erinb007

Hello, I have a question and would appreciate your input. Approx every 3rd time when I turn my car on, a grinding type noise emits from the key area. Almost the same type of noise as if you already had the car running and tried to turn it on. The dealer told me that it's normal, it's the airbag checking itself, but I am not convinced. Does your do this?????
Thanks
Erin

Fern

Your dealer said its the airbag checking itself????

There is a general diagnostic check when you turn the car on, ie: abs, emission, airbag, etc... But that's just a circuit check no audible sound should be heard... other than maybe the fuel pump.... (nowhere near the ignition switch tho!.

Sounds like a mechanical or electrical fault in the ignition itself... Is the car coming out of warranty soon?

What is the nature of the sound, ie: buzzing, mechanical clicking, etc...?

erinb007

Fern, thanks for the reply. I agree with you, I think it sounds like something is wrong. Everytime it happens, I am like, Oh no, that can't be good. Yes, I think it comes out of warranty in June. Also, when I start it, even if it's not cold outside, it has been stalling lately. Very concerning! Maybe I should go back to the dealer and make them sit in it with me until it makes the noise again. Any other ideas?
thanks a bunch!

erinb007

PS, it's like a grinding/buzzing noise. Similar to if you turn the key when the car is already on. Not a clicking....

HarrierAWD

There's nothing in the ignition key area that could make that type of sound. Listen to it carefully next time, it may actually be from under your hood. I can think of either the starter motor is wearing out, or the accessory belt is "glazed."

This is definitely not an air bag check. The mechanic should have his air head checked.

erinb007

Thanks for the input. I think I need to go back there and get tougher with the dealer. Am a single woman and have found that they tend to take advantage of the fact that I have no idea what they are talking about!
Thanks

Fern

Erin,

Have dealer listen "carefully" when they start the car. Have them listen specifically inside the engine bay...

Could be the starter solenoid not engaging the starter gear... Is this the original starter?

New starter could be costly, have dealer deal with this while under warranty... Even if they have to start and stop the car 10 times until they hear the noise...

Good luck and I hate it when I hear that dealers are taking advantage of women ';-(

erinb007

Guess it is the original starter. It's a 2001 and I just bought it used this year. Thanks again.

HarrierAWD

You are not alone. Men get that too.

Next time, hire a mean-looking biker with thick arms full of tatoo to go with you.

parula

Wait. I believe this has been mentioned on other threads and I have had the noise on both cars. In my quiet garage if I just insert the key in the ignition point without starting the car a servo or something from under the hood buzzes for sometime. I have given up trying to diagnose it, it ocurred all 4 yrs on the '99 and I just checked this car does it too.

salimshah

When ever a dealer says it is normal, politely ask them to reproduce it in one of the show cars/vehicles.

Salim

parula

Salim, that is a good point I will remember, tks.
Have you heard this on cars, both mine have a buzzy noise if I just insert the key?

HarrierAWD

The buzzing sound could be the HID ballast pre-charging itself because the sound changes when I turn on the HID headlamps. It's not a grinding noise.

erinb007

Love that idea! I will use that tactic when I go in this week.
Erin