My car sounds like a trip to the dentist.

VezinaVesper · 12-17-2008, 11:21 AM

Hello all. I tried to start my 98 Jetta Monday morning, and it made the awful sound of a dentist's drill. It did bitter cold Sunday night/Monday morning, I'm not sure if that may have had anything to do with it. It has made it back up to 10 degress F, but still no luch other than the dentist's drill sound... I think it may be my starter, but I have no real reasons to back that notion up. Any ideas??

**SABL** · 12-17-2008, 11:49 AM

Hi VV,

It sounds like the starter drive is not fully engaging the flexplate/flywheel. Cold temps, along with normal grime on the starter shaft can cause this problem. The starter should be removed and the "drive" inspected for binding. Clean the shaft and lubricate with a very light oil.... nothing heavy or greasy.... and not too much, just a light film. Graphite also might work well.

Persistent attempt at starting the car may damage the drive gear or the flywheel.... or both.

Best of luck,
SABL

curious99 · 12-20-2008, 05:28 PM

The "drive"on the starter ,also known as the starter bendix,can just wear out .Some starters,it is easier to replace the whole starter than the bendix.The bendix has a one way spur,like a rachet. If you have the starter off,you can test it by trying to turn it in both directions.if it moves in both directions,it is bad.If something is preventing it from moving out on the shaft ,when engaged,it will also sound like that.Lubrication is the cheap way to determine if that is all that is wrong.(i'd try it 1st. if poss.)If you are driving a manual trans, sometimes the clutch dust can build up in the starter cone,the end that houses the drive.If that is the case, you may just get away with cleaning and a light lubricant, and be on your way! Caution! most engines have direct battery voltage present at the starter.Disconnect the negative battery cable first.(unless you need a little more excitement in your life)In that case have a friend record you so we all can have a good laugh!

Seriously, though always be careful.

12-17-2008, 11:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
VezinaVesper Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1 OS: Windows Vista	My car sounds like a trip to the dentist. Hello all. I tried to start my 98 Jetta Monday morning, and it made the awful sound of a dentist's drill. It did bitter cold Sunday night/Monday morning, I'm not sure if that may have had anything to do with it. It has made it back up to 10 degress F, but still no luch other than the dentist's drill sound... I think it may be my starter, but I have no real reasons to back that notion up. Any ideas?? Last edited by VezinaVesper; 12-17-2008 at 11:23 AM.

12-17-2008, 11:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
SABL Moderator Relaxation Room Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Galena, Ohio Posts: 2,821 OS: WinXP Pro SP3	Re: My car sounds like a trip to the dentist. Hi VV, It sounds like the starter drive is not fully engaging the flexplate/flywheel. Cold temps, along with normal grime on the starter shaft can cause this problem. The starter should be removed and the "drive" inspected for binding. Clean the shaft and lubricate with a very light oil.... nothing heavy or greasy.... and not too much, just a light film. Graphite also might work well. Persistent attempt at starting the car may damage the drive gear or the flywheel.... or both. Best of luck, SABL

12-20-2008, 05:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
curious99 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: delaware? Posts: 16 OS: xp home	Re: My car sounds like a trip to the dentist. The "drive"on the starter ,also known as the starter bendix,can just wear out .Some starters,it is easier to replace the whole starter than the bendix.The bendix has a one way spur,like a rachet. If you have the starter off,you can test it by trying to turn it in both directions.if it moves in both directions,it is bad.If something is preventing it from moving out on the shaft ,when engaged,it will also sound like that.Lubrication is the cheap way to determine if that is all that is wrong.(i'd try it 1st. if poss.)If you are driving a manual trans, sometimes the clutch dust can build up in the starter cone,the end that houses the drive.If that is the case, you may just get away with cleaning and a light lubricant, and be on your way! Caution! most engines have direct battery voltage present at the starter.Disconnect the negative battery cable first.(unless you need a little more excitement in your life)In that case have a friend record you so we all can have a good laugh! Seriously, though always be careful.