I did a very dumb thing the other day. I was tired and wasn't paying attention. I turned the key to start the car like I do every morning but I guess this time the car sounded like it didn't catch so I instinctively turned the key to start it again. Well guess what, the car was started the first time. The starter having already started the car on the first attempt now made a funny grinding noise when I turned the key to start it a second time. Now everytime I start the car, the starter makes a weird grinding noise, but it laways starts.
Any ideas? Did I damage it or something else like the flywheel? Please advise me, I'm really concerned.

Thanks in advance for any opinions or answers.


2002 Cavalier

Do not worry.By simple turning the key to start 2nd time only rengages the starter and yeah a racket is made.In most cases this happens and no harm.However if this starter is making noise each time you start now it could be your starter is suffering from age/wear if the original.I would not wait until it will not engage to start as it is making racket,because this is sign of it eventually failing at some point soon.Do not waste money on a new solenoid,buy a new reman starter with a warranty from auto zone,advance,napa etc.I am betting the motor itself has some wear and the noise it makes now is due to age/use and if the original it has served the job.I think soley you restarting the car while running only kicked more wear on it,being it could have been close to wearing out it as it was.In short buy a new starter based on your story,and be done with it.Some stores do bench testing which requires the part to be removed taken there and they put it on a machine to test for proper working function,and can indicate a failing part,some times or if it has dead spots where it will not engage (but not always).Hope this helps.

I'll take your advice. Thanks. I'm going to get a new starter.


2002 Cavalier