OK I know its the starter, but how do I fix it? It makes a god awful noise when I start the car. And when its in drive and I am stopped, it sounds like there are firecrackers going off far away, but its under the hood.....anything?

 

But I thought the starter did absolutely nothing once the car is started

Doesn't the gear pull back, and then it just sits there?

 

Damned if I know.....and I am missing the long starter bolt too....could just that cause all that racket?

 

I guess, but how do you know it is the starter? Can you get under the car? I have a spare set of starter bolts btw.

 

Pretty sure its the starter, cuz after the bolt fell out, it started doing this....and I ordered the bolt through the dealership on Monday...gotta pick it up tomarrow...damn...shoulda made this thread sooner....

 

You may have cracked the starter housing and it is hanging up after you release the key. You can't run these things with one starter bolt and expect it to hold up. There is too much torque for just one bolt.