Starter motor - what is the problem

[DogsBody]

Hello,

Jumped in the car this morning and went to start it and the starter motor was just spinning (sounded a bit weird though, not free spinning, like a belt was being dragged across something)
Anyway, as I park on a steep hill I bump started it just fine and then after that the starter motor was fine, I stopped and started the engine a few times with it and it seemed to sound completely normal after the 3rd startup. (still sounded like something was dragging a bit the 1st time or 2)

Does this sound like a starter on its way out or something seized up or what ?
I will be dropping into the garage after work to get it check out obviously but would like to have an idea now of how much it is going to shaft me

 

[Deleted member 66701]

Hello,

Jumped in the car this morning and went to start it and the starter motor was just spinning (sounded a bit weird though, not free spinning, like a belt was being dragged across something)
Anyway, as I park on a steep hill I bump started it just fine and then after that the starter motor was fine, I stopped and started the engine a few times with it and it seemed to sound completely normal after the 3rd startup. (still sounded like something was dragging a bit the 1st time or 2)

Does this sound like a starter on its way out or something seized up or what ?
I will be dropping into the garage after work to get it check out obviously but would like to have an idea now of how much it is going to shaft me

I used to have a Sierra that used to have a starter motor that did that occasionally - a quick thump with a hammer sorted it. Sometimes it'd happen a couple of times a week, other times it'd go for months without an issue.

but yes, a replacement starter motor should sort it out.

If it were me I'd see if it gets worse and carry a small hammer in the boot for a while

 

[Zack101]

Could be battery.