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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2001 >> Impala Base, 3.8 K >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 88 (Starting System) >> System Tests >> Test E: Starter Noise Diagnosis >> Test Procedure

Test Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE ELECTRICAL  .
  2. Start the engine. Does the starter operate normally? If yes, go to INTERMITTENTS OR POOR CONNECTIONS  . If no, go to next step.
  3. Start the engine while listening to the starter motor turn. Is there a loud "whoop" it may sound like a siren if the engine is revved while the starter is engaged after the engine starts, but while the starter is still held in the engaged position? If yes, go to step  6 . If no, go to next step.
  4. Do you hear a "rumble", a "growl", or, in some cases, a "knock" as the starter is coasting down to a stop after starting the engine? If yes, go to step  7 . If no, go to next step.
  5. This noise is often diagnosed as a starter drive gear hang-in or a weak solenoid. When the engine is cranked, do you hear a high-pitched whine after the engine cranks and starts normally? If yes, go to step  8 . If no, go to step  7 .
  6. Inspect the flywheel ring gear for chipped gear teeth, missing gear teeth and milled teeth. Is the flywheel bent, or does it have damaged teeth? If yes, go to step  9 . If no, go to step  10 .
  7. Remove the starter motor. See STARTER  . Inspect the starter motor bushings and clutch gear. Does the clutch gear have chipped or milled teeth or worn bushings? If yes, go to step  10 . If no, go to step  9 .
  8. Shim the starter motor away from the flywheel by adding shims between the starter motor and the engine block one at a time. Flywheel runout may make this noise appear to be intermittent. Did you complete the repair? If yes, go to step  11 .
  9. Replace the flywheel. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - A/T . Did you complete the replacement? If yes, go to step  11 .
  10. Replace the starter motor. See STARTER  . Did you complete the replacement? If yes, go to next step.
  11. Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If yes, the system is okay. If no, go to step  3 .
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