Groaning Sound with key on, engine off

My 96 Sentra has an inermittent starting problem. When it does turn over, it starts fine, but you sometimes have to turn the key a few times, just to get the starter to engage.

It also makes a groaning sound from somewhere in the engine area, when you turn the key to "on", but do not start the car.

Sort of an "errrrrrrk" that lasts for about a second, and stops.

What is this sound from ?

Is this sound possibly related to the starting problem ???

Thanks

Reply to
SentraMench
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on 3/1/2008 1:21 PM SentraMench said the following:

Due to wear in the ignition switch cylinder, it can get sloppy and slip a little over the years. When it happens, sometimes you can get the car to start by turning the key all the way to Off, and then a little further to nudge the switch cylinder back to where it belongs. Then sneak up on the start position, so as not move the switch mechanism. I don't know about the noise in the engine compartment. The electric fuel pump is in the tank, so that's not it.

Reply to
willshak

willshak wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@news.supernews.com:

it also could be a bad starter solenoid.

Reply to
Jim Yanik

My car, which has had a different starting problem, makes this sound. I believe it is the fuel pump, which is located under the rear seat. However, I might think it was coming from the engine compartment if I didn't know what it was. My sound lasts for several seconds however.

My guess is that the sound you are hearing is normal and you have only noticed it because of the starting problem.

I think the primary suspect is the ignition switch, which I believe you can change fairly easily and is...about $100? I'm not sure. Other possibilities include the starter and solenoid, and there may be interlock switches on the clutch/transmission.

Reply to
Plague Boy

Hey guys thanks for the replies. How do I check the ignition switch ? Just put a new one in and see if the problem is cured ? How do I get to the ignition switch ? Is it in the steering column?

Thanks

Reply to
SentraMench

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