Anyone experience this problem? Only when it's very cold 20 degrees F or lower. I start my car and the solenoid seems to stick for just a second and grind. Shut off car; try again- and it wont do it. My thoughts: starter solenoid sticking due to freezing temperatures;temporary delays the starter. Not a valid explanation because it should never do this; just curious if it has happened to anyone else?

 

So you think the starter drive gear is staying engaged with the flywheel after the engine is running for a second or two? If so you may have to remove the starter & clean & lube with a lighter lube where the starter gear slides on its shaft & any other links between the solenoid & the sliding drive gear. Don't rev the engine while the starter is is engaged to the engine(flywheel.)

 

that's what im thinking, however im debating getting a whole new starter to begin with.. it'll be hard to diagnose.especially because it doesn't happen every day.

 

Keep your starter & repair it, the OEM starters are better quality than the parts house replacements.Make sure your ignition switch is not sticking (is springing back) in the start position.

 

im definitely experiencing the same starter issue you desired. difficulty starting the last 2 cold days (30s), grinding unnecessary, and multiple attempts before my tl starts. my 06 has 127k on it so its been through a lot. before i replace the starter, did you have any luck repairing and lubing the starter shaft?

 

not very common with OEM flywheels. This simply means that the ring gear on the starter bendix is mating improperly in the ring gear valleys on the flywheel. probably due to a warn starter ring gear. it can be replaced without replacing the whole starter. i've had this happen with my aftermarket lightweight flywheel.

Oh wow, two year old thread lol.

 

2 years old but still relevant to my present day. thanks