Pinpoint Test C: Unusual Starter Noise

Starting System

Pinpoint Test C: Unusual Starter Noise

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

- Starter motor mounting

- Starter motor mounting bolts

- Starter motor drive

- Flywheel or flexplate ring gear

- Starter motor

PINPOINT TEST C : UNUSUAL STARTER NOISE

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 . 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 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 .

- 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 . 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 . TEST the system for normal operation.