So I went to McDonald's for some food last night and I shut the car off so I could hear the comm. (it has an exhaust leak that's really loud), and when I went to start it back up, it didn't even crank. Instead, it made a loud whining noise that sounded like it came from around the area of the starter motor. This noise kept going even after I stopped trying to crank it, it lasted about 1 minute and 30 seconds. I tried to start it up again after pushing from the window, and it started up fine. Any thoughts?

It's a 1997 Eclipse GS, with a 2.0 and M/T.

Thanks in advance.

 

Starter?

 

I kinda figured that, dude. It actually happened again today, the car was running fine and next thing ya know it conks out and it started all over again with the whining. I'm not sure if I should just replace the solenoid of the starter or if I should just replace the whole thing. But thanks for the input dsm, it's much appreciated. =)

 

Replace the whole thing its easier.

 

Thanks

 

Well since theres already a thread, I dont wanna thread jack but I just had the same problem tonight as well, just a little different though for me. Mine wont crank what so ever, the key clicks, the clutch is pushed in, the batterys charged, no fuses are blown, all electrical works. But no matter how many times I try and turn the key, it wont crank what so ever. So would that be the starter again in my case or what? Cause I'm extremely ticked off right now and at a total loss cause I feel like ive checked everything.

 

Yep sounds like it, try having someone tap it w/ a hammer while you try to start it.

 

Yea im gonna just buy a new one cause, although it worked finally just randomly and works fine again now, its obviously old and has started to freeze up or something. Thanks for the help though.

 

Hey guys i got the same problem but i already replaced the starter with a new one. Still wont start, no click or sound. What could it be. I checked all power from alternator and battery and all is good. The shop tested all the wires but still nothing help please. By the way its a 97 eclipse gst.

 

Most vehicle starting circuits are the same due to safety and financial reasons (goverment regulations and consumers ready to sue due to their own stupidity). Did you search posts for this common issue? I am almost 100% sure that I have replied to someone else about starting issues. Your best friend is a factory service manual. I have said that numerous times and I will continue to say this as it will give you all kinds of information and circuit information to diagnose electrical problems. Usually it is a safety start interlock issue if the starter, solenoid, battery, starter relay, ignition switch are good.