Infiniti M35 2007 Weird Start [SOLVED - starter not engaging flywheel]

[demjars]

Hello! Lately when i push the button on my push start, i hear a very strange sound. I’ve attached a video link so anyone can take a listen. When i put my foot on the brake, then push the button the sound happens and no start. When i let the car wake up by pushing the button with no foot on the brake, it wakes up, i then try to start the car with the foot on the brake and it sometimes cranks and sometimes does the same noise. Any help would be awesome!
Infiniti M35 2007 V6

[Ilya]

Welcome to the forum.

It's really hard to tell but what side does the noise come from?

[EdBwoy]

Yikes! That sounded like an RC car... or plastic gears stripping. Do you know if it's coming from the front or the rear of the car?

For one, it sounds like the sound the pump makes when priming but that should not go on for that long; however it also sounds like a starter that did not engage and keeps running.

[demjars]

Yikes! That sounded like an RC car... or plastic gears stripping. Do you know if it's coming from the front or the rear of the car?

For one, it sounds like the sound the pump makes when priming but that should not go on for that long; however it also sounds like a starter that did not engage and keeps running.

Welcome to the forum.

It's really hard to tell but what side does the noise come from?

When sitting in the car it sounds like the drivers side, but every time i have a friend around to help listen, the sound doesn’t happen. Gonna try again in about an hour with another person. I really think it’s the driver side.

[Ilya]

I agree with Ed. I was going to post that it might be the starter but he's far more 'in the know' on these engines than I am so I didn't want to jump the gun and throw that out there.

[demjars]

Ok folks i finally had the problem happen with a friend around to help locate the sound. It’s definitely coming from the drivers side. Same situation, i pressed the button, foot on the brake and it happened. Then after the lights were all on and the electronics were warmed up i pressed the brake and button again and it fired up. Any thoughts? Again i have 300,000 miles on this beauty

[Ilya]

Is that where the starter is located? I'd check the factory service manual (see FAQ thread in my signature) to see if it coincides with the starters location.

[Jackwagon]

That is the sound of your starter spinning, but not engaging with the flywheel.
You need a new starter.

[demjars]

Thanks for the advice! Planning on replacing the starter in a week and will follow up with the results!

[demjars]

I replaced the starter today. It tested ok at the Auto Parts store and even though it did they still replaced the part for free. It was quite greasy and i am now looking to see if i can locate a leak. I will let y’all know if the problem persists.
In addition i am going to post to a separate post this other problem i am having but figured i should post here first Incase the two may be related.

When i accelerate quickly either from the Get go or from already driving, often times it feels as if my power lets out. Not the electricity of the car but the engine just stutters a bit then catches back up. Feels like the car is about to stall out but then regains strength and i can carry on. Any ideas?

[EdBwoy]

Is the weird sound gone now?

And also, why did the auto parts store replace it for free? Did you have an aftermarket starter from the same store so they replaced it under warranty?

For the greasy mess/ leak, check your valve cover gaskets. Just run a paper towel or rag along the side of the valve cover - head mating surface, and you'll be able to see any oil.

The misstep issue isn't related to the starter, so it's def a good idea to have that separately to get more eyes on it.

[demjars]

I purchased the starter from AutoZone and they said they do not typically take back starters that come in Greasy, but since I purchased it three months ago, it’s having issues and I buy a ton of stuff from there they just replaced it for me. I thought it was pretty amazing really. Really trying to clean up the bottom of the car so i can get a good view of the problem area. Thank you for all the help, i love this car, my first in the NICO line.

[EdBwoy]

Lol, car parts in the engine bay get greasy sometimes. But I see their niceness in replacing it although it "tested fine".
At what mileage did the starters fail?