Hi, I was wondering if anyone has experienced this or knows what may be causing it. I have a '99 dodge neon. And, when the weather gets cold, It won't start the first time I turn the key. When I turn it a second time, I hear a loud noise like ice breaking and falling. Then I hear a slight whining sound that dies away after I let it idle a few minutes. It usually runs fine after that. And, I don't notice any other issues when I drive it after the weather gets warm again. I've only been noticing it during the last winter or two. I've been living in Colorado for the past 11 years. It snows here once or twice a week in the winter. and then gradually melts off. Sometimes when the car sits after it snows, I notice icicles forming between the body and the ground. This makes me wonder if ice is building up somewhere where it would prevent the car from starting. And, if the strain of breaking it might create damage.

 

Unless water is getting between the starter gear and fly wheel there should not be any ice to break off. Maybe in the pulley system? But it sound like your starter might be going out.