My starter was sucking power out of the battery. Bought new battery, starter still clicked, so I took out starter. Bought a rebuilt starter, it went in with no problem, but now the starter runs whiny without engaging the flywheel.
Did I do something wrong or could they have given me the wrong starter?
95 Honda Accord 5 spd Manual trans 5dr LX wagon

 

If it is bolted up flush, Id say wrong starter. But thats just a guess.

 

Starter is flush and tight. (Thanks for the ultra rapid reply)

 

NM

 

My WHAT light? No actually, I made an idiot mistake, intalled the starter in half darkness, and the wire to the solenoid wasn't making contact. I failed to realize the power to solenoid is separate from the power to the starter motor.

My car now starts and runs as before. However, new request for opinion:

I ordered an alternator online, and it turns out I don't need it. They charge restocking fee of 20% ($40) for the alternator (+ I need to get my core fee back) + shipping.
My 10 year old Accord has 100.000 miles, and I think it's the original alternator.
Should I just replace it even though it's fine, to avoid losing the $40-50 if I return it?

 

Oh, airbag light, I guess. No warning light when I drive. Ignorance is bliss?