Title kind of says it all. My 2010 Dodge Dakota was starting great with nothing out of the ordinary, I left for two weeks, I came home and my truck was making a scratchy (not grinding) noise upon starting. The truck turns over and runs just fine but I cannot figure what is causing this noise. I had the starter replaced about a year ago and just had it looked at. Completely fine. So far the consensus is that it likely isn't the flywheel either.
I've attached a recording of the noise.
Any thoughts on what this could be? I greatly appreciate your time.

 

I dunno man, still sounds like it could be the starter to me... failing to disengage, maybe. Start it once, shut it down... if you start it again, does it still make the noise?

Failing that, I'd start with all the usual suspects... battery and terminals, and then how are your spark plugs.

Welcome aboard.

 

Thank you for responding! It does make the sound every single time, and the engine turns over every time (thank goodness). The battery terminals do have a bit of corrosion, and I am at my mark for getting the spark plugs replaced. I'm hoping my trusted mechanic can get me in before the holidays.

 

Had a similar noise on my car. Went on for a year then one day it wouldn't start. Got a new starter and the noise was gone.

 

Remember, just because the starter is new, doesn't mean it couldn't break again... if is a wear item, after all.