Edit/Note:Confirmed fix at bottom of thread!

I've spent a long time doing a search through numerous threads/posts on this forum...and all threads end with no actual problem solvers. Just the usual "experts" w/their theories.

Please do not post with "suggestions" or "maybes".
Please DO post if you've experienced this same problem AND your confirmed fix.

Problem:
Upon turning the key to start car (Evo 9) all I get is the starter whine that so many others have experienced. The problem was very sporadic previously, but began to become a bit more common until now it won't turn over at all.

Conditions/Factors:
The battery is brand-spanking new and was doing this issue w/previous battery as well. The starter was removed and tested at Autozone and checked out fine. When starter was re-installed, I made sure the 2 connections were secured tight/not loose. I also cleaned off the starter terminal connections & ensured they were free of grime, etc. The battery cable is undamaged and the terminals are clean.

Push starting the car works but eventually the problem happens again. I tried doing the suggestions (from this forum) of placing the car in gear, rocking it back-&-forth, and still doesn't start. Currently in Missouri where weather has been averaging 20-50 degrees.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

Edit/Note: Confirmed fix at bottom of thread!

 

Hey sorry to here about that, i went thru the same thing too, But the last straw was when i was at a car meet. I had to jack my car up and hit the starter to get it to move, so i called up mitsu the next day and they ordered it in 3 days, the car starts up like new, what a difference.

 

So it's best to just replace the whole starter?

 

Confirmed Fix:
Please excuse my lack of terms for parts...

I got it. Was getting ready to order a new starter or solenoid when we decided to go for broke and open it all up.

Problem:
On the solenoid itself...we opened it up (2 screws) & removed the spring and the "plunger" cylinder mechanism. We noticed a small "scratch/nick" on the edge of the otherwise smooth surface, indicating to us that it was "hitting" against the edge of the solenoid casing or something.

Fix:
With the plunger-cylinder & spring completely removed off the solenoid...we used fine-grit sandpaper and "Lectra-Motive" non-conductive cleaner fluid to remove all of the grime and gunk off until it was silky smooth. Same with the spring, it was cleaned thoroughly.

The inside of the solenoid housing were wiped down w/a clean rag until the inside was completely clean. We then coated the spring & plunger cylinder w/a small amount of non-conductive "bulb grease" (small 99 cent packet from auto store), carefully placed the spring and plunger cylinder back as it was...ensuring that it was in fact properly moving the pinion on the starter, back & forth smoothly.

Once everything was assembled, the starter was again installed, and right-as-rain...it fired right up, very smoothly & quickly.

Tested it by literally, driving around the neighborhood, turning car off & on MANY times. Each time, it fired up as smooth & quickly as the day I bought her.

 

I would just like to post an update on this issue/fix:

It has been over 1 year and I never experienced the starter whine problem after the fix was applied...none.

She has fired right up like a champ every time!