To use keyless start, one steps on the brake pedal then presses the start button. At what point does the starter solenoid engage, the brake pedal or the start button press? The reason I ask is because I am getting an occasional squealing sound instead of the engine starting. Wondering if some gear teeth are damaged.

 

The starter solenoid engages after the brake pedal and push start. Once the starter gets the power signal, the bendix engages and the motor spins. If you are hearing a noise, the starter is most likely the culprit. The teeth on the flex plate are much less likely.