Step | Action | Value | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | During initial starter motor installation, shims are not used. Is the proper starter motor being used? | -- | Install the proper starter motor. Go to Starter Motor Replacement . | |
2 |
Did you hear a high pitched whine during cranking (before the engine fires) but the engine cranks and fired normally? | -- | ||
3 | If diagnosis of the noise indicates that the pinion clearance is incorrect, reduce the distance between the starter pinion and the flywheel. Single shims installed on the outside bolt are used to decrease clearance. Install 1.0 mm (0.04 in) full shims, one at a time, until the noise is gone. Has the noise stopped? | -- | System OK | |
4 | Did you hear a high-pitched whine after the engine started? The engine cranks and fires normally. This is often diagnosed as starter hang-in or a weak solenoid. | -- | ||
5 | Increase the distance between the starter pinion and the flywheel. Flywheel runout makes this appear to be intermittent. Double shims installed on both bolts are used to increase clearance. Do not use more than two shims and do not exceed 2.0 mm (0.08 in). Has the noise stopped? | -- | System OK | |
6 | Is there a loud whoop after the engine starts, but while the starter motor is still held engaged? (It may sound like a siren if the engine is revved while the starter motor is engaged.) | -- | ||
7 | Replace the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement . Has the noise stopped? | -- | System OK | -- |
8 | Did you hear a rumble, a growl, or, in severe cases, a knock as the starter motor is coasting down to a stop after starting the engine? Has the noise stopped? | -- | ||
9 | Replace the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement . Has the noise stopped? | -- | System OK | -- |
10 | Check the flywheel runout. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L or Engine Mechanical Specifications in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L. Is the repair complete? | -- | System OK | -- |
