GunnarB

The other day I turned the car on and the engine sounded like something was out of place. The motor was running smoothly, but it sounded like an accessory was out of whack. Bearing or something. Now it won't even crank. I believe it has nothing to do with the integrity of the motor. I now believe that the starter is to blame. Can someone tell me where the starter is located.

Also the noturious ignition problem might be to blame. Sometimes the headlights and climate would not kick in. Perhaps the sound I heard was the starter staying on??

Please help!!

moribundman

... above and behind the alternator. It's a black can-shaped object. Make sure it's not loose, which is something that has happened to me on some cars.

bogelo

What car? if its 96+ try plug in some VAG and read out DTCs.

Jretal

I'd put money on your ignition switch going south. Those were the supposed symptoms of the ignition switches when they died. They formed a crack that would make the key stick in the start position, and not allow it to snap back, disengaging the starter.

Try jiggling the key in the ignition. That worked on my x's new volvo (yeah, '04 S40) that's ignition switch went crazy 'bout a week after she got it... oops. Ford quality maybe?