2003 starter problem???

[jamesmetairie]

2003 base vibe.automatic tranny. when turn on key to start position we hear a sound like the starter is still turning after the motor already starts. vibe has about 97,000 miles on original starter. thanks for any help.

[RIT]

The pinion gear on the starter is not releasing. You probably need a new starter, and get it before you damage the flywheel.

[jamesmetairie]

napa offers a few options. how does a person know if a starter with solinoid is needed? best bet looks like a visit to the auto electric shop. they can probly rebuild the original? thanks for the info.

[RIT]

With the rebuild cost, and down-time, I would thing buying a new (or rebuilt) starter would be the best option. But, I haven't priced starters in a few years.

[jamesmetairie]

almost unreal ! the vibe is ok today. But our 2004 corolla is doing the same thing. a cold weather front just arrived. i wonder if there,s a connection. i have a bad feeling this is gonna cost a ton of $.

[bassplayaz06]

i took mine off and opened it up, cleaned the dirt and grime out, then regreased it and put it back in. works fine now. did have the problem your talking about.

[hextavo]

I had this problem and basically just ignored it for a while, finally my starter went out one cold night at a friends.. I smacked it with a hammer and got home that night, well its a pretty simple replacement and now I no longer have that over cranking noise from my starter on the occasional start up! I'd just replace your starter.. BTW mine had about 165k, and I'm guessing the starter was original (bought car used at around 100k).