Frightning Noise

[whistonian]

When I tried to start the engine this morning it made a loud rattling noise like pebbles in a can. I tried a second time and same thing happened. On 3rd attempt the rattle stopped and engine purred as it should. went to the village to do some shopping and all went well.

However it's very worrying. Does anyone know what might have been happening. I drive a 2007 Fiat Grand Punto from new, only 16000 miles on clock. Fully serviced every December.

[TWR]

Have you checked under the boonet for any loose parts? check your fan belt, Power steering belt, check the fan cowling.

[KARL]

If the engine did not actually start in the first two attempts then my guess would be that the starter did not engage properly, the sound you hear is the gears on the starter glancing the flywheel, rather coarse and usually somewhat high pitched grating. If it did start and the noise you heard was from the engine running then it has been something totally different.

[whistonian]

Thanks for your replies guys.
Karl your explanation sounds about right, if it happens again how series is it and is it a job for my local garage?

[Dodger666]

It could have been caused by the battery being a bit low and the starter pinion not being thrown out fast enough to engage in the flywheel properly. Is it the original battery? If so it may be time to think about a new one before the colder weather arrives. Any half decent motor spares trader will test your battery for you.