Diagnostic Aids

Inspect the flywheel ring gear for damage or unusual wear.

Starter Motor Noise Diagnosis

Step	Action	Yes	No
1	Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?	Go to Step 2	Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information
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	This is often diagnosed as a starter drive gear hang-in or a weak solenoid. When the engine is cranked, do you hear a high-pitched whine after the engine cranks and starts normally?	Go to Step 6	Go to Step 7
6	Inspect the flywheel ring gear for the following conditions: Chipped gear teeth Missing gear teeth Milled teeth Is the flywheel bent, or does it have damaged teeth?	Go to Step 8	Go to Step 9
7	Remove the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement (5.3L Engine) or Starter Motor Replacement (4.2L Engine) . Inspect the starter motor bushings and clutch gear. Does the clutch gear have chipped or milled teeth or worn bushings?	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 8
8	Replace the flywheel. Refer to Engine Flywheel Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 4.2L. Did you complete the replacement?	Go to Step 10	-
9	Replace the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement (5.3L Engine) or Starter Motor Replacement (4.2L Engine) . 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