1995 SL1

[Pat]

Hello everyone,

I drive an automatic 1995 SL1 with about 175,000 miles. Recently I've
started to hear a "fluttering" noise (something mechanical spinning/winding
down) immediately after starting my car. The noise lasts no more than two
seconds and stops before I even put the car into gear. From the drivers
seat, the noise appears to be coming from in front of me, as opposed to a
faulty belt tensioner whose noise was clearly from the other side of the
engine. When starting the car I don't need to crank it any longer nor does
it need any extra gas. It starts right up just like it did on day one
except for that sound. No SES light either.

The oil has been changed within the last 1000 miles but I don't believe the
two are related. Back in 2003, however, my local Saturn dealer told me that
I should have my ignition coil replaced. I still have not had that done.
Could that be the source of the noise? A rattling exhaust pipe has also
been suggested but I don't think that would make the kind of noise I hear.

Any help or other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

-Pat

[Scott]

Pat, my money is on the starter/solenoid starting to fail.
I did a starter on my '95 SW1 a few years back at 160,000 mi.

If it is the original unit then it is only a matter of time. If it
does fail and leave you stranded before you get a chance to replace
it, give it a good whack with a hammer (which you should now start
carrying) and it will give you that last drive to the repair shop or
home.

Scott