I had to have a key made for my lil brown beater - and in marking the blank key, our boy jiggled it a bit 'too too' in the ignition. I know this because when I went to start the mighty bucket, it made a whirring, dentist-drill sound. Then it seems to connect or mesh with something and the car starts with it's normal little song. (I do have to rotate the key toward 'off' a little to get the whir to go away.) For fear I was frying something, I've been compression starting - and I'm over that...no inclines at the grocery store.
So, I took it to a friend-recommended repair guy, who checked it out & said the starter was gone and - this is the best piece of the pie! - the part alone was $195!! He then quoted 3 hours labor - another $180. My BS meter was swingin and beepin until I looked online. Starter roughly $75 - the jerk!
What I can't seem to find is the standard 'book rate' for the install. Now, it occurs to me - duh! - might it be just the ignition? Or is the whir truly indicating the starter? I believe naught that comes from whats-his-name's mouth, so why not double check even the diagnosis?
Clearly, I am in need of whatever guidance I can sweet talk you fine folks out of. Another hour in this meat grinder, and I will lose what's left of my feeble little brain....
Thanking you in advance -
Tracie