This spinning sound is indicative of a bad starter drive. Here, the whirring or spinning is the sound of the starter motor shaft spinning freely when it hasn't engaged. Most likely in this situation you will need to replace your starter. But before you need to pay the costs for a tow, you can make a few attempts to start the vehicle one last time and drive it into the shop. Here's how: 1. Be Gentle and Patient First, give the car a few minutes. You want to let everything come to a complete stop. Once the time has passed, turn the key to the start position. If the spinning is still present, immediately turn the key to the off position. If the car did not start, and you have the time, try it again a few hours later, and the next morning. Your only goal here is to get the car started "one more time" so you can drive it to the repair shop to avoid the tow costs. If the car will not start after you have given it time and multiple tries, you will need to have it towed in and repaired.