noise from engine on startup

**fla** · 09-11-2011,04:27 PM

I sometimes get a kind of a 'squak' from the engine when starting the car, like you're strangling a duck! I've tried just turning the ignition on, waiting a few seconds and then starting. This sometimes gets around it. What get activated when the ignition comes on and then when the engine turns over? My initial assumption is something to do with the alternator bearings or starter motor?

**nevo** · 09-11-2011,07:37 PM

Check your belts, aux and aircon pump.

**Killakam78** · 09-11-2011,09:40 PM

Sounds like the starter, i had this on a mk4 golf and my misses A3, may be worth dropping the starter out and cleaning it with a toothbrush, i did that on both and it worked....just a thought

**fla** · 10-11-2011,11:48 AM

thanks for the pointers chaps. Killakam, is the access to the starter striaghtforward?

**fourringsrus** · 10-11-2011,09:39 PM

I'd agree the starter motor is sticking and needs a clean or re-furb/replace.
Not sure which car or engine you have but starter generally not to awkward to find/access

**Killakam78** · 10-11-2011,10:39 PM

The starter on the mk4 and the a3 we're under the battery tray... Thats the best way to describe it.....u usually get at em by taking the battery out and getting at the plugs and large bolt with a 13mm socket, then underneath the car for the 2nd bolt...took about half hour to do...i then bought one of those oral b electric tooth brushes and used wd40 to clean.....aint got the golf no more so i couldnt comment on how long that lasted, but on the A3 its been about 8 months and its still sweet as a nut

**mkman1** · 10-11-2011,11:02 PM

I changed the starter motor on my 1998 golf mk4 and it was under the battery. It just awkward to get at some of the nuts, You'll need a can of wd40 to loosen the rusted nuts.

**fla** · 21-11-2011,05:00 PM

just had a battle removing the battery from mine (pass side wiper off, long scuttle panel removed and then the access to that nightmare hidden nut for the battery clamp) but no starter underneath

perhaps its located elsewhere under the car? Any details would be great.

**Killakam78** · 21-11-2011,07:00 PM

Ooooo i only did it n the golf and the A3, they were both in the same place, but the battery on those are behind the passenger side headlights, only realised the other day that the A4 battery is under the windscreen! I would say try passenger side, near the headlight

**fourringsrus** · 21-11-2011,07:24 PM

I just spotted that you were reading A3/Golf info.
In a B6 A4 you will have your engine mounted longitudinally, not transverse as per A3/Golf/TT.
Still don't know which engine you have but a simple way to find your starter motor is to clamber under the car a look where the engine joins the gearbox, the starter will show itself at the bell housing.

Does anyone have any access to pictures of the B6 A4 engine range showing the position of the starter , that would help this chap out and save him dismantling the car on guesswork.

Stuart