GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Starter Motor Noise Diagnosis Table

Step

Action

Value

Yes

No

1

During initial starter motor installation, shims are not used.

Is the proper starter motor being used?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Starter Motor Replacement or Starter Motor Replacement .

2

  1. Start the engine.
  2. While the engine cranks, listen to the starter motor.

Did you hear a high pitched whine during cranking (before the engine fired) but the engine cranked and fired normally?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

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

Go to Step 10

4

Did you hear a high-pitched whine after the engine started?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Increase the distance between the starter pinion and the flywheel. Flywheel runout makes this appear to be intermittent. Double shims used 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

Go to Step 10

6

Did you hear 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 is engaged.)

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement or Starter Motor Replacement .

Has the noise stopped?

--

System OK

Go to Step 10

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?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 5

9

Replace the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement or Starter Motor Replacement .

Has the noise stopped?

--

System OK

Go to Step 10

10

Inspect the flywheel runout. Refer to Engine Flywheel Replacement

Is the repair complete?

--

System OK

--