The last few months I have had an occasional grinding noise when in park or neutral. It never happens when the transmission is in gear. It sounds like the noise that you get when the car is running already and you try to start it. It also happens more often after driving the car for 30 minutes or more. It never seems to happen when starting up after it sits for a while. I also notice that the car seems to start without turning the ignition key all the way. It may start while in the accessory position sometimes.

I've been told that it may be a few bad teeth on the flex plate or flywheel. The part that engages the gear (or teeth) from the starter motor. If that's the case why would it happen only after driving for 30 minutes? Any help with this would be appreciated.

 

That is weird that the car starts in the accessory position, what's to prevent it then from trying to start in normal driving position. Sounds like you need a new key ignition.

Normally when you start a car it has to be in park or neutral (which is why it doesn't happen in gear, it's a safeguard).

 

Is it a key ignition or a ignition switch?

Thanks