Car will not start, screeching noise while turning key

Tiny
ALEX CALL
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 210,000 MILES
My car will not start. When I turn the key to start the car, all you hear is an extremely loud, high pitched screeching noise. It seemed to come out of no where. The engine does not fire up at all, and no other sounds of starting are present outside of the screeching.
Saturday, May 13th, 2017 AT 5:15 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,005 POSTS
That's sounding like the starter 'trying', but is not engaging.There could also be gear tooth damage on the starter or flywheel. I'd remove the starter, inspect it's teeth and the teeth on the flywheel (right there in the hole the starter was removed from) If all seems well, have the starter tested at an auto parts store, normally it's a free service.

Here is a guide to help you remove the starter with diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Let us know how it works out!

The Medic
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Saturday, May 13th, 2017 AT 8:41 PM
Tiny
OHIO BEEEMEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The starter in my car had broken the nose off, messy but fixed now. Thanks!
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Tuesday, January 28th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM

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