As the tittle suggests my car has been making a very loud rough screeching sound that lasts for about a second then runs smoothly when starting the car when it is cold. I have posted my issue here before and people suggested that I check the serptine belts and all that. So I took it to the mechanic shop that I trust and he said the belts look fine. I also told him about the issue but just told me that it was because the car had been sitting for long enough that the oil has settled and is trying to circulate it on startup which produces the noise. I was only able to show him through a video I reordered because at that point the car had warmed up.

I still have trouble believing that is the case however because the sound is extra crunchy at times in the cold. I think it’s the starter and someone else had mentioned that I should take out the starter and grease the retractor in the starter motor?

I will post videos of me turning on the car but it is still kinda hard to hear it through video. I have attached them on the post, but let me know if you can’t see them.

any help is appreciated!

Acura TL 2011 SH-AWD ~112,000 km

 

Due to the cold, the lubricant freezes and the solenoid fork does not have time to return to its original position after starting. The starter needs lubrication service or replacement.

 

My TL is having this same issue. Is the starter in the same place as the 3g, underneath the battery cover? Also, at this point would it be better to replace the entire starter or just lubricate it and see how it holds? Thanks!

 

Yes, the same transmission design, the same starter location. If you want to do it yourself, then I recommend that you replace the solenoid (09-11 TL 31296-R70-A51 ~$10 ), lubricate the fork and guide shaft. You can also replace the brush plate ( 09-11 TL 31225-RYE-A01 ~$15), but there is a chance that you will not be able to unscrew the long bolts. If you want to give this job to a shop, then replace the starter assembly($200 remanufactured or $400 new).
Here is a video of a rebuild of such a starter

 

Thanks, this is super helpful! Maybe I'll give it a shot when its warmer outside, it'd be awesome to have this whole job done for under $30!