Cold weather and the Yaris

[Yarisgirl1964]

I have a 2008 Automatic sedan. This is my first winter with it. A few times in the cold weather when I start the car at cold, it makes a horrible grinding noise, as if I am turning the key with the engine already on....anyone have an idea? Or have you experienced this also?

[Kar98]

Can't say as I do. It takes maybe a turn more than in summer driving and I actually have to depress the gas pedal some, but no grinding noises.

[nortonfb]

Grinding noise is either the motor is running, the starter armature is sticking,
the key is sticking or being held too long.
See if you can isolate what is happening.
I had a problem two or three times where the starter stuck on my current
07. I just shut it off and restarted it.
Hasn't happen since the weather got cool/cold.
Norton

[bronsin]

Where do you live? (how cold is it?) If it doesnt do it very often (1 time in 10) I wouldnt worry about it.

[jambo101]

Could that grinding noise actually be a loud squealing noise?

[nookandcrannycar]

Could that grinding noise actually be a loud squealing noise?

Yeah, with a 2008, if the serp belt hasn't been changed it might be slipping.

[Yarisgirl1964]

Where do you live? (how cold is it?) If it doesnt do it very often (1 time in 10) I wouldnt worry about it.

It seems to happen when there's a lot of moisture and cold. So, not often...as it was really cold this morning and this afternoon and it didn't happen.

[Yarisgirl1964]

Could that grinding noise actually be a loud squealing noise?

Nope, not squealing

[Duhamhim]

Has anyone ever had the steering rack seize during extreme cold (9°) NYC
Had to replace one same time last year after nearly catastrophic failure (turning wheel car still going straight)

[nortonfb]

It's been 0* F around here each morning for a week.
Never a problem. Nothing with grease on it want's to work easily until it's
warmed up a bit.
Norton

[Yarisgirl1964]

It's been 0* F around here each morning for a week.
Never a problem. Nothing with grease on it want's to work easily until it's
warmed up a bit.
Norton

Wouldn't the engine light come on if there was a problem? I'm assuming it's just the cold. it runs fine after I warm it up.

[john21031]

Use synthetic oil in the winter in 5w30 or thinner viscosity. The mineral oil can become too viscous when cold and not circulate or lubricate parts when just first started. It's terrible for the engine. Start with the basics.

[IllusionX]

Use synthetic oil in the winter in 5w30 or thinner viscosity. The mineral oil can become too viscous when cold and not circulate or lubricate parts when just first started. It's terrible for the engine. Start with the basics.


Viscosity should be the same (within spec) mineral or synthetic.

[tmontague]

Viscosity should be the same (within spec) mineral or synthetic.

True, like you said "within spec". I you're in an area that drops temps below what the "5w" is rated in synthetic tends to flow better at those out of range temps. That's essentially one of the sole purposes in running synthetic (grade IV not V). There is no doubt it has made the cold starts easier and smoother for me.

That being said, I have never heard a grinding noise in any car at any low temps regardles of oil. I would think it's something other than a shearing noise. Unless a gallery port is plugged an oil isn't getting there at all?