2001 Jetta Vr6 Grinding Start

[gusplum5]

Hello, i have a 2001 jetta vr6 manual glx with 103,000 miles. Recently I've been hearing a screaching noise imedietly after the car turns over. This problem apears to happen on roughly 75% off all startups. Factors i have taken into account are outside temp, engine temp, humindity, angle the car is sitting and amount of time between startups and can find a only one common link. I have only noticed that the problem will not occur if the engine is started over and over again in quickly, which is making it difficult for my mechanic to work out. He says its the belt tensioner and another says its the starter. I have been under the hood and it does not appear to be coming from the belt but from the right side of the engine. There is no smell of burning and i have not whitnessed any smoke. I live in burlingotn, vt and the problem started some 8 days ago. The most recent maintanence has been an oil change done some 3 weeks and 500 miles ago. I have also replaced the serpantine belt and battery and coilpack within the last year. i have no idea what it could be. thanks if you guys can help

[boschmann]

If the belts are okay then I'd suspect the starter too. Have someone under the hood when you start it, it should be obvious if the noise is coming from the starter.

[veedubmechanic]

Yea, its a starter!

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