I have a 1.0 L 60hp Fabia and upon start up i hear a quick grinding noise for around a second and then it stops. Every start up after that on the same day it doesn't happen. It only happens after it has been sat for a little while. Commonly overnight. Does anyone know anything about this or why it is happening. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you 

Could be a sticking starter motor/solanoid. My daughters old beetle used to do this if it was left for a while. Think it was the starter engaging but not releasing fully. If I remember it was a fairly common problem with the early new shape beetles.

Alasdair

Starter pinion will spin freely on the one way sprag clutch if the solenoid sticks or the key is held in the starter position.

 

Given that it only happens on a cold start I would be looking at the vehicles other one way sprag clutch, the one on the alternator pulley.

Hi, welcome.

 

The term grinding noise doesn't make it sound good but It might just be one of the noises the car makes but in case not, if possible, a video with good audio of the noise might help to identify the noise.  Again if possible rather than a recording from inside the car if you could video from in front of the engine bay with the bonnet up and someone else starting the car might make the audio better (subject to other background noise).

 

Have you had the car long, do you know if it has been regularly serviced in a timely manner.  Time of year for car batteries to be in a low state of charge taking away starting power perhaps, have you checked the battery and battery terminal connections.

 

Let us know how you get on.

 

Edited 1 January, 20251 yr by nta16