2001 Intrigue starting problems

[Ffrog]

2001 Intrigue 3.3 L v6

Due to the cold weather, seems the battery could not start the car.
I removed the battery to trickle charge it overnight in the house, and hooked it back up in the morning. It seemed to have sufficient charge to power the starter motor, but the engine would not turn over. I could hear a whirring sound whenever the key was turned, and the sound stopped whenever the key was turned off.

I am suspecting that the starter motor somehow is not engaging with the engine flywheel?

Any feedback is appreciated.

[82Stang]

Get a gauge on that battery to make sure it is up to full power, 11.5 to 12 volts. If you don't have full charge, it may not be enough. How about if you hook up to another car and try jumping it, does it make a difference? If so, bat is bad. If not, then could be bad starter. Also make sure all battery connections are free of corrosion. Good luck.

[Tech II]

Is the engine actually cranking over, or it's not and you are just getting a whirring sound from the starter?

[Ffrog]

I took the battery to get it tested as it didn't seem to be charging, the test said to replace, so I did. New battery and same issues.

Tech II, when I turn the key to start it, there is a definite whirring sound that to me sounds like the starter, yet the engine doesn't turn over. The whirring sound stops when I turn the key back to the off position.

[82Stang]

Originally Posted by Ffrog

I took the battery to get it tested as it didn't seem to be charging, the test said to replace, so I did. New battery and same issues.

Tech II, when I turn the key to start it, there is a definite whirring sound that to me sounds like the starter, yet the engine doesn't turn over. The whirring sound stops when I turn the key back to the off position.

Ok, so atleast one problem is out of the way. The starter may not actually be hitting the flywheel to crank the engine over or something is maligned. Try this, put the vehicle in neutral, move it a foot or so, then put it in Drive and rock it back and forth a minute. Put vehicle back in Park, rock again and try restarting. Any difference?