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Squeaking when turning key

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by 88mmalloy, May 1, 2020.

  1. May 1, 2020 at 3:17 PM
    #1
    88mmalloy

    88mmalloy [OP] New Member

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    Ok I will try to describe this the best that I can. I have a 2003 v6 tundra 4x4 automatic. I just had all the belts replaced including serpentine and timing belt. Both before and after they were changed it makes a whining noise when I turn the key to start the engine. The engine always starts fine but if I keep the key In the start position the whining will continue until I let go of the key. Any ideas?
     
  2. May 1, 2020 at 3:47 PM
    #2
    PCJ

    PCJ New Member

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    Sounds like your starter motor. It's either loose, needs rebuilding/replacing and/or the flex plate teeth are worn/damaged. When you hold the key in the start position after the engine starts you are keeping the starter engaged and are aggravating the problem.
     
  3. May 1, 2020 at 3:48 PM
    #3
    88mmalloy

    88mmalloy [OP] New Member

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    Thank you, yeah I only did that to test it. I appreciate the response I’m gonna see how hard it is to replace the starter myself.
     
  4. May 26, 2020 at 8:24 AM
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    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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  5. May 26, 2020 at 11:15 AM
    #5
    bmf4069

    bmf4069 Yup, that's car parts in a dishwasher

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    I guess he got lost in the starter replacement.
     
  6. May 28, 2020 at 4:55 AM
    #6
    88mmalloy

    88mmalloy [OP] New Member

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    Hey thanks for replying everyone. So here’s the deal now, my mechanic has replaced every belt possible and just had the starter replaced last week. Right before the starter was replaced it wouldn’t start at all, just squealing. I turned the engine manually and tried to start it and it started. Ever since starter was replaced it starts fine but it STILL squeals. My mechanic said at this point it has to be the flex plate. He checked all the teeth on it and they looked fine but he can’t see the whole thing. He said maybe it was bent?(I replaced the engine in this truck back in March because the other one blew up). My question is, what’s going to happen if I don’t replace the flex plate?
     
  7. Jun 1, 2020 at 10:10 AM
    #7
    88mmalloy

    88mmalloy [OP] New Member

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    So update I’m in a situation now where one mechanic is telling me that the reason it’s squealing is because depending on where the engine was manufactured the size differs slightly and the starter needs shims even if it didn’t have shims before. He said 100 percent not the flex plate. Other mechanic is saying it definitely is the flex plate.
     
  8. Jun 1, 2020 at 11:01 AM
    #8
    bmf4069

    bmf4069 Yup, that's car parts in a dishwasher

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    Wow. That kinda sucks. I'm not well versed in this area, but I could see it needing shims. The starter teeth could be putting too much force on the flex plate maybe?
     
  9. Jun 1, 2020 at 11:03 AM
    #9
    88mmalloy

    88mmalloy [OP] New Member

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    I mean at this point I feel like I should just get the starter shimmed and see if it fixes it? It’s a lot cheaper than paying for the flexplate replacement
     
  10. Jun 1, 2020 at 11:08 AM
    #10
    bmf4069

    bmf4069 Yup, that's car parts in a dishwasher

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    I dont think it would hurt, and replacing the flex plate means pulling the trans. Getting to the starter is just an intake away. But again, I'm definitely not an expert on this matter.
     
  11. Jun 1, 2020 at 1:49 PM
    #11
    PCJ

    PCJ New Member

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    I'm not an expert on every engine made either but the only starters I've encountered that needed to be shimmed were Chevrolet engines back in the 70's. I would have the mechanic that says it needs to be shimmed to agree that the repair is free if it doesn't fix the issue, which any repair should be from a reputable mechanic.

    The fact that you replaced the engine makes me wonder if you didn't get the the torque converter seated properly to the flex plate and tweaked the flex plate when it was tightened down.
     
  12. Jun 1, 2020 at 2:15 PM
    #12
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    This is logical.
     
    FrenchToasty likes this.

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