Taxidermist

I have Keyless Go and noticed a grinding noise just after pressing the ignition button and before the engine turns. Could be the starter motor noise. It's been doing it ever since I picked it up and was wondering if this is normal. My Infiniti G35S has keyless ignition and does not do this.

Have you guys noticed a similar thing?

JT01

The noise you are hearing is NOT normal... even in the coldest of startups I have never experienced this... have it looked at.

Taxidermist

Also makes the noise when I just power up the car by pressing the ignition button without putting my foot on the breaks. It makes the noise on the first time I press the ignition button but doesn't do it when I shut it off and restart it.

Taxidermist

Just dropped by the Dealer and had a Service Consultant listen to the noise. He said that it was normal. Apparently the GLK has an electronic steering wheel lock that engages once you open the door and disengages once you turn on the power.

So...not to worry.

Can't believe nobody on this board has heard it. Mine is a December 09 build. Hmmmm....

Kamen

I don't think I've ever heard any grinding noise in my car to be honest. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary upon start-up.

NYCGLK

hmmm I haven't heard any noises when car starts ever. I'm pretty sure steering wheel locks when you take keys out not when you shut the door. I'd try another dealer.

Taxidermist

As I've said, I have Keyless-Go and the sound is like a hydrolic motor turning some gears. Definetly happens when I turn off the motor open the door and then restart the motor. If I turn off the motor and do not open the door, it doesn't make the sound when restarting. Have put my hand on the steering column as I start the car and it's definetly coming from there.

I happen to wear hearing aids and could be that I hear it because of the frequency of the sound. Others may not hear it, I guess.

NYCGLK

ok, I don't have keyless-go so setup is prolly different

Kamen

Are you sure it's not the assist function where it raises your steering wheel upon exit/entry of your vehicle?

Taxidermist

Thanks for the suggestion Kamen, but that doesn't seem to be it. I have the Easy Entry/Exit turned off. Tried turning it on and the sound was still there after opening and closing the door.

Again leads me to conclude that the Service Rep was likely correct in saying it's the steering wheel locking mechanism disengaging the lock. I'd like to hear if anyone with a recent build (Nov-Jan) is or is not experiencing this. Could be a recent setup change.

I guess I'm looking to confirm that this is normal as per MB Service Rep or BS.

glkbeige

I get the same light whirring sound when I shut her off. Oct 09 build.

JT01

No noises here whatsoever...

It may just be the words you are using to describe it... but nothing in your vehicle should make a "grinding" noise.