2000 Mazda MPV Grinding Start Noise

2000 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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FIRSTALERT
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  • 2 POSTS
I have a 2000 mpv which on occasion when trying to start will make a grinding noise such as you would get while trying to start a car thats already running and ii will not start. then i try to start it again and the engine will turn over normally is this a sign of a starter going bad?
Apr 4, 2006 at 9:08 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
either a starter or flywheel.
Apr 4, 2006 at 9:23 AM
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FIRSTALERT
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if it's a flywheel can I cause further damage by using the car? thanks
Apr 4, 2006 at 9:34 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
Take the starter off and check the teeth if they are chewed, replace the starter. If a flywheel is bad, one day the starter won't engage and it will have to be changed. I suspect starter more than flywheel
Apr 4, 2006 at 9:44 AM
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Suggested Repair

Remove the starter and inspect the starter and flywheel teeth. If the starter teeth are chewed, replace the starter. The starter is more likely than the flywheel; if the flywheel is damaged, the starter may eventually fail to engage and the flywheel will need replacement.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2000 MPV reports occasional grinding when starting, similar to cranking an already-running engine, followed by a no-start; another attempt usually cranks normally. They ask whether this indicates a bad starter and whether continued use could cause more damage if the flywheel is at fault. The expert says it could be the starter or flywheel, recommends removing the starter and checking the teeth, and suspects the starter more than the flywheel. If the flywheel is bad, the starter may one day fail to engage and the flywheel will need to be replaced.

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