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Won't start & making robotic zipping sound

S

svtmystique

New CEG'er
Joined
Nov 18, 2007
Messages
9
Location
New Jersey
Okay, I'm new here and have a pre-`98 Mystique/Mistake 2.5L MTX. I've been reading alot on here and can't seem to find my problem. So, here it goes. Lately I've been having some problems starting my car. I'll turn the key and hear a robotic zipping sound, but the car won't turn over. I'm not sure if that's the flywheel spinning or what. All I know is it won't start for about three turns of the key, then when I start getting pissed, I'll turn the key and it'll start. I noticed when I bought it that when I started the car I'd hear an extra zing right as it cranks up to speed. Maybe a loose bearing. I don't know if that's just extra information that you didn't need, but it could be useful in troubleshooting this. If anyone knows what this could possibly be, your help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
"D"
 
Hmm... Sounds like what happened to me with my new 1995 2.0L on my first cold morning... I changed the plugs, wires, and valve cover gasket (discovered it was leaking oil into the plug wells when changing them)... I have not had a problem like that since, sometimes it just takes a couple seconds longer than when warm to start, but it is turning over...

Of course, I am not 100% positive if this is your problem, let one of the experts answer :cool:

BTW, "zing" is a good discriptive word, I did not think of that when I posted my question, LOL...
http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?t=20809&highlight=Cold+Morning
 
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not surre what you mean by a "robotic zipping" noise...

when it does not start, does the motor turn over or not, if not, the noise you could hearing may be the bendix/solenoid not working properly and not fully engaging the flexplate ring-gear and the starter gear grinding away ...
 
The ring gear on the flywheel could be bad, or simply the starter needs replacing. I'd see about the starter..
 
This is 100% Starter issue. Basically, the starter is either not getting the proper voltage to engage the magnetic stator entirely, or the starter is just on it's last leg. There are two possible solutions.
1) replace battery and hope the new found power eliminates the starter misengaging. (This is assuming the battery is old and needs replacing)
2) replace the starter and hopefully you don't have the same problem due to a lack of voltage from a bad battery.

Post what works for you when you get this done. Good luck!
 
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Sometimes you can spray cleaner, then lube into the starter while it is on the car, not sure if this is possible here. IE if there is an opening near the flywheel end of the starter, you squirt lots of brake cleaner in there, blow it out with air, then squirt lots of some heavy lube (for aerosol) such as moly chain lube.

Mike
 
Im dealing with this same issue with my Mystique. In my case, the teeth on the ring gear/flexplate are worn real bad in a couple places.

When/if you replace the starter, inspect the ring gear for wear also...
 
I couldn't really explain the sound that I'm getting. I just put in a new battery last year, so it definately wouldn't be a power fault. No, the car doesn't even try to turn over when I have a "bad" start. My buddy was telling me today that my solenoid could be missing the flywheel and that's why it's not starting and making that sound. Does that seem like he has a good point? He said that I should open up the inspection plate and look for broken or worn teeth. I think that just about ansewers everyone's questions. I'll check in with you guys later.

Thanks
 
Oh yea, it probably would sound like that solenoid if it was grinding on the flywheel. So, I'm hoping that will be my problem. So I'm not fixing twenty differnet things under there. And also, how much do you think it sould cost to fix this problem?
 
Autozone/Duralast is only 116.00. When you pull the starter, be sur eto check the ring-gear on the flexplate. You can rotate the motor by the nut on the crank pulley on the front of the engine. Make sure you rotate it clockwise(as if tightening the nut) and then check the teeth...

Someone correct me if the direction of rotation is incorrect, but i think i am right about thhe direction...
 
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