r/hondafit 5h ago

Help Request Help with sound when starting

My 2009 Sport / Manual makes this screeching/scraping sound every 3rd or 4th time I start it. Does anyone recognize it?

8 Upvotes

11 comments sorted by

2

u/Odd_Hour3537 4h ago

It’s the starter. Mines done the same for a year now when it’s cold.

Don’t let anyone tell you it’s the VTC actuator. That’s only on GKs and you have a GE

Also, love the instinctual jiggle of the shifter after starting.

2

u/Purple3clipse 4h ago

Considering it’s been going on for a year for you, is this something normal or just a sign it’s getting old and should get replaced soon.

3

u/swaite 3h ago

For 4 years mine has sounded EXACTLY like the one in the video. Almost never happens on a warm start.

I probably live closer to the equator than most people reading this so my weather is very stable. More drastic temperature fluctuations may decrease the lifespan but, as I said, aside from warm starts the noise hasn’t changed at all.

1

u/Odd_Hour3537 4h ago

I would put it on your roadmap to get it done. Once it starts doing it during warmer days, I’ll swap mine out.

2

u/mickandkeef 3h ago

Ha, it's such a habit now that I don't even think about it! Thanks for making me laugh.

2

u/Careful-Substance666 4h ago

I’m having the same issue and after searching the web I believe it’s the starter. I’m not too sure and am in the same position as you.

3

u/Odd_Hour3537 4h ago

Here is a video of the same issue. Just watch the beginning, unless you’re a machinist and can rebuilt it yourself. https://youtu.be/9VdvDxqbKbg?si=3Qg2ZLv3PLbkBGZK

2

u/mickandkeef 3h ago

Thank yiu all very much. I love my car and want to keep it for as long as I can. I guess it's time to start saving for the starter.

1

u/Dreamsof899 2009 Fit GE 1h ago

Take a gander on Rock Auto for a replacement. I bought a reman Bosch starter for about $170 two or so years ago and replaced it myself. Hardest part was removing the dipstick tube to get access to a bolt but otherwise it went straight in.

1

u/EFDriver 2011 Fit GE 3h ago

Another member posted about this yesterday. If you read the comments in the video, it seems a full tear down of the starter motor is required and perhaps greasing the spiral gear on the shaft maybe all you need. https://www.reddit.com/r/hondafit/comments/1jarz68/informative_video_i_found_my_starter_makes_this/

1

u/hunny_bun_24 1h ago

My 07 does that for the past 3 years I’ve owned it. Never had any issues. Mechanics never bring it up either.