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
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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 Service and Repair, Starter Motor - 3.0L Service and Repair or Starter Motor - 3.5L Service and Repair. TEST the system for normal operation.
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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 System - General Information Testing and Inspection to continue the diagnosis.
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C3 CHECK FOR UNUSUAL WEAR
- Remove the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor - 2.5L Service and Repair, Starter Motor - 3.0L Service and Repair or Starter Motor - 3.5L Service and Repair.
- 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 Service and Repair,
Starter Motor - 3.0L Service and Repair or Starter Motor - 3.5L Service and Repair. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
INSTALL a new starter motor. REFER to Starter Motor - 2.5L Service and Repair, Starter Motor - 3.0L Service and Repair or Starter Motor - 3.5L Service and Repair. TEST the system for normal operation.
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