i have an 05 tl with 52k mi. on it. Everytime i start the car, a grinding sound comes up. To me it sounds like when the car is already started and the key is overturned (not sure of the technical terms).
I did some research and some of the possible reason that i read is a weak battery.
does this sound right to you guys?
thnx

 

Starter not disengaged? Bad switch? Does the key spring back strongly when you release it from the "start" position?

 

actually not at all. when i turn the key, the car actually starts right away without any hesitation. but once the car starts, the grinding sound follow. the key does not spring back strongly once released from the start position.

 

If the key does not spring back then your starter is staying engaged to the flywheel, thats the noise your're hearing. When the car starts turn the key back a little & the starter will disengage & the engine should return to normal sound, your ignition switch must be bad.

 

I had a similar problem for a while and my temporary fix was to do what Johnny3 said, but I also got a wrench and banged the starter a few times. I heard a click and the grinding went away for maybe 10 days. I did the bang method for a few months whenever it needed it, but eventually I swapped out the starter. I had the auto parts store test the starter and it was indeed bad. Probably just a stuck relay or solenoid or something crazy.