The Key Thinks the Engine is Already Running

[thenative1]

I would imagine this is obvious to some/many of you but a new development with my Troopy, below, which is generally running like a top.

On two separate and relatively recent occasions, the truck has been sitting somewhere for a few hours and when I go to start it, on turning it to start, it makes the harsh buzzing sound as if I were trying to start it and the engine were *already* running. I can only assure you that it's not already running.

The last two times, I've turned the key twice (or three?) and it makes that sound. On the next key turn, the engine starts normally and no issues after that.

What's going on here? What's the false positive that's occurring to make that sound even when the engine isn't running?

Thanks in advance,
Evan

 

[3_puppies]

is it a high speed whirring noise? wonder if it's turning but not engaging the flywheel. time for a rebuild or replace.

 

[Toyota Pilot]

Bad starter Solenoid?

 

[Gumby]

The sound that happens when you try to start the engine when it's already running is the starter gear clashing violently with the rapidly spinning flywheel. If it's making a similar noise when the engine is not running then either the starter or the flywheel ring gear is bad. As expensive as a starter is, hope for the former as a flywheel requires either the engine or trans to come out to replace.

Sometimes the starter can go out of alignment with the flywheel and make this clashing noise as well. Usually the starter bolts are loose, but occasionally the bushing in the starter can get so trashed it can make the noise too.

 

[thenative1]

Gumby,

Thanks very much for the insight. I'm going to start small (check grounds, starter bolts, etc.) and hope I get lucky. If those don't work, I'm going to start looking for bigger (sigh) problems.

I'll report back at some point. Thanks again!

Best,
Evan

 

[woytovich]

You can see the flywheel teeth from underneath. Remove the clutch splash cover and, with the truck parking brake set and the truck in neutral, turn the flywheel with a prybar. Look for trashed teeth.