i have noticed lately during a cold start (40*-60*) i get a quick grind, well more like a scraping noise. it really sounds like its coming from the transmission area. it dosent matter what gear i start it in or even neutral. it stops as soon as the engine cranks over. since i am certain its not from the engine itself, i am kinda at a loss as to what or why this is happening. any info on possibilities would be appreciated.

 

Starter motor?

 

at 34k miles? i hope not anyway. i have never abused it, grinded starter, nothing like that. guess its the only possiblility now that i think about it, starter and or fly wheel. i wonder if its still under warrenty, 3 yr 36k miles right?

 

There is a noise as you described associated with the exhaust and/or heat shields but most people have stated that it occurs in a certain RPM range and usually only from startup until the engine or exhaust warm up a bit. There's also a TSB on the transmission isolator plate (?) that comes to mind (sorry... too early in the morning at the moment. Need the 1st few cups to kick in).