold. I would consider it normal but not good. Are you able to park in a garage? Thats what I would do. I dont know if an engine block heater would work to cure the starter sticking but it might.
Nope, I don't have a garage... but -20 celcius is (unfortunately) not that cold here (I live near Montreal in Canada) last week it was around -28 celcius... (-36 with the wind factor) I hate winter! :ugh3:
Cars make all kind of noises in cold weather, specially the one we're having right now. :ugh3:
I'd say probably the fact that the oil is so thick at the time and it takes longer to reach the moving parts in the motor, once it reaches the noise goes away.
sounds like you Bendix drive is starting to go bad I would have it checked because if the starter is staying engaged just a bit too long it could reek havoc on your flywheel and cause even more problems. better to get it checked and be safe than sorry..
Both my vehicles have started & run just fine after the fact.... when it happened to me id just stop cranken right away. & try again... second try it would engage & start just fine... Never had the problem since because it hasnt been as cold...