Every now and then, once the engine "catches" when starting, I hear a sound that sounds like a loud "shhhhh". I know that's vague but that's the best way to describe it. Almost seems like it's part of the starting mechanism. Starter otherwise works fine, no changes whatsoever except that sound occasionally.

I'm not super worried about it, at all, but am wondering if anyone's heard of this before.

 

Common issue. It's the starter. Doesn't mean it's going bad, it just makes that awful noise sometimes.

 

Yeah. It's very random and sporadic when it happens.

Anyone else have more info or experience with this?

 

Never heard it in my 04UL. Currently have 115,000 miles and owned since 21,000 miles and 9 years.

 

That sound happens when the starter is still engaged after the engine starts. Happens if the key is held too long when starting or when the starter is on its way out. If it's the starter itself the contacts in the solenoid are worn and are sticking together. If that's the case it will get worse and either the starter will just quit working one day or the contacts can stick so badly that the starter will run continuously until you disconnect the battery. My Toyota pickup went 205k on its original starter and it gave me a few warnings before the contacts stuck. The starter continued to spin even with the vehicle shut off and the key removed from the ignition. Toyota starters are very reliable but when they do fail this is the most common failure. The contacts in the solenoid are replaceable separately if you don't want to buy a whole new starter.

 

I think I have the same issue. I hear a quick (split second) grinding type noise when I start my car after sitting for a long period (ie. over night or after the workday). It usually only happens in cold weather which is odd.

 

Mine isn't a grind; it just literally sounds like someone loud quickly goes "SHHH" as if silencing another person.

I noticed it when the weather was cold. Even if it is a bad starter, I doubt I'll be replacing it anytime soon. It's very intermittent.