2006 Suzuki Forenza with new starter, whirring, but not starting

[jmgreetis]

The title pretty much explains the gist of it.

Basically, I had a new transmission put in and a new alternator. I was driving the car fine for a few days. I was on the freeway doing about 80mph and the car just died out of nowhere. Any time I would try to start it I would hear the starter whirring up, but that's all it would do.

I had the original starter tested at O'reilly's and they said that it seemed ok but a little weak. So I bought a new starter and replaced it just today. Tried to start it up and got the same result.

We tried again with a separated fully charged battery.

There was no apparent starter relay in the cars fuse box diagram. So we checked anything that might be even remotely related and they all seemed to be in order.

We're stuck. And putting this starter on was the biggest pain in the butt I've ever dealt with on a vehicle.

[ctesla]

jm,
i know you posted a year ago; sorry, i was overseas and incommunicado..
i would be interested in finding out how you solved the anamoly.. usually when the starter 'whirrs', it's just a bendix going bad, but the 'driving down the highway and dies' routine sounded like a grounding issue..
what did it end up being? do you still have the forenza?
hope it was something simple; like the positive battery cable loose and corroded, or the IAC or MAF/MAP disconnected or chaffed wire shutting of
signal to the ECU/ECM.. let me know; my daughter has an 06 Forenza, it'll be nice to know what i'm in for..

[GeorgeHenry667]

It sounds like the starter is engaging but not cranking the engine. Here are some things to check:

Starter Alignment: Ensure the new starter is properly installed and aligned.
Flywheel Condition: Inspect for damaged or missing teeth.
Battery and Grounds: Check all connections for corrosion and tightness, especially grounds.
Engine Seizure: Try turning the engine manually with a socket on the crankshaft pulley.
Wiring: Verify the starter signal wire and all connections.
Neutral Safety Switch: If automatic, try starting in neutral instead of park.

Since the issue started after the transmission replacement, double-check that no wires or grounds were left loose. Let us know what you find!