Help please?Car cut out after starting for few seconds. Damp/cold not freezing weather parked outside.?

Sounds like a problem I get occasionally - the engine maybe flooded, where the mixture in the fuel injection is too rich, I've had to call the RAC out for this - they put jump leads on and then keep trying the ignition - it will fire up eventually but took ages, 1 tip - actually drive your car round the block or keep the engine on sufficiently to get the fuel moving in the future to prevent it

The whirring noise could be the starter motor spinning but not engaging so I would try to bump start it first.

It is also possible that the cambelt has broken and so only the crank is spinning so see if you can get the cambelt cover off and check that the belt is ok.

did it start again? not being silly just need more details

so you turn on the ignition and just get a whirring noise.is it a constant'lively' whirring.....or the normal 'starting' sound..it will give a great pointer to pin down your prob...and get it solved for you.

condensation of starter or alternator wires. try using an electrical cleaner in a spray can around the wires and if you can get a boost from someone, your battery is probably pooched

do you have fuel in the car, if so? how much?...also sounds like it might be flooded so let it sit for a bit

Dont know anything about what car you have but it could be moisture in the distributor cap. A new cap and rotor are fairly cheap. May want to get some spray to eliminate moisture in it also.

what do you mean by a whirring noise? we could probably help you but need more info.

Sounds like the starter is bad.

sounds like a battery or alternator problem or maybe a fuel pump