my minivan did a loud tat-tat-tat-tat sound when i tried to turn it over this morning (obviously it didn't start). is it the starter or are there other reasons this could happen? also where can i find drawings of the 2.4L engine. this transverse mounting has me thrown (not to mention i haven't really worked on cars in the last ten years).

 

Not sure on the drawins or what you are looking for there, but sounds like that the battery is weak. Try chraging it before you start it again.