Hello
My 1987 Automatic Transmission Camry sometimes makes a grinding noise when I start it. If so I just turn the key back and try again. This happens about once a month.
This past weekend, I noticed a grinding noise coming from the starter ring gear area when I would put the car in Neutral or Park. This is when I would be coming to a stop and turning the car off. Taking it back to drive the noise went away.
About a year ago the car was stolen and they jammed the ignition lock cylinder. It still works with the key, or pretty much any key you can put in it. At times I can remove the key and the car is still running. So the lock ignition cylinder is obviously damaged.
What I am thinking is that maybe the ignition key / switch is not releasing all the way as it is damaged and the starter is a bit engaged and that is causing the grinding noise when I put it in Neutral or Park while it is running. But why neutral and park?
Any ideas?
Thanks