For 1990-2009 cars

### Starter Motor Noise

In order to correct starter motor noise during cranking, use the following procedure:

Important: Do not shim 2.4L applications.

1. If the complaint is similar to steps 1 or 3 in the table correction can be achieved by proper shimming as follows (vehicles are produced without shims from the factory):

1.1. | Check the flywheel ring gear for damage - bent flywheel, unusual wear, etc.

1.2. | Shim the starter as required:

• | Start noise during cranking: remove 1 - 0.015 inch double shim or add a single 0.015 inch shim to the outer bolt.

• | High-pitched whine after engine starts: add 0.015 inch double shims until the noise disappears (not to exceed 0.045 inch).

Step | Action | Value | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | Do you hear a high pitched whine during cranking (before the engine fires) but the engine cranks and fires normally? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 3
2 | Reduce the distance between the starter pinion and the flywheel. Has the noise stopped? | -- | System OK | --
3 | As the key is being released, do you hear a high-pitched whine after the engine fires? (The engine cranks and fires normally. This is often diagnosed as starter hang-in or a weak solenoid.) | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 5
4 | Increase the distance between the starter pinion and the flywheel. (Flywheel runout makes this appear to be intermittent.) Has the noise stopped? | -- | System OK | --
5 | Is there a loud "whoop" after the engine fires, but while the starter is still held engaged? (It may sound like a siren if the engine is revved while the starter is engaged.) | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 7
6 |

1. Remove the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement.
2. Check the starter motor clutch.
3. Replace worn parts.

Has the noise stopped?

--

System OK

--

7 | Do you hear a "rumble", a "growl", or, in severe cases, a "knock" as the starter is coasting down to a stop after starting the engine? | -- | Go to Step 8 | System OK
8 |

1. Remove the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement.
2. Check for a bent or unbalanced starter armature.
3. Replace worn parts.

Has the noise stopped?

--

System OK

--