Started my GP 1.2 8v and when i turned the key it started to make a very loud grinding, cant really explain the noise but it is very loud and high pitched grinding, doesnt sound too good.

I tried to start and I just got this noise, then when i take the key out and start again it hesitates but does eventually start then its fine when drives. Its happened about 5 times now and the noise is mad.

Anyone had this or is this a common problem? Im putting it down to the starter motor but have no clue, any help would be apreciated because everytime it happens it doesnt sound healthy at all

battery / earth / starter motor get it sorted asap the last thing you want to do is damage the ring gear on the gear box

Cheers, you think it would be safe just to replace both battery+starter?

Read a few threads on this it seems common problems are
alternator
battery
starter motor

Its a loud screeching when turning the key, i'll get the battery replaced and if it continues i'll do the starter motor!

Has this problem with my punto. Thought it was starter motor so got one from scrapyard put it on same symptoms battery was good, thought I was gonna have to put it into our mechanics slept on it.
Turned out it was a loose earth on top of the gearbox tightened it down with a 13mm spanner chopped in half then the car started up a dream its the earth on top of the gearbox just below the batter you can trace it from the loom.

Simon

Cheers for the help! Would save me alot of £ too so hope it is the earth

I had the same problem, had to change my earths, starter motor twice & flywheel.