[Digitalfiend]

I went to start the car earlier today, turned it to ON then past to ignition. I got a screech like how it sounds when you accidentally forget the car is running and try to turn it on. The car was absolutely not running and did not start. I figured it might have been something I did, so I just turned the car off, and tried again. The car started up normally.

Later today I started it again and it made the exact same sound. Made the exact same sound as though the car was already on. Turned the car off and tried again and no problem. The car drives and pulls perfectly normal. No strange engine noise at all.

I'm going to see if I can reproduce it consistently but I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered this. Usually I wait for the sweep to complete and the fuel pump to prime, but I didn't wait when this issue occurred. I really can't see that being the problem, but I'm going to try and reproduce it.

Lastly, do any of you hear a metallic like rubbing sound when engine braking in 1st or 2nd at low RPMs? It sounds like the clutch/front diff because when I put the clutch in, it goes away. I can't remember if my '05 did that or not and if it did, it is definitely louder than I remember.

[Rum]

Originally Posted by Digitalfiend

Lastly, do any of you hear a metallic like rubbing sound when engine braking in 1st or 2nd at low RPMs? It sounds like the clutch/front diff because when I put the clutch in, it goes away. I can't remember if my '05 did that or not and if it did, it is definitely louder than I remember.

Mine definitely makes all kinds of gear meshing type sounds when engine braking in 1 and 2. Sounds to be coming from the front/center diff area. Quite loud, kind of the same volume as most cars make when engine braking in reverse, but less whiny and more meshy, if that makes any sense.

[Digitalfiend]

Originally Posted by Rum

Mine definitely makes all kinds of gear meshing type sounds when engine braking in 1 and 2. Sounds to be coming from the front/center diff area. Quite loud, kind of the same volume as most cars make when engine braking in reverse, but less whiny and more meshy, if that makes any sense.

That perfectly describes what I'm talking about. I'm pretty sure my '05 never made that much noise. It's not a big deal, I just want to make sure it is normal since it is audible from outside the car (you can hear it with the windows down.)

I must admit, I'm not totally sold on the clutch action with the new car. I loved the heavier clamping on my '05; my wife does appreciate the lighter action on the new clutch though. I find it is a little less precise. Lots of engine movement in the car too but I was spoiled by my Cusco mounts; I find the new car tends to buck a lot more at low speed/light throttle inputs after going over an uneven surface (driveway, ruts, etc.) I know my '05 did this a bit but nothing like the new car. Once again, no big deal.

Now I just need to figure out what is causing this other noise. That one actually has me a tad frustrated. I'm going to go give it a try now.

Thanks again for the reply.

[Rum]

shoot you can hear mine with the windows up if the stereo is off. I listen to it every day stop and go, stop and go on the freeway.

Clutch is too soft and too high compared to what I am used to. I've yet to get a nice solid launch out of the thing. I either end up lurching it, or slipping it and burning it up.

Good luck with that startup thing.

[shagnwrx]

The metallic noise you hear when you let off throttle in gear is probably normal. Straight cut gears have a tendency to be VERY noisy. They'll whine, make that weird noise when you lift off, and yes it goes away when you throw the clutch in. My 04 STi did the same thing as does my 08 STi.

As for the screech on startup, I wonder if the starter has a flat spot on it somewhere... hopefully just a minor defect that the dealer can remedy for you.

[supermarkus]

Yeah, that sounds like either a loose starter or it has a flat spot. Warranty that baby. As for the the meshy sound on engine braking, the synchros in the new car have been revised slightly so they could be noisier than you are used to. Just make sure your fluid levels are fine and then promptly ignore it until something goes boom

[bue car]

No big deal :]]] damn boy no need to justify a shaky car ...it is the first design...

[howboutthemapplz]

my 05 doesnt make any of these noises... id like to see a video.. i am imagining like a dogbox type noise?? is that accurate??

as for the screech on startup, i would agree it sounds like the starter..

Good luck on hunting it down!!

[howboutthemapplz]

Originally Posted by bue car

No big deal :]]] damn boy no need to justify a shaky car ...it is the first design...

is this somehow helpful?

[vman_sti]

Originally Posted by Rum

Mine definitely makes all kinds of gear meshing type sounds when engine braking in 1 and 2. Sounds to be coming from the front/center diff area. Quite loud, kind of the same volume as most cars make when engine braking in reverse, but less whiny and more meshy, if that makes any sense.

+1. My 05 STi made similar noises otherwise I would have been concerned as well.

Somewhat off topic: During this past winter my car wouldn't turn over for the 1st/2nd try. It was fairly cold (high 20s F). Occurred a couple of separate times and I believe only on 1st startup of the day. Anyone else experience this? Starter sounded strong. Experienced same turn over behavior after installing AP Stg 1 (btw, wow)…but so have others. Thank God for this forum otherwise I would have shat my pants but was prepared!

Good Luck

[supermarkus]

It's probably the trash batteries these cars come with. I had a battery in my WRX go flat on my first winter for no good reason other than being a POS, I hadn't modified anything other than the lights, which we knew weren't drawing anything when off. My replacement Subaru battery was good until I sold it, so 2 full winters on it and it was fine.

[Digitalfiend]

I've been trying to reproduce the issue but can't. It's only happened twice. After talking with the service manager, he figures it could be a cranky starter (no pun intended ).

...and for the smartass comment about "shakey new model"...

My '05 had a defective DCCD control module right from the factory. I had to help the dealership diagnose the issue. Two trips later they replaced my DCCD CM with one from a car on the lot and everything worked. Then I had a defective clutch release bearing at 24K and was given an entirely new clutch...which was very nice of them and unexpected. Then I had a wheel bearing issue and that needed to be replaced. Next up was the infamous strut-clunk and both rear struts were replaced. Then my battery died unexpectedly; replaced under warranty. Then I developed an annoying dash rattle, so I threw some Cusco mounts in so everything rattled evenly. I'm sure there is other stuff I'm missing. I considered most of these to be minor annoyances and "no big deal". So don't give me that "shakey first model" crap. So far all model years of STIs have had minor issues. A potentially defective starter motor from the factory, to me, is no big deal.

[jaybird09]

Next time it happens, get out of the car. Run around it twice. Then get back in and honk the horn 3 times. It should start right up!

[jnprn2003]

My 07' will grind the starter sometimes. I notice it after I drive the car for a while and let it sit. I have taken the starter out and checked all the connections without finding anything. I am chalking it up to a picky starter.

[delta one]

Originally Posted by jaybird09

Next time it happens, get out of the car. Run around it twice. Then get back in and honk the horn 3 times. It should start right up!

I did this with my 89 mustang it works like a dream! but dont forget to pat the dash after it works...