Hi All,

I got a 2002 Chevy Impala with only 67 K miles on the odometer that has a peculiar problem.

My car will sometimes not start. It typically happens about every 3 or 4 months. I had the battery replaced earlier this spring so it'* definitely not the battery.

Anyway, if I wait 30 minutes or an hour, it will start up just fine. so the fact that it is not doing it all the time is why the repair shop is unwilling to fix it.

BTW, I made a youtube video of the sounds it makes...which makes me think it'* the starter. Also, this youtube video was made on July 5th and today July 14th, I had the same trouble again so it getting to be more frequent. Usually it occurs about every 3 or 4 months.

Oh some other things... this seems to happen when the car has been sitting for a while like maybe an overnight ... and it also seems to occur when the steering wheel is turned at an odd angle.

Also today I heard this whirring sound even when I turned the key to the ACC position which is weird... is that a sign the ignition switch is going bad too?


Any advice and info anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Anytime I have experienced starter issues, I replace them, as I do not want to get stranded somewhere.
Starter motor'* work hard & it is best to simply replace them.
You also don't want to risk any damage to the flexplate because the starter gear may not be retracting properly.

Well, I waited a little while and it started right up. Funny thing is that whirring noise... I heard it when the ignition was turned to "ACC" and when I turned to "On" as well. Why would it be making that sound? I would think the starter should not be running until you have to the ignition to turned to start.