Toasted starter?

[Malevolyn]

Last night, I started up my car. It started normally and idled for about a second before stalling. I tried to started again, then the starter made a single turn then I heard a loud "KLUNK." I tried again with the same result. Could my starter be dead?

 

[Dragstr05]

I guess it could be starter related. I'm very curious though if it was the starter, why would the engine stall AFTER its already running? Once you release the key from the start position, the drive gear on the starter returns to its normal position and doesnt contact anything until you start it again.

 

[Roger_4.6_96]

Tap it lightly with a hammer and see if it frees it up. I Think its time for a new one.

 

[Malevolyn]

I guess it could be starter related. I'm very curious though if it was the starter, why would the engine stall AFTER its already running? Once you release the key from the start position, the drive gear on the starter returns to its normal position and doesnt contact anything until you start it again.

Yeah, I thought that was strange, too. I guess it could possibly be more than one problem.

Tap it lightly with a hammer and see if it frees it up. I Think its time for a new one.

I'll try that. Also it was kinda cold when it happened, but then again this is Florida so I doubt that was it. I've been too worried to try it again.

 

[CManT1914]

Try jumping the two big terminals together on the starter, and see if it starts. If so, it's probably your solenoid that's gone bad. If not, try hitting it with a hammer, and starting it. Also, check to make sure all your grounds are good and tight.

 

[Malevolyn]

I tried it again a few minutes ago and it's more or a really loud, really low pitched squeak than a klunking sound. I can get a sound clip if anyone wants it.

If anyone here as ever tried to reverse in a Saturn Ion with the parking brake on, it's kinda like that.

Update: Sound Clip

 

[Malevolyn]

I talked to my dad about it and he said the flywheel might be on a bad tooth and the starter can't catch it. Does this sound about right?

(Sorry about the bump. I need to get this fixed so I can go out and find a job. )