Pinpoint Test B: UNUSUAL STARTER NOISE

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

B1 CHECK THE STARTER MOUNTING
- Inspect the starter motor mounting bolts and brackets for looseness.
- Is the starter motor mounted correctly?
- Yes : GO to B2.
- No : INSTALL the starter motor correctly. REFER to STARTER MOTOR - 3.0L (4V) or STARTER MOTOR - 3.9L in this article . TEST the system for normal operation.
B2 CHECK FOR ENGINE NOISE
- Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Connect a fused jumper wire from the B-terminal to the S-terminal of the starter motor. Engage the starter motor and verify the noise is due to the starter operation.
- Is the noise due to the starter motor engagement?
- Yes : GO to B3.
- No : REFER to ENGINE - 3.0L (4V) or ENGINE - 3.9 to continue the diagnosis.
B3 CHECK FOR UNUSUAL WEAR
- Remove the starter motor. Refer to STARTER MOTOR - 3.0L (4V) or STARTER MOTOR - 3.9L in this article . Inspect the ring gear for damaged or worn teeth.
- Is the noise due to flywheel ring gear tooth damage?
- Yes : INSTALL a new flywheel ring gear. EXAMINE the starter pinion teeth. If damaged, INSTALL a new starter motor. REFER to STARTER MOTOR - 3.0L (4V) or STARTER MOTOR - 3.9L in this article . TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : INSTALL a new starter motor. REFER to STARTER MOTOR - 3.0L (4V) or STARTER MOTOR - 3.9L in this article . TEST the system for normal operation.