Diagnostic Aids

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Safari and 2003 Chevrolet Astro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect the flywheel ring gear for damage or unusual wear.
Shim the starter if applicable.
In order to add pinion to ring gear clearance a full size shim must be used. Do not shim only one starter mounting bolt. There are 3 shims available in different shapes (for clearance). All are 0.039" (1 mm) thick.

Refer to illustration for STARTER MOTOR NOISE DIAGNOSIS symptom test. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Starter Motor Noise Diagnosis Symptom Test

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.