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"scratching" sound on ignition start

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Old 05-15-2003, 01:58 PM
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"scratching" sound on ignition start

I don't know about other cars but when I start my 03 SE Max, it makes a scratching sound for like a second right after i turn the ignition. This happened on my 91 sentra too. Havent' paid attentino to it on other makes/models but does anyone know what thats about?
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Old 05-15-2003, 02:35 PM
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its the starter.
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Old 05-16-2003, 05:43 AM
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so its on all cars?
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Old 05-17-2003, 12:03 AM
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it's the starter.
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Old 05-17-2003, 01:01 AM
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when i had same problem, mine was caused by belts
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Old 05-19-2003, 07:16 AM
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my starter has been acting up lately too, maybe the gear isn't retracting fast enough.. but as long as it still cranks i'm happy =D
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Old 05-19-2003, 02:39 PM
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Old 05-19-2003, 03:07 PM
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Does it happen immediately after the car has already started? If so, its the starter.
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Old 05-19-2003, 04:06 PM
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Re: "scratching" sound on ignition start

Originally posted by shobuddy
I don't know about other cars but when I start my 03 SE Max, it makes a scratching sound for like a second right after i turn the ignition. This happened on my 91 sentra too. Havent' paid attentino to it on other makes/models but does anyone know what thats about?
Since you have an '03 just have the dealer take a look at it. It sounds like the starter, which is a known issue with the 4th gen, I didn't know the newer Maxes had the problem too. It could be belts too if there's moisture in the air but I doubt that's your problem. My car is 5 1/2 years old and about 6 months ago I too had that noise. Then I found from the motorvate website that the 4th gen starters had inadequate grease inside causing the drive shaft of the starter to get stuck. My problem went away once the temps warmed up--I'm sure it will be back by next winter. These parts are outrageously priced, I think over $300 in parts alone to get the genuine replacement, so I urge you to take care of it under warranty. From what I hear there is no true "new" starter, alternator, etc. as a replacement. They use various suppliers and they are of various qualities, but put it in a new box with the same part #. Good luck.
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Old 05-20-2003, 05:42 AM
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it happens immediately after i start and since it happened on the sentra too, i'm not too concerned. just was curious as to what it was.

thanks for all the replies.
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Old 05-20-2003, 07:44 AM
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My 96 has done it for over two years now. OEM starter.


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Old 04-11-2007, 05:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave B
My 96 has done it for over two years now. OEM starter.


Dave

http://www.nissanhelp.com/Ownership/.../NTB03-060.htm
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