Hi,

CAR NOT STARTING, ATYPICAL SOUNDS
I went to start the car. Everything sounded fine for a second, but then the starter noise seemed to change to thinner, "electronic version" of the normal robust starter sound.

After I back the key up (stop trying to start it), I can hear an electronic tone coming from the engine compartment, maybe for as long as a minute or so from the engine. Eventually, something like a relay clicks and the tone stops.

When I try to start it now, I just get that weird new starter sound, that sounds like a softer, fake version of the starter noise, but the car is not starting.

Any ideas please?

(ps - I have an account, just can't remember my username!)

Kat in Oklahoma

A starter has 2 parts, an electric motor and a solenoid. When you turn the key to start, 2 things happen: the solenoid pushes a gear to engage the flywheel and the motor then spins the shaft to turn the flywheel.

If the solenoid stops working, the starter motor spins rapidly making a high pitched sound. If this is the case, you will need a new starter. Used from a junk yard can do in a pinch.