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badd · Mar 25, 2005, 10:01 PM

Hi guys boy am I glad I stubled on this site!

Well let me start by saying I have read through every thread in here and found none that are simmular to my problem.

I just bought a project car from the police auction it is a 90 civic si. The problem that I have is when I turn the key all I get is a nice "weeeeeeeeee" sound from the starter. The engine does not turn over at all. So I pulled the starter out and picked up another from the junk yard and it still does the same thing! (could be another bad starter for all I know) it is an automatic so I can't push start it to see if it is something else. I assume that it is the starter, and I am praying that it is nothing major in the engine! Any suggestions or advice would be great.

Once again I believe the starter is spinning ( well it sounds like it is) but the engine does not want to turn over. My ears are sick of this whirrr sound!

Thanks
Chris.

CroCivic91 · Mar 26, 2005, 03:02 AM

I am not familiar with automatic transmissions, but I remember reading once that starter has a clutch of it's own. If the starter is turning, but the engine does not turn over, I think the problem might be in it's clutch, not connecting the starter to the crankshaft.

Also, problem might be in the transmission itself. I believe I read somewhere that automatic transmission cars cannot be started unless the transmission is in Park mode, or something like that. Perhaps this sensor that tells ECU in which gear the transmission is, does not work.

labman · Mar 26, 2005, 01:02 PM

Different cars use different systems to engage and disengage the starter. Some use a solenoid to push the starter motor gear back to engage the flywheel. There will be a smaller round thing on the starter with a lever running from it to the end of the starter. It will also have contacts to connect the battery cable to the starter. If your car has the lever, make sure it works freely. Others rely on a helix and inertia to move the gear. Again, there may be a round thing on top of the starter, but it is only a relay, or the relay may be up on the fender. Remove the starter again, and make sure the gear moves freely on the shaft, sliding back with the least push on the teeth. If not, take it apart and clean it. Put a light oil, maybe a silicone on it. To thick of an oil, and the oil won't let it move when it is cold.