Inspect the flywheel ring gear for damage or unusual wear.
The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
Step | Action | Yes | No | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | Go to Step 2 | |||||||
2 | Start the engine. Does the starter operate normally? | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections | Go to Step 3 | ||||||
3 | Start the engine while listening to the starter motor turn. Is there a loud "whoop", that may sound like a siren if the engine is revved while the starter is engaged, after the engine starts, but while the starter is still held in the engaged position? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 4 | ||||||
4 | Do you hear a "rumble", a "growl", or, in some cases, a "knock" as the starter is coasting down to a stop after starting the engine? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||
Important: This is often diagnosed as a starter drive gear hang-in or a weak solenoid. When the engine is cranked, do you hear a high-pitched whine after the engine cranks and starts normally? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 7 | |||||||
6 | Inspect the flywheel ring gear for the following:
Is the flywheel bent, or does it have damaged teeth? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 7 | ||||||
7 |
Does the clutch gear have chipped or milled teeth or worn bushings? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 10 | ||||||
8 | Replace the flywheel. Refer to Engine Flywheel Replacement. Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 10 | -- | ||||||
9 | Replace the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 10 | -- | ||||||
10 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |