Starter not working properly

2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
248,000 MILES • 3.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JOHN TOMADAKIS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I turn the key to start the car and if it doesn't start right away the start makes a whining noise likes it's continually spinning and not engaging. I have to pull the negative wire off so it stops. And when I put the wire back on it still makes that noise . And I can't start it.
Dec 17, 2019 at 5:18 AM
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DANNY L
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Quick question... When the starter motor continuously free spins as you stated the key is off right ? From what it sounds like you take the key out of the ignition and then have to disconnect the battery to get it to stop.There might be a shorted contact in the starter motor solenoid. Here is a tutorial to show you how to remove/replace a starter motor:

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

Most local auto parts stores will test your starter motor for free.Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Dec 17, 2019 at 6:34 AM