Haven't seen this talked about.

[Tamara Hock]

About 6 months ago I purchased a 2005 Expedition from the original owner. Only had 75k. Lived entire life in SoCal. Great deal.

Occasionally a strange thing happens. When I go to start the vehicle the gears grind and it makes people nearby jump in terror. The sound is like when you have started your car, forget you started the car and try to start it again.

Last week I took the Expedition on a 2500 mile road trip, towing a 4k lb travel trailer. It did great. EXCEPT- after towing for a few hours and stopping for gas, the grinding gear thing happens when I attempt to start the car. I found a "go around" by placing the car in NEUTRAL when starting.

The original owner says this has happened since the car was new and Ford could not figure out the cause. Because, of course it can never be duplicated at the shop.
Any ideas? I'd like to make it stop.
I had the transmission flushed last week.
Thank you.

 

[stamp11127]

Sound similar to this?:

 

[Plati]

My 2014 5.4L does something similar I've always wondered about. It doesn't sound as severe as what you describe. For a while I thought it was the remote start malfunctioning ... but then I noticed it also does it with a normal key start.

I start the engine (remote or key) ... maybe 1 or 2 seconds later after its running I hear a quick "grinding" exactly as you describe like you turned the key to start again by mistake. Does it maybe once every 20 starts , not sure of the number.

Always wondered what it is ... never heard anyone ever mention this ... not sure if I should take it to shop or what. It seems to be able to live through it.

Not like that video stamp posted, the video grinds on start - not 2 seconds later

 

[Tamara Hock]

Sound similar to this?:

Couldn't pull up video.

 

[stamp11127]

I checked the link and it played the video. Go to YouTube and search "starter grinding"

 

[ThatOneMike]

that's a sound I could live without.

 

[Tamara Hock]

I checked the link and it played the video. Go to YouTube and search "starter grinding"

It is a higher pitch and very sharp. I tried to find a video that resembled it and could not.

 

[J_82]

I didn’t hear the sound or the video cause I’m chilling drinking beers but by you all description I think it is going to be worn out teeth on a spot on the flywheel.

 

[J_82]

Or to be correct the flex plate.

 

[stamp11127]

Try this one - sound is near the end.


If that is the sound, the starter should be removed so the flex plate teeth and starter drive teeth can be inspected for damage.