Just like the subject says, the starter spins when you try to turn the car on, but the motor doesn't turn over with it. Possible causes? Also, is it possible to jump start an SVT while rolling down a driveway in reverse?
It is possible to push-start a manual transmission Contour with the following procedure:
1)Put key to ON position (check engine light should be lit).
2)Get a helper to push the car and get it moving.
3)Select 3rd gear.
4)Release the clutch for a second--engine should start.
You might be able to do this in reverse with the car rolling backwards, but reverse is a lower gear than 3rd and so you may find that it won't work.
As far as the problem with the starter, it sounds like you need a new starter.
Spins? Does it make that horrible sound that you hear when you try to start a car that's already started?
I think you have have stripped the teeth on the starter itself. I did that once on my Sunbird. Push started it thanfkully.
the starter spins for sure, but it is not the same noise as when the motor is running. honestly, i really can't tell if the motor is turning over with the starter or not.
The starter is just an electric motor. If it's spinning, and not engaging the flywheel, it'll spin real fast, much faster than normal. You'd know.
Mine did that same thing back in December, you could hear the starter spinning but it didnt engage the flywheel, or the teeth were gone. Let it sit for a while and then try it again, it may be that only some of the teeth are stripped. That was the case with mine. You should be able to get a new starter put in for like $230?
I've gotten it pop-started in every gear, including reverse. (I was trying to figure out which was best)
I figured third based on vehicle moving about 3MPH and a desired engine cranking speed of about 250RPM. Or something like that. 3rd is about 81RPM per 1MPH