Starter Noise Diagnosis. Opel Sintra 1999

For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Value | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | Do you hear a high pitched whine during cranking (before the engine starts) but the engine cranks and starts normally? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 3
2 | Remove one starter motor shim and reinstall the starter motor in order to reduce the distance between the starter pinion and the flywheel. If there are no starter motor shims to remove, ensure that the proper starter motor is installed and replace the starter motor as necessary. Does the noise still exist? | -- | System OK | Go to Step 9
3 | Do you hear a high-pitched whine immediately after the engine starts? (The engine cranks and starts normally. This is often diagnosed as starter hang-in or a weak solenoid.) | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 5

4

Important: Excessive flywheel runout may cause this condition to be intermittent.

Install 1.0 mm (0.04 in) full shims, one at a time, until the noise is gone. Use ONLY starter motor shims to increase starter motor pinion clearance. Do not use more than two shims and do not exceed 2.0 mm (0.08 in).

Does the noise still exist?

--

System OK

Go to Step 9

5 | Is there a loud whoop after the engine starts, but while the starter is still held engaged? (It may sound like a siren if the engine RPM is increased while the starter motor is engaged.) | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 7
6 | Remove the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement . Does the noise still exist? | -- | System OK | Go to Step 9
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. Replace the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .
2. Check for a bent or unbalanced starter armature.

Does the noise still exist?

--

System OK

Go to Step 9

9 | Inspect the flywheel runout. Replace the flywheel as necessary. Does the noise still exist? | -- | System OK | Start the diagnosis again Go to Step 1