For 1990-2009 cars only
You can correct irregular starter noise on gas engines with shims. If diagnosis leads to starter shimming, use the following pinion clearance procedure. Shimming is not recommended for diesel engines.
- Remove the flywheel housing cover.
- Inspect the flywheel for signs of unusual wear such as chipped or missing gear teeth or the flywheel being bent. If the flywheel needs replacing, refer to Flywheel Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
- Start the engine and gently touch the outside diameter of the rotating flywheel ring gear with chalk or crayon in order to show the high point of tooth runout after the engine turns off. Turn the engine off and rotate the flywheel so that the marked teeth are in the area of the starter pinion gear.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable in order to prevent accidental cranking of the engine.
- Measure the clearance between the top of the ring gear tooth and the bottom of the pinion tooth. Use the width of a wire gauge. Normal clearance is 0.5-1.5 mm (0.02-0.06 in).
- If the clearance is less than 0.5 mm (0.02 in) and the starter whines after firing, shim the starter away from the flywheel.
- Add 1.0 mm (0.04 in) shims, one at a time, to both long bolts between the starter mounting pads and engine until the noise problem is corrected. Do not use more than 2 shims total.
- If the pinion clearance is more than 1.5 mm (0.06 in) and the starter whines during cranking, shim the starter toward the flywheel.
- Add 0.33 mm (0.013 in) shims between the outboard starter mounting pad and the engine mount until the noise stops. Do not add more than 4 shims total.
- After shimming, tighten the mounting bolts. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.
