This is a weird one. Rarely, when I turn the key to start, instead of hearing the engine crank and eventually start, I just hear this loud screeching sound instead. I don't know what happens next, as I can't bring myself to hold the key in start any longer. If any of you have seen Dumb and Dumber, it sounds like Lloyd'* "most annoying sound in the world," except a lot more metallic-sounding.

Usually, I can just turn the key back to off or lock and then start it normally, without a hitch. But today, though, it refused to start after three tries, so I just waited about a minute, cleaned out my car, and then it started normally. Once the car is running, everything is perfect. The oil pressure seems a bit low (ranges from 30-45 psi stopped to <80 psi running cold), but it'* never gotten close to the red zone.

I have no experience with stuff like this, but since it'* a loud metal-on-metal noise, I'm guessing that the oil pump doesn't always kick in. I've since had the oil and filter changed, and the oil level is fine despite a minor leak somewhere in the system, and the mechanics apparently didn't have any trouble with it.

Any ideas?

(Possibly unrelated: They also found a minor transmission leak, and apparently the vehicle is stalling... don't ask me, it'* never stalled on me.)

Minor transmission leak is unrelated.

Take a hammer (not kidding here) and whack on the starter while someone cranks it. The bendix usually will 'unstick' itself if you do this.

I 2nd Bill'* theory on the bendix sticking, starter beginning to go. Might be looking at a new starter soon, unless someone has rebuilt the soloniod before. I hear it'* easy and quick but never have done it myself.