05 OBXT strange sound at start up...

[WagesOfZin]

the past two start ups with both the engine and weather cold, i hear a brief screeching/scraping noise when the engine fires up...for about one second max. i'm due to change the oil this weekend (slightly overdue: at about 4,000 miles right now) and my oil level is slightly low, but nothing crazy low.

any thoughts?

[WagesOfZin]

a couple people on my facebook subaru club say that it could be an issue with the starter solenoid not releasing quick enough in cold weather. does this ring a bell for anyone?

[WagesOfZin]

found this:

Starter (?) grinding right after start-up

[benamin]

I was going to say that the power steering pumps can squeal when cold for a brief time (all makes ). Then I noticed your in Florida, your idea of cold and mine are two very different things! LOL.

[1 Lucky Texan]

noticed that on my WRX for the first time this year - only when it's <25degs or so.

scraping or sliding - type of sound. very brief just at the end of the starting cycle.

if the solenoid IS sticking, it's unlike the sound I've heard in the past on other cars.

I DID recently replace my acc drive belts. I may re-check the tension on them, but this is NOT squealing.

[rasterman]

My XT has done the same exactly once. It was a cold morning and the car had been sitting for 2 weeks. I'm positive it was the starter solenoid.

I chose not to do anything, knowing that the battery is likely to be replaced before summer anyway, and the starter may do better all around with more amps behind it.

[1 Lucky Texan]

so, is it hung up in worn contacts that are tighter with the cold, is there a failure of lubrication somewhere? what causes it?

[rasterman]

I'd guess at worn bushings and lube dried out. But I haven't had to verify it yet, so who knows?

[1 Lucky Texan]

if it did this a few times every year - what could it harm? flywheel?

[rasterman]

It will eventually wreck the starter and the starter ring gear. I don't know if the ring gear is separate or part of a compound flywheel on this car.