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Starting issues

Shtoms

New CEG'er
Joined
Jun 26, 2005
Messages
13
Forgive me if this issue has already been addressed, i tried searching but cant figure out how to search for an issue that sounds like another. Let me explain.

I have a 95 mystique, duratec engine. As of late when i attempt to start it, I get a grinding noise that sounds just like the sound you get if you start the engine while already running (screeeeech!). It takes a few tries and it starts up. But it's happening more and more often and sounds worse each time like somethings spinning and not catching. I have 117,000 miles on it and I want more out of it, what does this problem sound lke to you and is it fixable or not worth it. Thanks as always!
 
117K miles. Your starter is bad. Change it before it messes up the flywheel too. If you have an automatic, make sure you remove the tranny harness or you won't be able to take out the starter even if you remove the tranny to driver fender mount. There just isn't enough clearance for the automatic.
 
Any how to's available on changing out the starter? It is an ATX by the way.
 
It could be the solenoid that is actually going bad.


sweetsvt,
the damage comes when the starter gear doesn't extend far enough to fully mesh with the flywheel and it can grind along the edge of the teeth of it instead of being in there all the way.
 
It could be the solenoid that is actually going bad.


sweetsvt,
the damage comes when the starter gear doesn't extend far enough to fully mesh with the flywheel and it can grind along the edge of the teeth of it instead of being in there all the way.

boss, thanks for the response. I'm hearing a high pitched grinding noise, which makes me think the starter is not fully meshing with the flywheel. Would the solenoid going bad make this type of noise?
 
My car just started doing this. I thought starters werent supposed to go out overnight? I had a battery/alternator/starter test 2 days ago and all tested fine. Started right up perfectly last night before I went to sleep. Woke up and nothing but grinding. Im guessing from the revious posts this is a starter issue. Any thoughts?
 
My car just started doing this. I thought starters werent supposed to go out overnight? I had a battery/alternator/starter test 2 days ago and all tested fine. Started right up perfectly last night before I went to sleep. Woke up and nothing but grinding. Im guessing from the revious posts this is a starter issue. Any thoughts?
The test they conducted for the starter was most probably an electrical test. To confirm if the issue with your starter is the starter gear:

1) If you have a manual transmission, go to the back of the car and bump the bumper a few times. Then if the car starts, it is probably the starter gear.

2) If you have an Automatic, step on the brakes, and shift the gear to R, N, D, 2, 1 and then back to Park. If it then starts, it is the starter gear.
 
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