grinding noise upon start up

[gatorman]

I have just joined the Saturn Family and am totally pleased with my new L-200. I have every option except a sunroof and the v-6. It was a fuel economy thing I guess! but right to my question..... when I start my car up in the morning or night (cold start) I hear this grinding type noise from the engine compartment. It sounds almost like the serpintine belt just let loose,it only lasts a second or two, but when I popped the hood and had a friend start the car I couldnt for the life of me pinpoint the location of this awful noise!! coming short of scaring the crap out of me when it makes this noise should I take it to my dealer ?? it is a 150 mile trip for me 1 way....that sucks but oh well I am the only one around with a new L in my town HA HA !
If anyone has a suggestion please post before I tear into this thing myself!!

Harsh grinding? By all means take it to the dealer...almost sounds like a starter not disengaging after the motor starts.

[gatorman]

I don't think it is a starter problem ...I have been reading thru the archives and I think someone referred to the A/C clutch assy? If this thing makes that kind of noise when the clutch engages why on earth wouldnt someone recall and replace the SICK sounding unit???
Have there been any tech recalls or any how to's on how to remedy this?
Still worried!!

[Phil]

Heck, just let the dealer worry about it. That is why you spend all that money for a new car- warranty coverage is included.

[gatorman]

I know Phil but ..... adding 300 possible miles and not to mention a whole day wasted sitting in the lobby of the service area!! I figure if I can do something to tide it over until the first service requirement then that would be a more productive day for me... unless they give me a new VUE to play around in I guess that would be allright ? Ya know it must be a guy pride thing "I can fix it" deal huh!

[ssicarman]

If you think that it may be the a/c compressor try starting the car with the heater controls in the vent position and the a/c button off. If it still makes the noise then it's not the a/c system.

[gatorman]

Geez how right you were it is the clutch assy for the a/c. whatever is wrong with it I can tell you one thing..... I have never heard this kind of noise in any car I have owned, either domestic or import!! I am going to call my dealer tomorrow and do a little chewing after I tell him what is going on. I can assume this is NOT normal and should be looked at by a certified tech huh? so much for a do it yourself project in the driveway <img src="http://64.77.2.166/cgi-bin/UltraBoard/Images/Sad.gif" border="0" align="middle">

One other quick question, is the L- series automaticly wired for a c-d changer in the trunk compartment or are the wires non-exsistent unless the "advanced/with changer" is ordered?
I talked to the tech in MD and they reccomended a Panasonic product because the OEM is produced by Panasonic and they said things would "match up" properly ?? well and thoughts?
thanks

[TheRayMan]

Hi!

I was the guy that mentioned the AC clutch!

Both of our L series are afflicted with this noise.(we also thought it was the starter)
Try this test to see if it is the AC clutch....

Set your air selector to any other setting than defrost.(AC runs in the defrost setting)
Make sure your AC button is off.
Now, start the car, the sound should be gone.

If you still here that awfull sound , it may just very well be the starter motor.

I agree, it would be nice if in future production they would delay the AC clutch for a couple of seconds until the engine has a chance to get started and up to normal speed. It would also be less of a load on the battery and starter.
It is just another one of those overlooked items in converting a Vectra to a Saturn.

Rayman

[gatorman]

Alas, it is the A/C clutch assy !! My gosh even my junker 325i never pulled that crap and it had 170K on it .....it makes me wonder ?? There are ways of dealing with things like this without even laying a wrench on the car! Up until this I was totally happy with the Saturn experience now who knows! They better make it right

[gatorman]

I went to get my 3000 mile oil change and talked to the service tech about the noise described in my prior postings. He stated that mostly all the new L-series cars have this problem! It is caused from the compressor, the "freon" I guess turns to a liquid AND a gas but when the system is not operating it partly turns into the liquid state. When you turn your A/C or defroster on this causes the pump to separate the two which causes this noise. He even started a fresh off the transport L-300 right in front of me and darned if it made that noise too!! So I guess until they come up with a better compressor or something we have to deal with it. It will help if you have the A/C or defroster OFF prior to startup and THEN engage it. If I have miss quoted the way a compressor works forgive me but it is in layman's terms !!
have a great day!!!!!!