Hi Pitched Noise At Start Up
 

I have this hi pitched noise that happens for about 1-2 seconds right it start up. It happens about 1 out of every 10 times. It doesn't matter whether or not it is cold or hot (at least I don't think so). There is no grinding and nothing else that I notice.

The car starts immediately whether this happens or not.

1998 99K

If it is a high-pitched sound, it strikes me that it could be the serpentine belt.

Or if it is a high-pitched mechanical sound, I wonder if the solenoid is not always disengaging immediately?

I would love to record it, but it is so random. I can see it being either of your suggestions. If it was the belt, is there a way I could tell by looking at it?

Possibly - if there is sufficient visible wear/rubber dust in the area surrounding it. You'll need to remove the interior cover to the front of the engine. That being said, replacement is recommended at the 60,000 mile service. I'm not sure how many miles are on your car and whether it has been replaced. Certainly, even if you are not at 60K miles, age also causes deterioration of belts (as would misalignment of the pulleys, or wear in the waterpump, etc.). On the other hand, if it was your water pump I would not expect the problem to be so sporadic.

Serpentine belt can be access from behind the driver and passenger seat, your belt is probably glazed already and needs replacing soon. ;)

I have this as well and is definitely linked to the starter, as it is not belt squeal and only makes the noise when the engine starts and over runs the starter gear as its cranking.

If you just use a shorter blip of starter you may find that you can prevent that sound.

It is the bearing on the starter pinion and a bit of lube should fix it temporarily at least, but its an indication that its getting a bit too much play and will need replacing soon. $130

Its down right embarrassing that such a lovely car could produce such a nasty sounding squeal but fortunately its more benign than it sounds.(Reminds me of a women)

I wonder how hard that would be to do yourself? ......the car that is!

What is $130?

YES!! You are right. It is really embarrassing, it is an awful sound.

Is this the sound? I think I am experiencing the same noise. I was able to get it recorded. Please listen and maybe you guys can let us know what the problem is.
Sound from my 1998 Boxster which occurs every once in a while - YouTube

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

That is exactly the same noise as mine!

I had a starter fail...and ruin a flywheel...and I swear thats the same sound I heard a couple weeks before it finally went out. From what I understand the sound is the bendix not disengaging from the flywheel upon start. There are threads where guys have had luck applying a lubricant and fixing the issue.

It's the starter. I hear it's a common thing. the Bendix gets hung up. I pulled mine out & sprayed the Bendix with an electronic cleaner, let it dry completely & sprayed some PFTE spray. It didn't make the noise for a few months but now it is starting to happen periodically again.

For me, if it is the starter it is not worth the time to remove it, spray it to have it reappear again. If I am going to take the time to remove it, it is getting replaced.

Agreed
+1

Mine does it too, maybe once every 15 starts. I thought a starter would be more of a metalic higher pitched grinding noise, not an almost belt like squeal. I am not 100% on the starter being the culprit.

I have the same issue and had the dealer listen to it, he said it was the starter not disengaging from the flywheel. Mine will only do this on cold starts, once I'm well up to temp, it goes away....

Yes thats exactly the sounds of my starter alright.

$130 for a new starter online after turning in your old starter($75 core credit).


$189 at Auto zone
Duralast Import/Starter (17318) | 2001 Porsche Boxster 6 Cylinders 3.2L SFI DOHC | AutoZone.com

Napa $236 - $314
NAPA AUTO PARTS

Did anyone with this problem replace their starter? Did it correct the issues?

Mechanic just called. Problem was the starter. $500 for a new starter and labor to fix! WTF!:mad:

Probably a pretty accurate price. If you can buy it at Autozone for $200, his going to throw 20% on top, plus 2-3 hours of labor (remember they take calls, texts and coffee breaks during this) and tax you would be right near $500.