For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | ---
1 | Did you review the Battery Description and Operation , the Starting System Description and Operation and the Charging System Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Engine Electrical
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, it 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
5 | When the engine is cranked, do you hear a high-pitched whine after the engine cranks and starts normally? This is often diagnosed as a starter drive gear hang-in or a weak solenoid. | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 7
6 | Inspect the flywheel ring gear for the following:

• | Chipped gear teeth

• | Missing gear teeth

• | Milled teeth

Is the flywheel bent, or does it have damaged teeth?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

7 |

1. Remove the starter motor. Refer to Jump Starting in Case of Emergency .
2. Inspect the starter motor bushings and clutch gear.

Does the clutch gear have chipped or milled teeth or worn bushings?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8 | Replace the flywheel. 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