Well, it happened to me, the dreaded noise on startup in cold weather. I thought it was the bendix on the starter not completely disengaging, I read about the theories regarding oil filters but I was withholding judgement until I had some professional advice. My brother is a certified heavy duty mechanic and a fleet manager in charge of hundreds of trucks, loaders and light duty vehicles but also a long time Jeeper. He heard the noise this morning and immediately told me what was causing the noise.

Apparently, the power steering pump gets up to speed more rapidly than the oil it contains and it cavitates, making a grinding noise that appears metallic but in reality is not causing any actual damage.

To all you other concerned and frustrated Jeepers out there, rest easy, and fear not the noise in the night (or cold morning).

 

I've got some startup noise but wonder if its the same one you speak of. Do you mind posting a vid with said noise?

 

I don't suppose there is much chance I will see temps that cold where I live but just curious if the noise goes away when the engine warms up? Is the power steering fluid viscosity increasing because it is getting real cold?

 

I don't know about posting a vid, never even tried before. I'm old and techno-inept. I'll see what I can do. The noise does go away rapidly as the oil warms up and starts to flow better. It starts as a metallic buzz that appears quite alarming and is gone in seconds.

 

That's the noise I get when it's real cold out, and the vent control is in one of the windshield positions, meaning the A/C compressor is on.
I've never gotten that noise when the compressor is off.

 

That might be the case but I'm quite certain for me it's the PS pump.

 

Yeah. Just another possibility for you or another reader to check out.

 

Owner of 2012 Jeep here in Albuquerque, NM. I have starter noise only upon startup in cold low temps...below 40 degrees. I am certain that it's starter related as sometimes when the noise appears the engine will not start. Majority of time it does however the starter noise is not reassuring and I should not be hearing this on a vehicle that has less than 15K miles on it. I have owned three Jeeps prior to this...2008 & 2010 and I never heard this type of noise from these previous vehicles. Jeep needs to own up and fix this, seems to be pretty prevalent complaint on this message board.

Noise sound like a solenoid getting stuck (engaged) as the engine is turning over. Of course Jeep wants to keep the vehicle for a couple days to troubleshoot. I just assume change the starter myself but it's so new that nobody but the dealership has the part. This sucks!

 

Bought my 12 JK 2dr Rubi in July used w/ 12K miles. Last two mornings I have had the grind sounding like starter failing to disengage. My check eng light came on as well that first time and is still on. I have a scheduled appt w/ dealer tomorrow 19Dec12 to look into the eng light. First morning sound continued after key was released to run position.
I'll watch this thread and post if dealer says anything.

 

This is an update to my starter woes....I took my vehicle into dealership yesterday to address the starter noise. Service mgr indicated that there was a "flash update" released for the 2011...which mine is BTW not 2012. Anyway he assurred me that "I should not have anymore more starter problems". Well lo and behold this afternoon temps @ 36deg and I get starter noise. Flash update my @$$!

I will give them a call and see what the next quick diagnosis may be.

This doesn't mean I am taking me beloved Jeep in for a trade-in either.