2001 ZX3, possible starter problem? Hearing weird sound

CHRISROBIN

MEMBER
2001 FORD FOCUS

Wow, I'm glad I found this site!
Ok, so anyone has any idea what's going on, let me know! After the car has been sitting overnight or while I'm at work, I'll go to start it and once the engine starts I hear this 2-second long, low-pitch chirping sound coming from under the car, behind the engine near my feet. This started a few days ago and it's starting to get a little colder here in Vancouver, BC. I'm a member on focusfanatics. Com and I was told it was possibly the starter staying engaged after the engine starts. I tried to read up on this topic and from what I gather, it could also be a faulty starter solenoid near the fender. Am I way off here? It's not coming from the engine as far as I can tell. Otherwise, everything works fine! Thanks!

2 Replies

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

Try a new starter. If this is not it then try the starter relay. Sounds like its not disengaging.

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Sunday, October 21st, 2007 AT 8:10 PM

CHRISROBIN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Ok, I'll look into that. Thanks. When I think of it, the sound comes from the back of the engine, near the firewall (or so it seems but I know sounds can resonate anywhere) and I know the starter is near the firewall. I read it could also be the starter relay on the starter itself, either way if I replace the starter completely, it'll replace the relay as far as I know.