Alero Starting Problem (not a PASSLOCK or electrical problem)

On cold mornings right after the engine starts it sounds like the starter is not disengaging fast enough and it grinds kinda like the sound you hear if you try to start a running car. Anyone ever heard of this on the Alero? I'm thinking starter, but since they are about $150 I thought I would pick some brains here first. Any suggestions? It's an '02 with the 3.4L engine.

I don't know what it is but I have the same problem. It doesn't happen all the time but sometimes when I turn the key it starts and I get a slight grinding sound. I have a 2001 3.4 V6 48,000 miles. Please post if you find the problem. Thanks.

I don't know what it is but I have the same problem. It doesn't happen all the time but sometimes when I turn the key it starts and I get a slight grinding sound. I have a 2001 3.4 V6 48,000 miles. Please post if you find the problem. Thanks.


According to the local auto electric shop it is a bad clutch in the starter. It's not disengaging quick enough. I will warn you that yours will get worse. Mine started out as a slight grinding too, but got really bad over a few months time. I would imagine it would eventually wear out or break your flywheel too.

According to the local auto electric shop it is a bad clutch in the starter. It's not disengaging quick enough. I will warn you that yours will get worse. Mine started out as a slight grinding too, but got really bad over a few months time. I would imagine it would eventually wear out or break your flywheel too.


Can they fix it or do they just put in a new starter? Any idea on the cost?

Thanks for the info Gdoggy,

Mary

Can they fix it or do they just put in a new starter? Any idea on the cost?

Thanks for the info Gdoggy,

Mary


The shop I went to fixed (rebuilt) my starter for $65 but I took it out of the car myself and took it to them. They said it would be around $100 if they took it out.

The shop I went to fixed (rebuilt) my starter for $65 but I took it out of the car myself and took it to them. They said it would be around $100 if they took it out.

Thanks for all of your help. I really appreciate it.

Mary