I have an 03 cavalier with 66k on it.. Sometimes when I try to start it, it makes a loud screaching noise.. Its like when you try to start a car when it is already started. Is it my starter? It does it when it's like cold sometimes and sometimes just randomly.


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yeah, you get that noise when the starter doesn't mesh properly with the flywheel. This can be caused by, loose or misaligned installation of starter, excessively worn bearing on the starter shaft, faulty solenoid (allows the starter motor to spin before it's extended), poorly insulated wiring, damaged or missing teeth on the flywheel. You have an '03, so its an eco. so you have the newer style starter flange. that would virtually eliminate the possibility of misalignment, so inspect your starter terminals, and check your flywheel for damage. I think you will probably be replacing the starter.

well it makes this sound after the car is started.. while starting, it is fine but when the car actually starts, its like the starter keeps starting it for .5 in a second.


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Then the spring in the solenoid has gotten too weak. I'm not sure if you can buy it separate anymore.

i got a scraping sound right before i lost mine and i have an 04 Ls Sedan 2.2 eco new starter including labor taxes etc wound up costing me a little over $600. heh almost identical to what it cost me to have my brakes down recently it's insane what people charge now days.

so just replace the starter? I got someone who has a cobalt with that is wrecked with the 2.2 eco.. just dont know where the starter is. will it cause any problems if i leave my starter like this for a bit? will it ruin anything besides the starter?


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no, worst case scenario your gonna lose the starter entirely and your car won't run until you get it replaced.

i got a new starter today from a malibu. 50 bucks.. after just buying tires and rims and an intake, im officially broke. now its time to save and get new breaks because i need some. I put the starter in today and gonna try it in the morning again as it only used to make that noise when it was cold.


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Are you sure it's the starter, and not the accessory belt? Mine used to screech like a beeeeeotch when it was cold out... got a new belt, all fixed.

will a bad started damaege the alternator? mine also makes a screach...not like abelt perse more like a high pitch.


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