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Old 12-28-2014, 04:46 PM
 
Location: Sputnik Planitia
7,822 posts, read 11,709,763 times
Reputation: 9044

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What could this be? When I turn the ignition on I hear the sound of a motor whizzing but nothing else happens, the engine does not start. I'm guessing that the starter is ok, from the sound it seems that something is spinning but it's just not engaging the engine. I'm guessing if the starter was bad i'd just get a click sound.

The vehicle is 11 years old and has 122,000 miles on it and it's the original starter. What is the typical life of these things?

This is exactly what is happening as depicted in this video (not my video, it's just what I found on the net) at 1:02:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3byIwfY3hk

Last edited by k374; 12-28-2014 at 05:02 PM..
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Old 12-28-2014, 10:58 PM
 
Location: Sarasota FL
6,864 posts, read 11,999,380 times
Reputation: 6743
Bad solenoid on starter or throw out fork or throw out fork pin is broken. You'll have to buy [rebuilt] starter w/ solenoid. Solenoid has 2 small wires and the large battery wire. Two large bolts, starter to engine. Before removing starter, first remove positive from battery so sparks don't fly if the large wire on the starter touches grounding.
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Old 12-28-2014, 11:32 PM
 
4,761 posts, read 14,210,432 times
Reputation: 7954
Sounds like you need a new starter.
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Old 12-29-2014, 12:24 AM
 
Location: Sputnik Planitia
7,822 posts, read 11,709,763 times
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Any ideas how much is reasonable for parts + labor at an independent shop for a new starter? I am estimating around $150 for the parts and $300 for the labor for a total of about $450?? I don't want to get ripped off
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Old 12-29-2014, 12:26 AM
 
Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
11,233 posts, read 16,339,453 times
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Starters really aren't difficult to do, if you have any kind of mechanical abilities.
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Old 12-29-2014, 12:29 AM
 
Location: Sputnik Planitia
7,822 posts, read 11,709,763 times
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I know but I just don't have the space to work on my car At this point I am guessing it is the starter drive that is malfunctioning so the shaft is not moving forward to engage the gear to the flywheel. I have heard that sometimes just a bit of cleaning can cause it to work again.

In any case, if the shop does it I am expecting $400-450 for the job, I am guessing that is reasonable.
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Old 12-29-2014, 01:04 AM
 
Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
11,233 posts, read 16,339,453 times
Reputation: 13536
Have you tried tapping on the starter near where the bendix (starter drive) is with a hammer, and then trying to start it? It may be stuck.

Either way, I doubt your car (whatever it is) has a separate solenoid like years past. And, odds are, if the bendix is going out, the rest of the starter is soon to fail....especially at 11 years old. So a new/rebuilt one is likely in order.

I'm not sure it's going to be that expensive, but it all depends on what the car is, and where the starter is located.

If you can start it with the hammer trick, it'll at least save you the tow to the mechanic. Just don't stop anywhere on your way.

Good luck!
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Old 12-29-2014, 01:30 AM
 
Location: Sputnik Planitia
7,822 posts, read 11,709,763 times
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Thanks Magnatomicflux! I will definitely try that tomorrow. I have AAA Plus so the tow will not cost me anything But yes, if I can drive there myself it will be way better!

It's a truck 2004 Nissan Frontier XE 4cyl 5spd, it's a pretty simplistic bare bones 4cyl engine (KD24E) so I don't think there is much to it.
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Old 12-29-2014, 01:35 AM
 
Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
11,233 posts, read 16,339,453 times
Reputation: 13536
No problem! That should be super easy to get to. I can't see more than 15 minutes worth of work. They'll probably charge you for an hour though. lol
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Old 12-29-2014, 09:00 AM
 
Location: Victoria TX
42,618 posts, read 86,571,713 times
Reputation: 36637
If the starter is actually cranking the engine, really fast, and nothing fires, then it's your timing belt. Hard to tell what you are really describing. Timing belts usually snap when you try to start cold, and then the starter spins the engine fast because there is less drag..
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