I just started my car and I made a weird grinding noise like when you try to start a car that's already running, it started after the grinding but now after I killed it and tried to restart now nothing but a slight buzzing sound. I'm thinking maybe a starter, i checked the battery voltage and its at 12.45v ,I've searched the forums and can't find anything on the starter location to try and bump it and see if I can get it to disengage and maybe start. Would love a DIY guide our any input on suggestions, thanks in advance.

 

I have no clue what it may be exactly. But sounds like it's most likely the starter. When you try to turn your ignition on a key car that's already on, that's EXACTLY what it sounds like lol. I know from experience smh. Maybe you can go on mylparts.com and look up a diagram. Look up the starter for your car and study the picture. Best advice I can give you. That'll help you imagine and locate the starter then you can attempt tapping it or changing it from there. Good luck bro I hope your problems are less then what your anticipating and that your on the road asap! GodBless!

 

If it started the first time with a loud grind sound, i would consider the battery. Try to jump start it and see if its fixed. If it starts and the grinding sound is still going (as the car is running), the starter gear is not dis-engaging.

 

Thanks alot guys but I think I may have lucked out. It seems there is a starter wire that runs behind the alternator right under the exhaust manifold and it has a connector that came unplugged. I reconnected and it started right up. Appreciate the insight

 

Great to know my friend! I'm happy for you! GodBless

 

How in the heck did it get disconnected?

 

I recently replaced the alternator, I'm assuming when doing so I may have pulled on it enough to get disconnected but remain in enough contact to start until now. That's th e best I could guess anyway.

 

Ok at least it's not a mystery and very plausible explanation.

 

Check that the connection doesn't have sulfate from the fact it wasnt properly connected, i would clean the terminals well with contact cleaner to avoid future problems.