Pinpoint Test B: Unusual Starter Noise

Starting System

Pinpoint Tests

Pinpoint Test B: Unusual Starter Noise

Normal Operation

Correct starter operation relies on correct mounting of the starter to the engine, alignment of the starter ring gear to the flexplate and correct functioning of the starter assembly (internal gears, bearings).

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Starter motor
- Starter motor mounting
- Starter motor engagement
- Flexplate ring gear

PINPOINT TEST B: UNUSUAL STARTER NOISE

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B1 CHECK THE STARTER MOUNTING

- Inspect the starter motor mounting bolts for looseness.
- Is the starter motor mounted correctly?

Yes
GO to B2.

No
INSTALL the starter motor correctly. REFER to Starter Motor - 3.5L GTDI, 3.7L Starter Motor or Starter Motor - 5.0L (4V), 6.2L (2V) Starter Motor. TEST the system for normal operation.

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B2 CHECK FOR STARTER NOISE

- Ignition OFF.
- Connect a remote starter switch between the starter solenoid C197A-1 and C197B-1.




- Engage the starter and verify the noise is due to starter operation.
- Is the noise due to the starter engagement?

Yes

REFER to Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection Testing and Inspection to continue diagnosis.

No
REFER to Engine System - General Information Testing and Inspection, Symptom Chart - Engine NVH to continue diagnosis.

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