GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

2009 Pontiac Vibe 1.8l

I have a loud grinding sound like metal on metal on when starting my car up. Lasts about 1-2 seconds. Usually on a cold start. Notice it in the morning when going to work and getting off work.

It happens off an on randomly, not every day, but seems to be more frequent now. Did it twice today. Any ideas of what it may be? Kind of embarrassing when it happens and others are around. Car seems to run fine other than that terrible noise at start-up.

Guessing that the starter drive / bendix is hanging up. May be time for a starter replacement.

What would be a good way to go about fixing this since it happens randomly? I found a youtube video and this appears to be similar to what my vibe does.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ueTHsOc_uc

Replace the starter. Search this forum and you should find other posts about the stater problem.