Page 1 of 1

Grinding noise on key turn

PostPosted: Tue, 16 Aug 2016 1:41 +0000
by mauricem
Hey guys, my 05 D4D has just started making a strange grinding noise when trying to start. Its the kind of noise you'd hear if you tried to engage the starter while the engine was already running. After a couple of goes it will start.

First thoughts were starter solenoid or just the starter motor itself but it only started happening after we arrived in the snow and temps in the morning are around -4. Combined with this the central locking system for the canopy which operates off the starter battery has become unreliable at the same time. Battery voltage is down to 12.1 in the mornings which makes me think it all may be down to a weak battery with not enough grunt to engage the solenoid properly. As Im about 1500ks away from home I cant go swapping batteries easily so appreciate any thoughts

Re: Grinding noise on key turn

PostPosted: Tue, 16 Aug 2016 2:17 +0000
by flip9
Sounds like a weak battery to me. Cranking a frozen engine pulls a lot of current.

Does it still happen on a warm start?

Re: Grinding noise on key turn

PostPosted: Thu, 18 Aug 2016 8:23 +0000
by bansheebuzz
clutch in the starter is gone. it can be repaired by a competent auto elec or replace the starter, i carry genuine denso starter clutches in stock and replace them on all hilux diesel starters i do

Re: Grinding noise on key turn

PostPosted: Fri, 19 Aug 2016 11:30 +0000
by mauricem
Thanks for the replies, it was happening when warm but more often when cold. Battery with ignition on acc is about 11.8 first thing and drops to 11.3 with the dash lit up for glow plugs etc, combined with the central locking solenoid for the canopy working randomly it made me think it was a battery issue. Temps are below freezing first thing.

Banshee is there any risk of damaging flywheel or anything else if I leave it till I get back up to QLD? You did a good job on fixing the alternator in this vehicle a couple of years ago .

Re: Grinding noise on key turn

PostPosted: Fri, 19 Aug 2016 12:22 +0000
by bansheebuzz
the only risk is that the vehicle may not start if it gets too bad

Re: Grinding noise on key turn

PostPosted: Sun, 28 Apr 2019 9:02 +0000
by Mrlux09
I have a 2009 model and had trouble with battery. Battery was replaced under warranty luckily.
A few days later it started making the grinding noise as described. But if I turn ignition on and leave on for a couple of minutes it starts fine no noise.
Ideas?

Re: Grinding noise on key turn

PostPosted: Sun, 28 Apr 2019 9:28 +0000
by mauricem
Not sure what the problem was. It went away pretty well when we left the alpine areas and was fine all year. Went down to the snow again in 2017 and it would randomly make the same noise and again it went away as we headed north. 2018 another snow trip and some very cold nights eg -12 and not a problem! maybe some crud that would freeze up was stuck in the clutch but finally worked free?