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What causes a grinding noise when starting a cold car?

I have a 2018 Wrangler with 50,000 miles on it. Lately, I hear grinding noises when I start it on some mornings. A friend said it is probably a combination of a bad battery and cold mornings, but the battery is brand new. What else can cause a grinding noise when starting a car cold?

avatar
Lynell Spencer · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Batteries usually get the blame when a car doesn’t fire up right away, but they are not the only possible problem if your car doesn’t start.
Grinding noise when starting a car cold is more likely caused by a problem with your starter. The starter engages the engine’s flywheel when you turn the key (or push the starter button). That process delivers power which starts the engine rotating, which allows it to suck air and fuel into the cylinders, beginning the combustion process for the engine to run.
If you hear
grinding noise
when starting a car, one or more of the parts in your starter is likely worn out or damaged. And the bad news is, the grinding noise is an indicator of more damage to come. Things will get worse until your car won’t start at all.
Here are some things you should know about replacing your starter:
  • It should cost between $400-$500 to replace the starter in your
    Wrangler
  • You can save money by using a rebuilt starter
  • It takes a mechanic two to four hours to replace a starter
  • You will not have much warning before your starter gives out altogether, so don’t put off the repair.
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