Horrible Noises When Starting Truck

georgecdisc · December 18, 2009

So this is the second winter I will be owning my GMT900. To begin I would like to note that two of these symptoms I had last year and ignored, figuring they would go away. Well they haven't and they are just as prominent:

1. Door makes loud, obnoxious creak when opening. This usually only happens when the door has been closed for an extended period of time, aka sitting for hours or I was driving for 20-30 minutes. Because it can not be duplicated at any moment it is irritating as I can not find the direct source.

2. The starter. Not sure if this has anything to do with the battery struggling to turn over the engine, but I do notice the "umph" kind of dies out right before ignition, almost as if the battery will quit out. That isn't a huge deal but feel it is related to the major issue, promptly after the engine turns over a grinding sound (again, loud, obnoxious and this time frightening) is heard. Sounds like the starter solenoid is not retracting properly and thus making the grinding sound. My '98 always started with zero hesitation, not one lull when cranking over. Perhaps my battery is not up to par?

Now a new development this year. Today was the first day I started in sub zero temperatures and after the first two above passed and the truck was finally running I was witness to the new sound(s). Sounded almost belt related but I could be totally wrong. It is hard to describe the sound but it was on and off for about 45 seconds after starting: a whirring, squealing (not high pitched), struggling type of sound. The tone/pitch changed constantly which makes it hard to describe. My only guesses to what it could be are anything on the serp belt or the torque converter. It was dark (and sub zero!) so I was not able to check the fluid levels.

I plan on taking it into the dealer to look at. I figure they will just spray/apply some lube to the doors which is fine with me. I might even buy myself some dry lube and do it myself. The starter is definitely and ugly situation which I hope they can fix. You know those vehicles with loud, squealing serp belts right after starting up and make you cringe? Well, my starter grinding away makes me cringe just as much. For the last symptom, I am not sure if the dealer will be able to duplicate it. Again, it was sub-zero when starting. Does anybody have any thoughts on this last one, maybe some experiences? It is so hard to explain I think the dealer will just look at me funny and in the end responding "everything checked out fine."

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

ColoradoSkiCountry · December 18, 2009

Hi there. I'd have to say what you are hearing is normal, depending on how cold it is. We were 15 below zero here in Denver a few weeks back and my truck made all kinds of noises. My doors were loud, my windows were VERY loud, the engine was funny sounding when it first started up, and there was a 1-2 second belt squeak. In my opinion this is Normal. THe belt is going to be VERY hard from the cold, so that explains the belt squeak. Not much you can do about that. Even with the aftermarket belts. The doors and windows obviously will be noisy since the cold and heat causes things to expand and contract. If your in a climate where it frequently gets below 32 degrees F, (Freezing) you might consider running a synthetic or synthetic blend 5W30 instead of conventional 5W30 oil, as it will help get things lubed in the engine much quicker. Always make sure you let your truck warm up for 3-5 min MINIMUM when its below 0 outside and go easy on the turns and throttle and braking to allow the Tranny time to warm up along with power steering.

Cheers,

RyGuy

ColoradoSkiCountry · December 18, 2009

Let me just add to those folks who don't think warming up an engine for a few min is needed in the cold: One of the quickest ways to damage your engine and componants which have a pump (steering, tranny) is to start the vehicle up on a cold day and take right off. When the fluid is cold, the oil pressure builds up until it warms up. Too much pressure = problems.

Huntervh · December 18, 2009

Having a few days in sub zero temps I have been getting that harmonic sound that you described, have no idea where it is coming from. Once the truck is warmed up the sound goes away. Only happens when it is extremely cold out.

georgecdisc · December 18, 2009

I do run Mobil 1 5W30. If it is a belt noise I would not consider it normal. I did not have any with my old truck. Makes me think it is related to something on the belt, like the AC clutch or something. Anyways, if I find out more I will post.

Volucris · December 18, 2009

On one of my old trucks, a Toyota, the power steering pump would make god awful noises on cold mornings until the fluid warmed up. It did it for 12 years.

AThomas7782 · December 19, 2009

I have the belt squeak in the mornings too. Very faint and goes away in about 45 seconds or so. I think I saw something on here once about it and how to fix it, but I couldn't find the thread again with search.

georgecdisc · December 19, 2009

I wouldn't mind upgrading my belt to a gatorback, I had a wonderful experience with one, not to mention how many other people rave about them.

BadBowtie1 · December 19, 2009

Just put on a gatorback belt and my noise is gone in the morning. I only got 20,000 miles on the truck and the factory belt looked great but it made a little noise in the morning for about 15 seconds. I would try the gatorback for the belt noise.