Car Makes Loud, Screeching Noise When Attempting To Start

imaketouchtheme · Nov 13, 2010

Hello....

I just went outside and attempted to start my vehicle (2000 Mercury Grand Marquis LS) and when I turned the key all the lights came on in the dash and it made an extremely loud "screeching" noise. I don't even know how to explain the noise it made, I haven't heard anything like it. It just went purrrrrrrr-renttttttt.

Really loud. The battery is fine as the electronic part of the car is functioning (door locks, etc). It just won't start.

Actually, it started doing this two days ago. It would do it. I'd turn the key back and start it again and it would start fine. It does it every two times I start the car. But now it won't start at all it just keeps screaming at me.

It sounds like it's coming from the fan area (?), but I honestly have no idea.

Also, I had the intake manifold replaced around six months ago.

I'm really sad...

EDIT: I guess the point of this thread is: Does anyone have any idea about what could possible be wrong with my car or things to test? I need a car...

quagmire · Nov 13, 2010

It probably is a bad starter if the battery is good.

Intell · Nov 13, 2010

Dearest imake, does this seem like CarTalk to you?

Anyways, my guess is a slipping belt. Probably the belt that connects the starter to the rest of the engine. Does it make the noise only when the key is in the start potion?

(Don't drive like my brother)

imaketouchtheme · Nov 13, 2010

Intell said:
Dearest imake, does this seem like CarTalk to you?

Anyways, my guess is a slipping belt. Probably the belt that connects the starter to the rest of the engine. Does it make the noise only when the key is in the start potion?

(Don't drive like my brother)

Yes, it's only when it's in the start position. It will make it as long as I keep it there.

Do you have any ideas on how to fix it?!?!

I'm quite ambitious and I'm not afraid to try and fix things myself.

I actually took my door apart and fixed the little keyless entry pad on my driver's side door....It was difficult to say the least.

Thanks!

rprebel · Nov 13, 2010

Yeah, that sounds like a loose belt.

imaketouchtheme · Nov 13, 2010

rprebel said:
Yeah, that sounds like a loose belt.

Do you know how I can make the belt....not loose?

jav6454 · Nov 13, 2010

Can you make a video and upload to hear what the sound is? Just a prrrr-rent doesn't make it enough. Also, a small like sorta walkthrough video would be nice.

However, one small tiniest of questions...
Have you changed the oil?

rprebel · Nov 13, 2010

imaketouchtheme said:
Do you know how I can make the belt....not loose?

Take it to whatever mechanic you trust. That's what I'd do, but I don't know jack about cars. It shouldn't be very expensive.

puma1552 · Nov 13, 2010

imaketouchtheme said:
Do you know how I can make the belt....not loose?

Get a new one. It's worn and stretched.

imaketouchtheme · Nov 13, 2010

jav6454 said:
Can you make a video and upload to hear what the sound is? Just a prrrr-rent doesn't make it enough. Also, a small like sorta walkthrough video would be nice.

However, one small tiniest of questions...
Have you changed the oil?

Video is being uploaded...

imaketouchtheme · Nov 13, 2010

Here's the video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er9tl81zS6o

flopticalcube · Nov 13, 2010

Starter motor pwned

rprebel · Nov 13, 2010

imaketouchtheme said:
Here's the video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er9tl81zS6o

Okay, not a belt. I've heard that sound before, but I don't know what it is. Best o' luck.

imaketouchtheme · Nov 13, 2010

flopticalcube said:
Starter motor pwned

What's your certainty on this?

I'm a little concerned as you used the term "pwned" at the end of the car part....

jav6454 · Nov 13, 2010

The starter is busted. However, curious thing is, ~~if it is the starter, it should not even make a sound.~~ It is the starter, just read something on it via Google. However, take it to a mechanic for confirmation. Just mention you think it's the Starter so that the mechanic has an overall quick idea.

~~It could also be the internal Timing Belt.~~

phpmaven · Nov 13, 2010

imaketouchtheme said:
Here's the video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er9tl81zS6o

The starter has a solenoid that makes a shaft with a gear on the end pop out so that it can turn the flywheel, which is pretty much a big gear. The sound you are hearing is the starter gear grinding against the flywheel. You could also be missing a few teeth on the flywheel and when it happens to stop spinning in the right spot, the starter gear just spins around because the teeth are missing there. Time for a good mechanic.

imaketouchtheme · Nov 13, 2010

jav6454 said:
The starter is busted. However, curious thing is, if it is the starter, it should not even make a sound.

It could also be the internal Timing Belt.

This is all so fantastical, all of this information....

Now, how/what do I do to fix/figure out what is wrong with my car.

jav6454 · Nov 13, 2010

imaketouchtheme said:
This is all so fantastical, all of this information....

Now, how/what do I do to fix/figure out what is wrong with my car.

I amended my response.

How to fix it? Well, you need a new Starter. Those puppies can go anything from $110 to $200 a pop; depending on year, make, model of your vehicle.

imaketouchtheme · Nov 13, 2010

jav6454 said:
I amended my response.

How to fix it? Well, you need a new Starter. Those puppies can go anything from $110 to $200 a pop; depending on year, make, model of your vehicle.

That's awesome!

Anyone wanna buy a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis LS?

jav6454 · Nov 13, 2010

imaketouchtheme said:
That's awesome!

Anyone wanna buy a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis LS?

Be sure to check with your mechanic first! Here we can only guess with what evidence you give us and from our limited knowledge. A Mechanic will know much more and can determine with greater accuracy than us if it is in fact the Starter (could be something else as well).

imaketouchtheme · Nov 13, 2010

jav6454 said:
Be sure to check with your mechanic first! Here we can only guess with what evidence you give us and from our limited knowledge. A Mechanic will know much more and can determine with greater accuracy than us if it is in fact the Starter (could be something else as well). Then charge me several hundred dollars

I fixed your post and added the best part about a mechanic....

puma1552 · Nov 13, 2010

Another vote for the starter, probably stripped gear teeth.

jav6454 · Nov 13, 2010

imaketouchtheme said:
I fixed your post and added the best part about a mechanic....

That's if you say yes to fixing the problem, but you could go for a check up. That doesn't cost hundreds and gives you the real problem.

imaketouchtheme · Nov 13, 2010

jav6454 said:
That's if you say yes to fixing the problem, but you could go for a check up. That doesn't cost hundreds and gives you the real problem.

How do I get the car to the mechanic? Pay a tow truck?

Disc Golfer · Nov 13, 2010

Definitely starter gear. If you can get the car into neutral and get it rolling, then turn the key, you should be able to get it started.

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