Pinpoint Test B: Unusual Starter Noise

Starting System

Pinpoint Tests

Pinpoint Test B: Unusual Starter Noise

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Starter mounting
- Flexplate/ring gear
- Starter motor



PINPOINT TEST B: UNUSUAL STARTER NOISE

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B1 CHECK THE STARTER MOUNTING


- WARNING: Before servicing a vehicle equipped with a fire suppression system, depower the system by following the procedure in Vehicle Jacking and Lifting. Failure to follow the instructions may result in serious personal injury.

- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to Vehicle Jacking and Lifting.
- Inspect the starter motor mounting bolts for looseness.
- Is the starter motor mounted correctly?

Yes
GO to B2.

No
INSTALL the starter motor correctly. REFER to Starter Motor Service and Repair. TEST the system for normal operation. If equipped with a fire suppression system, GO to B4.

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B2 CHECK FOR ENGINE NOISE


- Ignition OFF.
- 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 to continue the diagnosis. If diagnosis is complete and vehicle is equipped with fire suppression system, GO to B4.

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B3 CHECK FOR UNUSUAL WEAR


- Remove the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Service and Repair.
- 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. EXAMINE the starter pinion teeth. If damaged, INSTALL a new starter motor. REFER to Starter Motor Service and Repair. 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 Service and Repair. TEST the system for normal operation. If equipped with a fire suppression system, GO to B4.

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B4 REPOWER THE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM


- WARNING: If the vehicle is equipped with a fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to Vehicle Jacking and Lifting. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

- Verify that the fire suppression system is repowered. Refer to Vehicle Jacking and Lifting.
- Is the fire suppression system repowered?

Yes
Fire suppression system repowering is complete.

No
REFER to Vehicle Jacking and Lifting for diagnosis and testing of the fire suppression system.

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