[SEMIJim]

Could be either the solenoid or the starter, sorry to say. What's supposed to happen, when you turn the key, is that power is applied to the solenoid, which results in two things: A pinion gear being pushed out to engage the engine's flywheel and a relay engaging to supply high current to the starter motor proper. It sounds like the solenoid's relay is working. That high-pitched whine you hear is probably the starter motor spinning freely. It sounds like the pinion gear is not being pushed out to engage the flywheel.

Either way: The starter's going to have to be pulled to diagnose and repair this.

Here's a nice tear-down picture of a modern starter: File:Automobile starter 2.JPG. Here is an explanation of how it works: Starter motor.

One thing the picture does not explain is the wiring. If you look closely at the starter solenoid, you can see a small tab on the back of it (that's the end to the right), facing you. That's where the key switch connects. (The return side of that circuit is through the system's common ground.) The two large bolt terminals on the back of the solenoid are for the heavy cables that supply starter motor current: One goes to your battery, the other to the starter motor's windings. (You can see the tab for that sticking up from those red starter motor windings to the right.) As with the starter solenoid: The return path is through the systems common ground.

Jim

[Ederickson]

Thanks to all that helped with advice on my starter. Mikey was correct in his diagnosis. I pulled it myself (thanks to some very nice diagrams sent by Jim) and was able to salvage it. Everyone is so helpful here and saved me from spending money needlessly!!!! LIZ

[SEMIJim]

Congratulations, Ederickson, glad you were able to fix it yourself (And glad I was able to help .)

Jim

[Ederickson]

thanks agaiin