I tried to 'start' the car when the car is idel

[brisk]

was in a gas station, I forgot to turn the car off, so I filled up whole tank while car is ideling.... I thought I just forgot to took the key out, so I turn the key to ignition position, I heard a 'geeeee' noise then realized the car was not off.... will this damage the starter or engine?

Thanks

[DragonZealot]

Don't worry shouldn't cause problem if it is once in a while. I guess most people do this once or more in their life.

[GuiltySpark]

Yes you can harm the engine/starter, but to be honest I doubt it. You will either kill the pinion gear that comes out of the starter, or the teeth on the flywheel of the engine. I've done this before when I was driving drunk after the bar (joke). But yeah I've had this happen, the pinion just skipped off the flywheel and made the noise, the flywheel is moving too fast to let the pinion engage all it's teeth and snap a few off. Next few times you start the car listen for any odd sounds. If you hear them don't start the car again and take it to a shop.

Good luck bud, I think you're fine though!