I would have to say its either a starter design Issue or a computer issue. Its not the ignition switch for sure since mine does it using my mopar remote starter. With the key not in the ignition obviously. It only happened when it was under 10 degrees.

I think it could be just too tight of tolerance between the starter and the flywheel. When its cold its just too close and won't allow quick disengagement.

 

Personally, for the few times I've heard this noise in the 4 months I've had my Jeep, I'm not going to sweat it. If it gets louder, or worse, I will take it in. Just my two cents.

 

wow looks like I'm not the only one who has experienced this (or something like "this"). I think the first time it happend was in the morning but the last time it happend it was actualy one of the warmer days we've had lately and I had been driving for like a half hour and stoped to get gas and when I went to start it back up it did it ??

I did'nt get a chance to go to the dealership today and it's not any type of emergency so when I get a chance I'll bring it to there attention.

 

let us know thanks, and if mines in for anything ill ask too...

so i read the manual regarding starting, and from whats already been posted above, i guess with this jeep, you just have to turn the key very quickly and release, and the jeep will start on its own? Im used to having to hold the key forward you know until i HEAR the engine running, and THEN i release the key backwards...

if this is the case, then maybe its because we are by habit holding the key in the forward 'start' position TOO LONG???

 

well if it happens again I guess I'll try and just let it go and see what happens. but I prob won't be able to do it since it's instinct to want to try and turn the key back thinking it's stuck.....

 

You cannot hold the key in the forward "start" position too long...

Just try it. Hold the key there as long as you want. Like 5, 10, or 30 seconds. Once the engine starts the starter disengages by itself. Even when the engine is running, turning the key back to the start position does nothing.

(This is for the automatic transmission only)

 

OK, but...its only ever made the noise - twice or three times, when it was very cold, and i was physically holding the key forward...im just thinking maybe if i hadnt have been holding the key forward, that maybe it wouldnt have made this noise...since apparently we only have to turn the key quickly anyways to start...

 

Well, once the factory cheap soft plastic issue gets resolved, maybe all of us cold weather inhabitants should start filling up DCX inboxes with this starter issue.

 

although not as cold lately, today first try starting it, i did a quick turn of the key and released, way prior to the engine starting...but it turned over and started on its own, without me holding the key forward....so that works...now i just have to wait for a really cold day again to see if it does it...

 

minus 20 this morning...turned key, released it, engine cranked over and started....and i heard the same noise again for a brief second...

so Im not sure if worth a trip or not...

you think they'd be replacing a starter, or is this a computer infamous flash???