Hey everyone, I need some help ASAP on this issue, as my car is stranded in a parking lot right now.

I can't start my car even with jumping it. This is more than just a "I try to start it and it just makes clicking noises" issue. I was able to jump it once fine. The second time I tried after driving around for 20 min or so, stopping, then finding that it wouldn't restart.

The sound it makes when trying to start is a terrible, loud grinding sound. The engine also shakes HARD.

My car sat without being started for about 3 weeks before this issue began, and had no starting issues whatsoever before now.


What could be wrong, causing my car to fail and create such a terrible sound?!

I presume you have cleaned the starter connections on the starter? We need more information in order to be of much help. I don't know about the bad sounds. When it was running the last time was it making bad noises?

Do you have garage space? Can you get it flatbedded there? Hopefully you have other transportation for the time being.

I don't like the noise you described. Get her home first. Let's see if we can't help you out.

starter contacts? crank sensor?

hard to say... get the car somewhere where it can be properly inspected

Jamie http://www.subiegal.com/subiegal-smilie.png (http://www.subiegal.com/)

+1 for starter contacts. Also double check the grounds to both the tranny and the motor (trust me on this).

If it turns out your starter is shot don't waste your time on rebuilds. Get a new one. Went through that exercise with my Dad on the rebuilt parts. Lets just say 3 rebuilt starters later, and he began to see the light.