Starter Screech

[TheThickster]

On a cold start the starter screeches loudly. Does anyone know what this could be?

My mom has an impala with a 3.4 also and it does the same on cold starts.

[Cliff8928]

My 3400 and my Ecotec both do the same.

[colonel6632]

mine also does it once and a while. and i've got an ecotec

[TheThickster]

i turn the ignition, the car starts, but it sounds like the starter keeps running, kinda like if i turn the key with the engine on. but the weird thing is its only on cold starts!! i thought i was the only one until one day i went to my moms to work on my ford truck and i heard her start the impala.

[Nate's Alero]

mine never did that, and frankly if it did, i would NEVER try and start it, most likely a front nosecone bearing is dying on you.

[colonel6632]

mine doesn't do it all the time, just once and a while

[clutch1]

Have ya checked out the teeth on it yet? That's the place to start. And while it's off the car power it up and see what the bearings sound like.

[colonel6632]

i haven't even worried about it. happens like once or twice a week for the last year and a half. did it with my old motor, does it with my new motor. i'm not taking it apart until it breaks

[TheThickster]

ive checked the flywheel and it looks normal, no metal shavings or anything. ive checked the starter outside the vehicle before and its sounds good. do these starters need shims?

[Cliff8928]

And if it's like mine, it doesn't screech while it's starting, but after you release the key.

[TheThickster]

And if it's like mine, it doesn't screech while it's starting, but after you release the key.

thats exactly what it does.

[clutch1]

Weak return spring or whatever it is that pulls the starter gear back??

[Blueolds]

mine did that too, replaced the starter and it hasnt done it since.