# 2003 Cavalier metallic screech when turning key to start

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-cavalier-metallic-screech-when-turning-key-to-start/23590>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [December 19, 2008, 1:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-cavalier-metallic-screech-when-turning-key-to-start/23590 "2008-12-19T01:00:24Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![chevy\_al](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a87d85/32.png) [@chevy\_al](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chevy_al)\
**Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 1:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-cavalier-metallic-screech-when-turning-key-to-start/23590/1 "2008-12-19T01:00:24Z")

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I have a 2003 Cavalier with 54,000 original miles. What has been happening for the past several months is that 2 0r 3 times out of 4, whenever I begin to turn the key to start the engine, a moderately loud, metallic-like screech is heard for about 1-2 seconds right as the engine starts. The car runs great, no problems whatsoever, but this screech at start up is annoying, and of course it NEVER does it when I stop in at the dealer shop! I have been told it could be the ignition, the starter, a solenoid, several different things. Any suggestions?

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**Author:** ![wizard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a87d85/32.png) [@wizard](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wizard)\
**Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 1:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-cavalier-metallic-screech-when-turning-key-to-start/23590/2 "2008-12-19T01:55:41Z")

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Sounds more like starter to me.I can’t think of how the ignition would make that kind of a sound.

The dealer is going to cost you an arm and a leg, so take it to an independent mechanic.

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**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\
**Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 2:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-cavalier-metallic-screech-when-turning-key-to-start/23590/3 "2008-12-19T02:07:45Z")

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Probably a faulty starter, especially if the starter has seen a lot of cycles.  
If the starter is replaced the starter drive gear and flexplate (or flywheel) teeth mesh should be inspected.  
Some of these vehicles may require a shim to properly adjust the mesh of the teeth.  
These shims (of varying thicknesses) are available at most all car parts stores and they’re dirt cheap.