Expert: Sean Halliday - 12/14/2006

Question
Hi there, I have a '97 Nissan Sentra (Automatic transmission). Often when I try
and turn the key in the ignition to start the car a horrible metallic grating/
screeching sound happens. Sometimes rocking the car seems to stop this,
but I really am not sure what is wrong with it? It has a new battery and is
serviced every 6 months. A friend of mine suggested that the starter motor
was dying, and another thinks that it may be a tooth in the flywheel? So any
help is most appreciated!
Thanks.

Answer
Your friend is right.The flywheel or starter or both seem like they are worn out so if you remove the starter and check the teeth on the flywheel that should tell you more.The only thing is why the rocking makes a difference?.Its possible the starter might be loose or you may have lost a bolt.Is the transmission/transaxle ok?.i mean no noise when driving?