Starter Grind
 

2002 Boxster. From time to time when starting I hear a "grinding" sound reminiscent of an "over cranking" starter. I attempt to find a sweet spot to disengage the ignition switch, but doesn't seem to matter. Could be coincidental, but seems to occur more with warm engine. It usually occurs when I'm at a gas station and there's a 30 year old blonde at the pump next to mine checking out the cool car with the dorky owner grinding the **************** out of the starter.

Most likely your Bendix drive on the starter is getting stuck. Pulling the starter, cleaning the drive, and lubricating it will end the issue.

I had the same issue. As JFP said it isn't your switch operation, it's the starter itself not disengaging. You can either clean and lubricate it, or do what I did and just put another one in. I got a starter from an 08 cayman for 50 bucks.

It makes sense that it would occur more with the engine up to temp. The metal expands as it gets hotter.