Groaning Sound with key on, engine off

My 96 Sentra has an inermittent starting problem.  When it does
turn over, it starts fine, but you sometimes have to turn the key a
few times, just to get the starter to engage.

    It also makes a groaning sound from somewhere in the engine area,
when you turn the key to "on", but do not start the car.

   Sort of an "errrrrrrk" that lasts for about a second, and stops.

What is this sound from ?

Is this sound possibly related to the starting problem ???


Thanks