Grinding noise (sometimes)

2004 FORD F-150
150,000 MILES • 5.4L • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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SETH RILEY DRUMHELLER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I usually hop in my truck and with one twist of the key she starts up just fine, but sometimes it makes this horribly loud grinding noise when I turn the key. If it does that then I just stop trying to turn it over, and then try again and it starts up just fine. Just wondering what this could be.
Oct 3, 2017 at 6:00 AM
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CJ MEDEVAC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,000 POSTS
Sounds like the starter may be failing/maybe just the teeth/maybe the Bendix (the part that throws the starter teeth into the flywheel).

Even worse, the flywheel teeth may be worn.

Let's hope not!

You may pull the starter and look at the teeth, also have it tested at a popular auto parts store. Sometimes an intermittent problem with it throwing in might be hard to detect.

If it comes down to replacement, maybe this will help you.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/2001-dodge-neon-milage-just-want-put-fliuds-their-locations

Keep us posted.

The Medic
Oct 3, 2017 at 1:43 PM
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