Diagnostic Aids
Inspect the flywheel ring gear for damage or unusual wear.
Starter Motor Noise Diagnosis
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Battery Description and Operation , the Starting System Description and Operation and the Charging System Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Engine Electrical |
| 2 | Start the engine. Does the starter operate normally? |
Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems | Go to Step 3 |
| 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? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 4 |
| 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? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | When the engine is cranked, do you hear a high-pitched whine after the engine cranks and starts normally? (This is often diagnosed as a starter drive gear hang-in or a weak solenoid). | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 7 |
| 6 | Inspect the flywheel ring gear for the following:
Is the flywheel bent, or does it have damaged teeth? |
Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 9 |
| 7 |
|
Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Replace the flywheel. Did you complete the replacement? |
Go to Step 10 | - |
| 9 | Replace the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? |
Go to Step 10 | - |
| 10 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? |
System OK | Go to Step 3 |