problem starting her up

For background, my car has never had a starting problem before this.

My car has been parked and untouched for 3 days, and has been working perfect until today. I go to fire her up today and when I start the car, it doesn't turn over but I hear a clicking/whirring noise. I assume this is the starter solenoid doing its job. The engine DOES NOT turn over. I have deduced this to be a starter problem. I even tried jumping the car just in case but nothing happens. I can hear the fuel pump turn on.

My questions to you guys:

- Can you think of anything besides a starter problem?

- Where the hell is the starter located?

- If I find it, can I hit it with something hard or should I just get a new one?

- If I get a new one, how much will I be looking at spending?

thanks in advance,

Adam

haulbalz said:

oh, that starter goes into the bellhousing, rap at it with a hammer.

Click to expand...

thanks! anyone else have any ideas? My Haynes' manual got lost in the move back and I have no idea what I'm looking for. Any kind of picture, artist's rendering, even a description of the starter and its location would be a big help.

The best part is that i live on a fairly steep hill... so I need to push the car into my level driveway, up the hill where its parked, in order to work on it. Before I go through that I want to make sure I can get at the damn thing myself with just a jack and jackstands. Is this possible?

thanks again guys,

Adam