GRINDING NOISE WHILE STARTING STARTER FAILS TO ENGAGE

Subject: GRINDING NOISE, NO START, STARTER FAILS TO ENGAGE (NEW DRIVE ASSEMBLY)

Models Affected: 1991 FIREBIRD, GRAND PRIX AND SUNBIRD MODELS

Application:

Model Year Body Engine Applications (VIN) ---------- --------- ------------------------------------------ 1991 Firebird 3.1L LHO (T) 5. OL LO 3 (E) 5. OL LB9 (F) 1991 Grand Prix 3.1L LHO (T) 1991 Sunbird 3.1L LHO(T)

CONDITION:

---------- Some owners of the above vehicles may comment on hard start, grind or clash noise during an attempted start. The starter may not properly engage the ring gear. A loud grinding noise occurs and the engine does not crank. The engine may crank normally on repeated attempts to start.

CAUSE:

------ The spring in early design SD210 / SD260 starter drives may compress too easily. This may keep the drive pinion gear from snapping into mesh with the ring gear as the starter motor starts to turn.

CORRECTION:

------------ Follow the unit repair manual (Section 6D2) and replace the starter motor drive assembly with part number 10473700. Inspect the flywheel for signs of milling or material loss at the engagement points. Repair as required.

The new starter drive with the stronger spring has been released for all SD210 and SD260 starters.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Labor Operation: J4600

Hours Body

.9 Firebird with V8 .8 Firebird with V6 1.0 Grand Prix .6 Sunbird

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.