02 chevy s10, 2.2l, makes a grinding noise when the key is turned(sometimes,not all the time)...a few key turns later, it starts and runs fine. Am thinking it is the starter, but not positive. Thanks
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ANSWERS: 2
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Yes it is probably the starter, or rather, a part of the starter. The gear on the end of the starter is pushed out by a solenoid when you turn the ignition. This gear intermeshes with gear teeth on the fly wheel. The gears on the end of the starter are probably damaged so they don't intermesh tightly, and slip and grind when they try to engage the flywheel. It is also possible for the flywheel to be damaged, but not as common. Soon you will turn the key and it might jam tight, as the gears slip enough for two teeth, one from each gear, to lock together. To unlock them open the hood and turn the flywheel by hand a little, or if you have a standard let it roll a few inches in gear with the clutch depressed, pop the clutch and it should jar the flywheel enough to loosen the gears. Another imminent symptom is it won't start. The gears will grind more and more, until it might take many more tries for it to go, then stop working altogether.
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99.9% the starter! Well the solenoid but replace the whole thing to just get the solenoid, or just the starter crank. I have had this problem many times. Some vehicles the starter and solenoid are all together, but I am almost positive on the chever you have the mounnt together, but can come apart. Just replace the whole thing!
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