Pinpoint Test B: Unusual Starter Noise
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Starter mounting
- Flexplate/ring gear
- Starter motor
PINPOINT TEST B: UNUSUAL STARTER NOISE
- B1 CHECK THE STARTER MOUNTING
- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to JACKING & LIFTING article.
- Inspect the starter motor mounting bolts for looseness.
- Is the starter motor mounted correctly?
WARNING: Before servicing a vehicle equipped with a fire suppression system, depower the system by following the procedure in FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article. Failure to follow the instructions may result in serious personal injury.- YES : Go to B2.
- NO : INSTALL the starter motor correctly. REFER to Starter Motor . TEST the system for normal operation. If equipped with a fire suppression system, go to B4.
- B2 CHECK FOR ENGINE NOISE
- Key in OFF position.
- Connect a remote starter switch between the starter motor solenoid C197a, circuit 2037 (RD) and C197b, circuit 113 (YE/LB) terminals.
- 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 SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article to continue the diagnosis. If diagnosis is complete and vehicle is equipped with fire suppression system, go to B4.
- B3 CHECK FOR UNUSUAL WEAR
- Remove the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor .
- Inspect the flexplate ring gear for damaged or worn teeth.
- Is the noise due to flexplate ring gear tooth damage?
- YES : INSTALL a new flexplate. REFER to ENGINE - 4.6L (2V) article. EXAMINE the starter pinion teeth. If damaged, INSTALL a new starter motor. REFER to Starter Motor . TEST the system for normal operation. If equipped with a fire suppression system, go to B4.
- NO : INSTALL a new starter motor. REFER to Starter Motor . TEST the system for normal operation. If equipped with a fire suppression system, go to B4.
- B4 REPOWER THE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
- Verify that the fire suppression system is repowered. Refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article.
- Is the fire suppression system repowered?
WARNING: If the vehicle is equipped with a fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.- YES : Fire suppression system repowering is complete.
- NO : REFER to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article for diagnosis and testing of the fire suppression system.