2003 awd 2.5 x type jaguar makes a whizzing sound from the starter motor sometimes when trying to start have to move in gear then it cranks ok other times starts fine is there a problem with starter motor or fly wheel missing a cog/tooth. can it be something else...thanks for reading and replies.

 

Sounds like missing or damaged teeth on the flywheel. I've never done it, but it looks like the flywheel teeth can be inspected with the starter removed.

 

Shoeymac, the best advice that I can tell you is to start the car over and over till you can make the starter make the whizzing sound. At that point, you will need to remove the starter and look at the flywheel. If there are a full set of teeth in the opening, then this pretty much confirms the problem is the starter. If you see missing/damaged teeth, looking like a new flywheel is in your future.

 

I've just been through this on a recent purchase. My advice is to get the starter replaced ASAP with as few starts as possible. Replacement of the starter is relatively inexpensive (for a Jag). If it goes too long, as it did with the car I bought, you have to replace the flywheel ring gear which requires dropping the engine. That was quoted to me at $2400 by a local Jag shop. The dealer was more. Because of a couple of other problems, I ended up scrapping the car and selling it for salvage/parts. It was a 2004 3.0 AT.

 

Didn't catch if you have an automatic or manual transmission?