Starter grinding. Wont start.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2018
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Starter grinding. Wont start. I have a 1994 Pontiac Firebird Formula 5.7. I've been trying to start my car for an hour. I turn the key I heard a grinding noise coming from the starter. The car turns over like it wants to start but doesn't. Now the starter just spins and doesnt turn the motor over. Im hoping its just the starter that is messed up and not the flywheel...My day started out by flushing the radiator to having problems getting the car to start and now my starter making noise and not engaging 
What should I do?
What should I do? 
TECH Veteran
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,985
Likes: 112
Is your battery charged?.....after all the starting issues you have in the other thread?
If the battery is charged and it still does it, starter is bad.
Many buy the Autozone Corvette (1996) one. Gear reduction starter, cheaper and lighter than stock replacement and bolts right in
If the battery is charged and it still does it, starter is bad.
Many buy the Autozone Corvette (1996) one. Gear reduction starter, cheaper and lighter than stock replacement and bolts right in
TECH Resident
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 943
Likes: 2
From: Houston
If the starter is free spinning and the motor isnt turning, pull the starter and check the teeth on the starter and the flywheel/flexplate. I'd bet stripped teeth are the issue.
If you have a manual tranny, try push starting the car to see if you can eliminate the electronics as being an issue.
If you have a manual tranny, try push starting the car to see if you can eliminate the electronics as being an issue.
