When I try to start, why does it sound like the starter is spinning and not engaging anything?

Question 1

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My old starter on a 1999 ford ranger would spin but not engage the engine to start it. Bought a new starter an it does the same thing. What should i check next?

Starter soups but doesn't engage. Clicking sound: you hear it spinning with a click sound before it starts spinning. No grinding sound. The mechanism to engage the fly wheel could be faulty, probably it is seized, or battery doesn't have enough power to make the solenoid fully pull mechanism (check battery amps charge if low. You may need to look at the starter as someone turns the motor over and make sure it's engaging all the way to fly wheel.
Sometimes you may need to Shem or file down where the two bolts go into the starter too get it far enough into the starter casing to get it to engage.
Walld"

Oct 02, 2019 • Ford Cars & Trucks

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Starter isnt engaging when turn key but lady said she turned on lights just trying anything to see if it did anything car started starter engaged?

Just guessing, but try checking the battery connections and the battery! It sounds like it was cold. I believe the ECU will keep it from starting if the voltage from the battery is low. Turning on the lights warmed up the battery a little and increased its terminal voltage. I have seen similar things in the past. Pops always turned on the lights for a minute when starting in cold weather.

Feb 06, 2016 • 2002 Chrysler Town & Country

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Why is my starter motor not engaging until the second or third time I turn the ignition?

-Starter Worn out internal contact.
-It's time to replace new one or rebuild.

Good luck

Mai

Sep 16, 2014 • 1997 Toyota 4Runner

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4answers

Turn key get nothing jump starter and sylenoid just spins

i cant dope out that symptoms.

does it crank or not. be clear there.

no car starts (but my 6sp) if it dont crank.

on A/T cars cranking is a first thing. so does it.?

Solenoids do not spin, the stroke only , it a linear motion.

the Sol. moves the pinion and the main contactor switch only.

my guess is the Starter spins and the crank don\'t spin,

you hear the starter motor spin up, it sings. like bird.

that means the starter /solenoid are bad. (crude)

if the battery is good and or jumper starting off a running car.

It can just be a dirty starter pinion, clean it , repeat.

fixed many for this. i have.

battery cable lugs clean, and good. no green rust.

bad cable usually just make a loud THUNK sound. no spin.

Sep 02, 2014 • 2005 Jeep Wrangler X

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3answers

Engine will not crank, battery and starter have both been tested and pass, hear a high pitched spinning noise when turning the key over

The high pitched spinning sound you hear is the starter bendex trying to engage the flywheel. The starter may check out ok, but the bendex is turning but coming out. The starter will need replaced.

Dec 19, 2017 • 2003 Volkswagen GTI

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2answers

Battery is good but when I turn it on it just clicks won't start,maybe after 20 times it starts

Without hearing the sound it makes - it's kind of hard to diagnose.

The engine starting process consists of turning the key to start, the starter motor's rotor moving forward to engage the engine's flywheel, and then the starter motor 's "rotor" spinning until you move the key from "start" to "run". You can hear the starter motor spinning - but one usually can't hear the rotor moving forward to engage the flywheel. As a result, you hear the odd spinning sound - which is the starter rotor spinning. The engine never actually turns over because the rotor never engages the fly wheel. If this is the case, then it is very likely that your starter needs to be checked and / or replaced.

Good luck!

Nov 09, 2011 • 1994 Buick LeSabre

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2answers

I have a 2003 camry V6 XLE. Battery is good when turning on the ignition. But when I try to start it I just hear this "Whinnie" sound. just spinning sound every time try to start it.

You have a bad starter drive. It's not spinning up fast enough to engage flywheel. Two options, both require starter removal. #1) replace starter w/rebuilt from any good parts store - it will come w/new starter drive. #2) replace starter drive, but means disassembly of starter and is more time consuming.

Jan 18, 2011 • Toyota Camry Cars & Trucks

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2answers

2001 saab 9 3 won't start. I can jump start it

Sounds like your starter motor is bad. Is the starter motor spinning?

Jul 06, 2010 • 2001 Saab 9-3

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1answer

I have a 1998 f-150 4.2l v-6 tryed to start it today it turned over and did not catch. turned key to try again it bumped the starter but would not turn the engine over. I tryed jumping it but I knew I had...

When you say 'it bumped the starter but did not turn the engine over' and 'it bangs the starter' it sounds like you mean it hits the flywheel and will not turn the engine. If it engages and does not turn the motor you need to try to manually turn both directions. Do not have the key in the ignition. If it won't turn you may have a froze up motor.
If you mean the starter spins freely but won't engage the engine - than you need a new starter. Let us know what you find out.

Mar 06, 2010 • 1998 Ford F150 Regular Cab

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1answer

It wont start

That sounds more like a dead battery than anything else. The bendix, the bit that engages the starter to the flywheel, usually goes bad a bit more slowly and causes more dramatic persistent grinding. A bad starter is also possible, as are bad battery cables. The starter mortor and bendix are both replaced when you install a rebuilt starter. If a jump start doesn't solve the problem, and connecting a jumper cable directly from the + battery terminal to the starter motor doesn't help then replace the starter. If it does help, then the problem is probably the battery cables.

Mar 12, 2009 • 1991 Subaru Legacy

Question 2

Stephen

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Posted on May 09, 2013

Stephen

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You may need to take the starter off and have it bench tested.
The problem could be the starter drive, or you could have some missing teeth on the flywheel. The drive is supposed to extend when the starter spins to make contact with the teeth on the flywheel. You could also try turning the crank a few inches and try the starter again.

Anonymous May 09, 2013

That was what I suspected. Thanks for the confirmation

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Answer 2

Richard Faber

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Posted on Apr 11, 2015

Richard Faber

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Starter solinod bad the motor spins the starter the solonod ejects the gear forward under comments is a video of how to test starter yourself

Richard Faber Apr 11, 2015

Starter solinod bad the motor spins the starter the solonod ejects the gear forward

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Answer 3

danoyachtcap

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Posted on Apr 11, 2015

danoyachtcap

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Try this procedure:
Check the battery like this:
Turn on the headlights, then try to start the car.
If the headlights do not dim or go out, then the battery is likely ok.
Check that the battery cable plus post, goes to the starter, Minus post to a good ground, like the engine.
If wiring is ok, then look at the starter solenoid for a good connection, and proper voltage at the starter.
Problem is most likely the Solenoid's bendix gear or starting relay, Have someone bang on the starter while you try to start the car. This usually works by dislodging the bendix gear..
Hope this helps.

Answer 4 · 6/30/2008 12:00:00 AM

Anonymous

117 Answers
Posted on Jun 30, 2008

SOURCE: starter

the most common problem would be the starter relay,
the contacts burn out so just replace the relay.
cheers

Anonymous

1071 Answers
Posted on Jul 23, 2009

SOURCE: starting problem

check crank sensor

Anonymous

386 Answers
Posted on Aug 05, 2009

SOURCE: The car will not start. It has plenty of battery

check battery voltage at solenoid on starter... yu say you have plenty of voltage, I assume you menat at least 12 volts... needs to be at least 12 volts... again tap on starter with key ign switch activated, have some one help... please rate help. thanks

Anonymous

25 Answers
Posted on Apr 14, 2011

SOURCE: I have a 2001 Xterra

Starter is bad check connections at battery n starter if their good u need a new starter motor

Anonymous

111 Answers
Posted on Apr 23, 2011

SOURCE: My 1997 Nissan Quest wont start. I don't hear

My guess would be a switch (park interlock, brake interlock, etc.), a main fuse (located under the hood), or a starter solenoid. One easy check is to turn the key to start and simultaneously wiggle the shifter or pull it in to the Neutral position.

Good luck.

Answer 5 · 6/30/2008 12:00:00 AM

Anonymous

117 Answers
Posted on Jun 30, 2008

SOURCE: starter

the most common problem would be the starter relay,
the contacts burn out so just replace the relay.
cheers

Answer 6 · 7/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

Anonymous

1071 Answers
Posted on Jul 23, 2009

SOURCE: starting problem

check crank sensor

Answer 7 · 8/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

Anonymous

386 Answers
Posted on Aug 05, 2009

SOURCE: The car will not start. It has plenty of battery

check battery voltage at solenoid on starter... yu say you have plenty of voltage, I assume you menat at least 12 volts... needs to be at least 12 volts... again tap on starter with key ign switch activated, have some one help... please rate help. thanks

Answer 8 · 4/14/2011 12:00:00 AM

Anonymous

25 Answers
Posted on Apr 14, 2011

SOURCE: I have a 2001 Xterra

Starter is bad check connections at battery n starter if their good u need a new starter motor

Answer 9 · 4/23/2011 12:00:00 AM

Anonymous

111 Answers
Posted on Apr 23, 2011

SOURCE: My 1997 Nissan Quest wont start. I don't hear

My guess would be a switch (park interlock, brake interlock, etc.), a main fuse (located under the hood), or a starter solenoid. One easy check is to turn the key to start and simultaneously wiggle the shifter or pull it in to the Neutral position.

Good luck.

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When I try to start, why does it sound like the starter is spinning and not engaging anything?

3 Answers

Stephen

Richard Faber

danoyachtcap

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Anonymous

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Related Questions:

My old starter on a 1999 ford ranger would spin but not engage the engine to start it. Bought a new starter an it does the same thing. What should i check next?

Starter isnt engaging when turn key but lady said she turned on lights just trying anything to see if it did anything car started starter engaged?

Why is my starter motor not engaging until the second or third time I turn the ignition?

Turn key get nothing jump starter and sylenoid just spins

Engine will not crank, battery and starter have both been tested and pass, hear a high pitched spinning noise when turning the key over

Battery is good but when I turn it on it just clicks won't start,maybe after 20 times it starts

I have a 2003 camry V6 XLE. Battery is good when turning on the ignition. But when I try to start it I just hear this "Whinnie" sound. just spinning sound every time try to start it.

2001 saab 9 3 won't start. I can jump start it

I have a 1998 f-150 4.2l v-6 tryed to start it today it turned over and did not catch. turned key to try again it bumped the starter but would not turn the engine over. I tryed jumping it but I knew I had...

It wont start

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2002 Sentra

My old starter on a 1999 ford ranger would spin but not engage the engine to start it. Bought a new starter an it does the same thing. What should i check next?

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When I try to start, why does it sound like the starter is spinning and not engaging anything?

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Add Your Answer

Attachments: Added items

Related Questions:

My old starter on a 1999 ford ranger would spin but not engage the engine to start it. Bought a new starter an it does the same thing. What should i check next?

Starter isnt engaging when turn key but lady said she turned on lights just trying anything to see if it did anything car started starter engaged?

Why is my starter motor not engaging until the second or third time I turn the ignition?

Turn key get nothing jump starter and sylenoid just spins

Engine will not crank, battery and starter have both been tested and pass, hear a high pitched spinning noise when turning the key over

Battery is good but when I turn it on it just clicks won't start,maybe after 20 times it starts

I have a 2003 camry V6 XLE. Battery is good when turning on the ignition. But when I try to start it I just hear this "Whinnie" sound. just spinning sound every time try to start it.

2001 saab 9 3 won't start. I can jump start it

I have a 1998 f-150 4.2l v-6 tryed to start it today it turned over and did not catch. turned key to try again it bumped the starter but would not turn the engine over. I tryed jumping it but I knew I had...

It wont start

Not finding what you are looking for?

2002 Sentra

My old starter on a 1999 ford ranger would spin but not engage the engine to start it. Bought a new starter an it does the same thing. What should i check next?

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