Hi all,
I think I already know the answer to this but I want to confirm. I live in the northeastern US and during that really bad cold snap we had earlier this winter the ignition was frozen such that it wouldn't turn. After blasting it with a hair dryer for about a half hour, the key turned but slowly and the car started. After starting, I heard this continuous scraping sound which would go away after about 10-15 minutes. This happened on a number of subsequent days doing the hair dryer trick and hearing that sound. The car became harder and harder to start. Finally, it no longer starts and I just hear that scraping sound when I turn the key in the ignition. Could it be that my ignition didn't go all the way back from the start position to the on position such that my starter was continually cranking and eventually gave out? Also at this time my cig lighter and the rear window defogger stopped working although the fuse is just fine.
P.S. Where the heck is the starter on this thing? Can't seem to find it so I can take it off to be replaced if need be. Really need to get the repair manual.