Why doesn't the car start when I turn the key?

Asked by Rick Aug 24, 2022 at 01:09 PM about the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Base

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

When I turn the key, I hear a spinning, whirring sound.  The car won't turn over.

1 Answer

157,625

Bad starter or broken teeth on the flywheel. The starter drive gear engages the flywheel to turn over the engine by literally moving forward when you turn the ignition key. If the gear stops popping out for some reason, usually a worn out starter, the gear just spins and that's what you're hearing. The other, less likely possibility, is broken teeth on the flywheel. When this happens the starter gear will pop out like it's supposed to but since the teeth on the flywheel are missing the gear will have nothing to engage with so it just spins. Again, not turning the engine over. Hopefully the picture below will help you visualize how the starter should engage the flywheel. Hope that helps! Jim

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    munron
    Reputation
    8,230
  • #2
    James Sparrow
    Reputation
    7,520
  • #3
    Dorian Hendricks
    Reputation
    6,170
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Corvette
793 Great Deals out of 14,532 listings starting at $4,999
Used Pontiac G8
5 Great Deals out of 77 listings starting at $2,795
Used Chevrolet Impala
220 Great Deals out of 3,850 listings starting at $1,995
Used Ford Mustang
947 Great Deals out of 19,852 listings starting at $1,950
Used Dodge Charger
819 Great Deals out of 14,534 listings starting at $2,500
Used Chevrolet Monte Carlo
4 Great Deals out of 199 listings starting at $3,500
Used Pontiac G6
6 Great Deals out of 279 listings starting at $2,470
Used Chrysler 300
276 Great Deals out of 5,093 listings starting at $700
Used Cadillac CTS-V
7 Great Deals out of 89 listings starting at $16,997
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
1,332 Great Deals out of 34,727 listings starting at $1,550

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.