Starting noise

[lguard]

Hey all. Just bought a 2000 boxster S. All I can say is I love it. However, I need some advice. Right after I turn the key to start the car it sounds normal but maybe a second after it makes a squeel that lasts for only about a second and then everythings fine. It does this about 50% of the time I start it up. I can't find any pattern of when it does this (warm, cold, etc.). Thanks for any advice and I look forward to many more threads with you all.

[pbanders]

Obviously, it could be your starter. Another possibility is it could be noise from the auxiliary air fan, which when the car is cold blows air into the exhaust manifold to promote secondary combustion and lower emissions. This fan turns off after about 3 minutes of operation and doesn't turn on again at starting until the motor is cooled below a threshold temperature. Mine makes noise on starting sometimes, more of a whining sound.

[lguard]

Yeah, I was leaning towards it being the starter. Just wanted some other opinions. Thanks

[derb]

I had the same noise- like someone stepped on a cat.
I replaced the starter with a used one off of eBay and no more noise. Took about 2 hours to replace. I was surprised how easy it was.
Regards,
mike

[mn box s]

Does it only do it at start up?

[lguard]

Yeah, its only when cranking the car up. Pretty much sounds like its a starter issue from what I'm hearing. Derb or anyone, any suggestion on which brand to go with; saw a few brands and not a huge difference in price.

[derb]

I got mine used off of eBay. There a several up for sale right now for about $100 plus shipping. Search 'boxster +starter'.

[lguard]

Thanks. I'll check it out.