Car will not start, screeching noise while turning key

2005 FORD FOCUS
210,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ALEX CALL
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  • 1 POST
My car will not start. When I turn the key to start the car, all you hear is an extremely loud, high pitched screeching noise. It seemed to come out of no where. The engine does not fire up at all, and no other sounds of starting are present outside of the screeching.
May 13, 2017 at 5:15 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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  • 11,004 POSTS
That's sounding like the starter 'trying', but is not engaging.There could also be gear tooth damage on the starter or flywheel. I'd remove the starter, inspect it's teeth and the teeth on the flywheel (right there in the hole the starter was removed from) If all seems well, have the starter tested at an auto parts store, normally it's a free service.

Here is a guide to help you remove the starter with diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Let us know how it works out!

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May 13, 2017 at 8:41 PM
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OHIO BEEEMEN
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The starter in my car had broken the nose off, messy but fixed now. Thanks!
Jan 28, 2020 at 11:34 AM
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