Car won't start!!#$!@ - Starter Problem?

[Spin]

Lately my car has been having some problems starting but it wasn't util today, when I really need the car, that it decided it doesn't want to start. I get in my car this morning, turn the key to start the car, it starts, then i start leaving my driveway when I realize I don't have enough money for gas. I turn off the car, get the money, get back in the car, and go to turn it on, when it has that dreaded whinning sound i hate (which i think is from the starter) just a loud EEERRRRRRRRYYYYYYHHH, but this one was a little bit different, it wasn't as high pitch and last a little longer, but same sound. So I try to turn on the car again, and nothing at all. The ignition seems to be sending the signal to the starter, cause u can hear the click when u turn it to the "start" position, but no sound or anything at all that the car wants to start up. If anyone is confused, I'll take some video of the problem - thanks for any advice in advance

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

yep, sounds like your starter is about to give up on you.(or just did headbang ) If it is making either of the folowing noises then you are due for a starter soon:

1. ZIIIING (simple spinning of the starter but bendix doesnt engage at all)

or

2. The grinding or nasty noise I think you heard (bendix trying to engage partialy, and grinding away on the flywheel)

that 'click' you hear is the solonoid transfering power from the battery to the starter. Assuming your battery has enough juice, the starter is at fault.

Id try cleaning it out thoroughly first, see how it improves (if any), then shop for a new starter.

 

[Spin]

thanks for the quick reply man. it's made both of those noises :-/ I'll probably get it at today since I can't go to class now, i'll keep the situation updated

 

[93redATX]

Look on the bright side; the starter is fairly easy to change. The only trick to it is getting the ratchet and extensions where they need to be thumb .

 

[fatak]

I had the same problem a few months back. I was out running errands and the car was running fine. I had been to a few stores and the car started fine each time. Stopped one more time and when I tried to start it there was nothing but the click you describe. I never even heard the usual spinning. Took the starter into Autozone to have it tested because I didn't believe that was the problem and the guy just laughed. He put it on the tester and it was completely dead. New one has worked fine since. Good luck.

 

[Frankiek3]

You know how to pop start the car, right?
It works if u have to get somewhere.

 

[Spin]

thanks for all the info everyone. just wanted to say i replaced the starter over the weekend and it's working like a champ again. $70 at autozone and didn't take that long to replace at all. but now my power steering return hose in leaking looks real simple to fix and the hose is only 99 cents/ft at autozone so i'll try that one this weekend. thanks again for the info.