So, of course the car would not make the noise while it was with the dealership (she has a mind of her own.)
But based on the video I showed the service dept, they said it sounded like a belt had gotten wet (car wash) or it was the hydraulic tensioner leaking hydraulic fluid onto the belt. They had seen a few tensioners go south on both Camaro’s and corvettes. My tensioner appears fine, but I’ll be keeping an eye on it. Here is the part:
https://www.trunkmonkeyparts.com/oem...bC12OC1nYXM%3D
If you hear a squeak like mine, pop the hood, and follow the serpentine belt south till you get to the part linked above. Wipe it with your finger, if it’s sweating it needs to be replaced!
I was able to demonstrate the slow start issue, and a customer came walking out of the service lounge pointing at my car shouting “yes!” His SS does the same thing (16’ A8)
They kept the car overnight and ran some heat cycles. Speaking with the tech directly, he told me while they were able to duplicate the SLOW START, never did the car “fail to start.”
However, if in the future it does fail to start. They said they would replace the starter and look into the HEAT SOAK. Yes, that’s right, it’s a heat soaked starter guys... wiring harness good, grounds are good, battery tested beautifully. It’s the starter.
The IMPRESSION I got from them was it’s an engineering flaw, and I agree. Little starter right under some HOT exhaust. Those who have never experienced the slow start congrats. I’ll trade you cars.
P.s. while I have been vocally against dealerships, and believe firmly that no one will take better care of your car than yourself, I had a fantastic experience with Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet in San Diego. Lots of Zl1s & Zo6s on the lot (in my mind that means good technicians
)
Time to wrap up my starter motor!