98 windstart starting problem

My windstar ran fine. Went to the store, came out and went to start the car. All I got was this grinding noise, almost as if the car was started and you tried to start it again.

We thought it was the starter. We replaced it, but it still makes the same noise and won't start. Does anybody know what the problem may be? It's stuck in a store parking lot. I need to move it, but don't know where to start next. Thanks in advance for your help.

I would have suspected the starter too based on the noise description. Perhaps the starter solenoid is the problem.

I would then try and remove the accessory belt to see if that eliminates the problem. I have heard water pumps make strange noises but I don't even know what drives the pump on the Stars (I assume it is the accessory belt as the Windstar 3.8 has a chain I beleive)

DRW is making a good suggestion, but before you do that.... try to assure that all the battery cable connections are good. If too low a voltage is presented to the starter, it can make some wierd noises.

You may want to put a temp jumper on the small starter terminal. Make it long enought to reach the positive terminal of the battery. (This will jump around a bunch of stuff that can stop the starter). With the key "on", and the tranny in Park ... briefly press the other end of jumper to battery + post.

I would have suspected the starter too based on the noise description. Perhaps the starter solenoid is the problem.

I would then try and remove the accessory belt to see if that eliminates the problem. I have heard water pumps make strange noises but I don't even know what drives the pump on the Stars (I assume it is the accessory belt as the Windstar 3.8 has a chain I beleive)

okay thanks. i'll give it a try. i thought maybe the flywheel gear or something inside may be jammed. it's just the dangest thing. sometimes auto's are such a pain. i'll let you know how it goes.

DRW is making a good suggestion, but before you do that.... try to assure that all the battery cable connections are good. If too low a voltage is presented to the starter, it can make some wierd noises.

You may want to put a temp jumper on the small starter terminal. Make it long enought to reach the positive terminal of the battery. (This will jump around a bunch of stuff that can stop the starter). With the key "on", and the tranny in Park ... briefly press the other end of jumper to battery + post.

i'll check this out too, although i don't think it's the battery. although someone else mentioned that if you take the - cable off the battery for about 15 mins. it resets everything, that something that simple could make the car start again.

its the grinding noise that gets me. and the car does not turn over. thanks for your help.