Well its an '87 oldsmobile cutlass ciera and it has had problems starting for a while. Now though, it won't even turn over. When you turn the key the only thing i hear is a whining sound. I have a gut feeling its either the starter or the alternator. I brought the battery into advanced auto parts where they checked it and said it was a good battery. Any suggestions on to what it could be? Thanks in advance.
2006-08-18 03:02:44 · 8 answers · asked by gcluney99 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Richard C is absolutely correct.
The Bendix in the starter is not engaging with the flex plate (automatic transmission) or fly wheel (manual transmission), and thus the whirring noise that you hear is the starter motor running without any load.
It is not your alternator because it's only function is to generate power to run the ignition and charge your battery. If your battery was good and charged then your alternator is fine.
It is not the solinoid because it's function is as an electrical switch to turn on the starter.
By the way I had the same problem with my dodge truck, in which I discovered that the metal casting around the starter Bendix which bolts on the engine was cracked causing a misalignment of the starter to the flex plate.
2006-08-18 03:24:52 · answer #1 · answered by sprcpt 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you turn the key and all you hear is a whining sound, it's either the starter or the starter solenoid. The solenoid pulls out the little gear that spins the engine, so if it's bad, the gear won't pop out. If the gear is stuck in the starter, you get the same result. I would take it to someplace like Pep Boys or a local mechanic who gives free estimates and have them look it over. If they have to replace the starter and/or the solenoid, be prepared to pay up to $500.00 to get it fixed (hopefully it won't cost that much, but it could).
2006-08-18 03:09:36 · answer #2 · answered by sarge927 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the starter. It is definitely not the alternator.
2006-08-18 03:07:24 · answer #3 · answered by pvreditor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it does sound like the starter. You can have the alternator tested also.
Have fun with it and I hope you get it going again.
2006-08-18 03:10:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it doesn't turn over at all, it's the starter.
2006-08-18 03:10:32 · answer #5 · answered by ChicaLoca 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to turn a car over is to get 9 of your biggest friends on one side and have them all lift at once.
2006-08-18 03:08:50 · answer #6 · answered by skippybuttknuckle 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Try turning over the car manually
2006-08-18 03:11:39 · answer #7 · answered by RACQUEL 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
your starter bendex is not engaging, your starter is bad.
2006-08-18 03:10:45 · answer #8 · answered by RICHARD C 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋