Still a relatively new owner

this car has 254k understand it’s well worn in

when I start the car it has a grinding noise that lasts for about a half second after the car starts it almost sounds like when you hold the key too long starting a car it happens every start not temperature or warm up dependent I’m searching for ideas

what I think it could be

sticking starter solenoid not retracting the gear quickly enough
stretched timing chain
i hear abs system can make a noise when starting
maybe the vtec system?

The car has no noticeable chain noise or throttle lag or cel for any timing related codes

the Reddit states people have had chains bad on newer fits but don’t see much on the gd fits most people say they last forever.

anyone have similar and find a cause?

the length of time it grinds it’s time is consistent and is not hot cold dependent. I’ve driven the car around 7k miles with this and two mechanics can’t find the cause

 

Pretty sure it’s the starter — some threads on here about it and some preventative measures… mine does it too especially on cold days. Bumping the starter a couple times before starting seems to help.

 

Yeap, same issue on my 07 Sport. Bought it 3 months ago with 245000 miles.. its a reliable beater.

Was thinking if its the belt, cause it screeches sometimes when driving.

 

Mine may be the chain but it has no other symptoms of a loose or stretched chain, I may try to swap starters and see if it resolves but yeah I’ve put almost 7k on it since I’ve had it in 3 months and it’s reliable and drives everywhere

 

It's the starter bendix, probably needing lubrication on the bendix splines. My '09 base Fit 216k mi. sometimes does this, but only during cooler/cold weather. Still has the original starter. It cranks at full speed and starts immediately.

 

Mine does that too, but it has been greatly diminished for some reason after my last oil change with some new Mobil 1 Advanced Synthetic 5-20. I had never used this one before but so far so good, and it was cheap!

In another thread someone casually mentioned the grinding could be a cam/lubrication issue so I find my results surprising and interesting… knock on wood.
Kinda want to try the Valvoline Restore & Protect next…

 

If it were due to camshaft or other lubrication problems, you'd be seeing glitter/metal in your oil drain and filter . During cooler/cold weather starter bendix tolerances shrink slightly and you get the dry squeal sound. Always cranks just fine otherwise, no power loss. Never in summer or after warm-up even in cold temps.

 

Yep, I understand all that, I’m just saying my grinding issue pretty much disappeared right after my last oil change and I don’t know why but I’ll take it! Had the issue for a good 4 years and now it’s gone, knock on wood.