Hi, My 99 Camry will occasionally make a high pitched noise when I turn the ignition key and not start. Then when I go to start it again it will start right up. The noise sounds like what you hear when you mistakenly try to start a car and it's already running. It's happened 4-5 times in the last week, and I'm wondering if anyone else out there has encountered this before. Would this mean my starter is on the way out?

 

Bad starter gear, probably, unless your flywheel teeth are worn, which I doubt. Get a new starter.

 

Exact same problem, here. I had a new starter put in 2 days ago ($400 job), and it helped the problem, but it still occasionally gives off that noise as I turn the key (after motor warms). It's much improved, but it's still there. The mechanics assured me that it wasn't a flywheel, so should I take it back in or is there a "break in" period, where the noise will eventually dissipate? Can it be adjusted? Did they give me a defective starter? It's a 1998 Camry and has 127,000 miles. Thanks!

 

Starter solenoid may not be operating properly and only doing partial engagement of bendix gear. If this is rebuilt starter they are notorious for poor quality, I'd take it back as mechanic said flywheel teeth are ok.