I've noticed this clunk or grinding sound when I start up my Cube. The speedo and RPM gauge go up and back down, then the RMP shoots to about 1000 to 15000. That brief time the RMP jumps is when I hear a clunk or grind. It also sounds worse when I have my foot on the brake. Sometimes it will shoot to the right RPM smoothly with no clunk. Its also quite noticeable outside of the car as well.

Has anyone else had this problem? Is it even a problem? I hope it isn't anything that I have to go to the dealer for.

I don't know about why it would do it with or without the brake. But, it is probably the A/C compressor turning on that you are hearing.

The A/C compressor in these things is really noisy, far more noisy than any car I've ever had.

The RPM's will jump up when you start it in order to help the engine warm up quicker.

agreed, its the ac compressor. start your car with the ac turned off and let us know what happens.

Thanks ewraven and T, good to know. And I will when I get the chance.

A/C off, no noise. Awesome!

good to hear