whirring noise when starting

[Einstein47]

Hey all - welcome the new guy,

This is my first post here. I'm really hoping to get some good advice or at least someone that can point me in the right direction.

I've had my Sunfire for 5 years, and it has been great. I have 145,000 miles on it, but my problem has only started recently.

When I go to start the car, most of the time it will just make a whirring sound. This happens a few times and then starts normally. Doesn't matter if it is cold or warm. Occasionally it will start up on the first try, but that is rare.

Someone at work said that my solinoid might be dirty. Another mentioned my starter. A third said it was something else. Can someone here give me a better idea where I should look?

Any help is appreciated.

Einy

[BOOZER]

Probably time for a starter. Sounds like the solinoid is getting weak, or the bendix is binding. Either way it's not engaging & your hearing the motor spin free.
Remember, you get what you pay for, so when buy one there is a reason the A/C DELCO costs more than the parts store house brand. Good luck.

[sunfire2.2]

Quick bit of info. I had the same problem as you except my starter would no longer enguage at all! Canadian Tire told me I needed a new starter, so I said no and decided to let a friend of mine put a $40 rebuild kit on it. Even when he was puting on the rebuild kit, he thought that it might not last long or work at all because it seemed to be very worn out. Well, that was 4 years and 100,000 Kilometers ago. Now, the garage wound't rebuild it and rightfully so, because it still would have cost $150 with labour and they don't want to take the risk that it still might not work, and then they have an unhappy customer, but if you have a friend who can put a rebuild kit on for you or you want to tackle it yourself, go for it! You may save yourself some cash.

[sunfirechick]

hey what year do you have there was a recall for sunfires for the starter i would check it out if not it could catch on fire

[sunfire2.2]

My sunfire is a 96 and i have had that recall for the starer, but you are right, best to get it checked if you haven't already.