Pinpoint Test C: Unusual Starter Noise

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

C1 CHECK THE STARTER MOUNTING
- Inspect the starter motor mounting bolts for looseness.
- Is the starter motor mounted correctly?
  Yes
  
  GO to C2.
  
  No
  
  INSTALL the starter motor correctly. REFER to STARTER MOTOR - 2.5L , STARTER MOTOR - 3.0L or STARTER MOTOR - 3.5L in this service information. TEST the system for normal operation.
C2 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 that the noise is due to the starter operation.
- Is the noise due to the starter motor engagement?
  YES
  
  GO to C3.
  
  No
  
  REFER to ENGINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article to continue the diagnosis.
C3 CHECK FOR UNUSUAL WEAR
- Remove the starter motor. REFER to STARTER MOTOR - 2.5L , STARTER MOTOR - 3.0L or STARTER MOTOR - 3.5L in this service information.
- Inspect the ring gear for damaged or worn teeth.
- Is the noise due to flexplate/flywheel ring gear tooth damage?
  YES
  
  INSTALL a new flexplate/flywheel ring gear. EXAMINE the starter pinion teeth. If damaged, INSTALL a new starter motor. REFER to STARTER MOTOR - 2.5L , STARTER MOTOR - 3.0L or STARTER MOTOR - 3.5L in this service information. TEST the system for normal operation.
  
  No
  
  INSTALL a new starter motor. REFER to STARTER MOTOR - 2.5L , STARTER MOTOR - 3.0L or STARTER MOTOR - 3.5L in this service information. TEST the system for normal operation.