If you need any help, shoot me a PM. Just did this.

Hey guys sorry to bring this back to life but will a "bad" starter cause a whinny-grinding noise? My car has been doing this for a couple of days now. It is on and off. It sometimes fires right up, while at other times it whines then turns on and at other times whines i let key go then I try again and it fires up...

Any suggestions?

Whiney starter needs to be replaced. Motor bearings are shot, brush set are worn and reduction gearset of the starter are going bad as well.

It's a reduction starter and are quite common to find at reman alternator shops.

Ya. Did a starter on a 1.8L. Yep and it's the same: disconnect negative cable off the battery, crawl under and remove the intake manifold stay.

Undo positive lead from starter and key switch wire.

Go back on top to undo the 14mm bolts, then crawl back under to remove starter.

Install is in reverse. Car has a reman starter installed. Works like a dream. - DSM

I have to replace my starter too and this helped me alot.

96eclipse09 which wire behind the radio was it that got you started right up? I'm having the exact same problem you were. Any help would be great.

Also interested