# Engine turns over, whines, but won't start! **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** starting\ **Created:** [March 25, 2009, 8:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-turns-over-whines-but-wont-start/28305 "2009-03-25T20:52:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pmkirkland](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@pmkirkland](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pmkirkland)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2009, 8:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-turns-over-whines-but-wont-start/28305/1 "2009-03-25T20:52:26Z")
I have a 1990 Buick LeSabre. When I go to start the car (particularly when it is cold) all the lights come on fine, but when I turn the key all the way it acts like it will start, but all I get is a whining/whirring sound. It turns over, but acts like it isn’t grabbing the engine. Battery has plenty of strength. It usually starts after about 5-10 tries. (haven’t been stranded anywhere YET) Runs great after it is started. New plugs, wires, ignition coil. I replaced the solenoid and that did not help. Any help?? I hate to just start randomly replacing parts in the ignition system! Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2009, 9:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-turns-over-whines-but-wont-start/28305/2 "2009-03-25T21:23:37Z")
It sounds like you are describing a starter who’s armature is revolving but whos drive gear is not engaging. I find it odd that you say you replaced the solenoid (starter solenoid?),who replaces just the solenoid these days? Is it possible you did not do the job right?Did you make a complete inspection of the flexplate teeth(all the way around)? You are right to not replace ignition system parts. By your description you problem lies in the cranking system. ---
**Author:** ![waterboy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/waterboy/32/764_2.png) [@waterboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/waterboy)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2009, 10:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-turns-over-whines-but-wont-start/28305/3 "2009-03-25T22:06:14Z")
Not too familiar with the specifics if the solenoid is separate from the starter motor on this model but it sure sounds like a starter motor, as the happiest option, worst case scenario you could have broken teeth on the flywheel.