Where do I hit the starter?
 

I've checked Wayne's book, Mr Thoruson's article in the tech section and looked in the exploded views, but I can't find a good picture. I want to give the starter a few whacks to see if I can free it up before I go and remove/ clean/replace it. When starting, the starter lately sometimes makes either a grinding noise or a ZZZZZZZ noise and fails to engage. Other times it will start normally.

In reaching under the car, do I look on the passenger side, about even w/ the rear wheel? Should I give the body of the thing a few hits w/ a hammer?

Can someone post a picture?

I realize this may not be the cure, but I thought I'd try it first.

Thanks.

Anywhere really. Best done from underneath, maybe use a long extension to get better aim at it.

If you hear it spin but no engagement then the plunger on teh solenoid is sticking. Look for a smaller round canister on the top corner of the starter. This is what the wires attach to. To be honest, its only two bolts to remove the starter. Its easy to disassemble and clean. Saves you from having to bump the solenoid.

Better get to it right away, else it`ll be a required engine drop and a new ring gear. A new high-torque isn`t that much, improves reliability, and cheaper than a tow.
Or just park only on hills:D

Just to follow up, I replaced my old 173,000 mi starter w/ a new high torque Bosch rebuild. No more starting drama.

try cleaning electrical connection first. You may not have full current.

As was said earlier, the starter is made up of 2 major parts: the drive motor (which spins your motor) and the solenoid (which extends and retracts the drive gear). If you hear the whizzing noise, your drive motor is good, but the solenoid may have failed. If you hear the clicking noise, your solenoid is working, but the drive motor has failed. As was said earlier, check your wire connections first.

Good luck, David