For 1990-2009 cars

Complaint/Condition | Possible Cause(S) | Correction(S)
--- | --- | ---
High Pitched Whine During Cranking (before the Engine Fires Over), But Engine Cranks and Starts. | The distance between the flywheel and starter drive gear is too great. Check the flywheel for damage such as a bent flywheel or excessive or unusual wear patterns. | Start the engine and carefully touch the outside diameter of the flywheel with chalk or crayon to show high point of tooth runout when the engine is turned OFF. Turn the engine off and rotate the engine by hand so that the marked teeth ate in the area of inspection. If the runout is present, the flywheel may check the starter drive gear and starter drive gear and starter housing for any unusual conditions tat would cause it not to mesh properly. If a problem exists, replace the starter motor.

Important: Saturn starter motors are not shimmed.

High Pitched Whine after Engine Fires Over as Key is being Released (Starter Hang-in, or Solenoid Weak). | The distance between the flywheel and starter drive gear is too small. | Check flywheel runout; if it is acceptable, replace the starter motor. Important: The starter motor is not shimmed for service.
A Loud Whoop after the Engine Fires Over; but While the Starter is Still Engaged. May Sound Like a Siren If Engine is Revved while the Starter is Engaged. | The most probable cause us starter drive assembly. | Replace the starter motor.
A Rumble or Growl, or in Several Cases A Knock as the Starter Motor is Coasting Down to a Stop after Starting the Engine. | The most probable cause is a bent or unbalanced starter armature | Replace the starter motor.
High Pitched Whine during Starting | Check the flywheel for damage such as a bent flywheel or unusual wear patterns. | Start the engine and, using chalk, mark the high point of the tooth runout when the engine is turned off. If runout is present, the flywheel may have to be replaced. If no runout exists, the starter drive gear or housing may be preventing the gears from meshing properly. If a condition exists, replace the starter motor.
High Pitched Whine after the Engine Fires Over. | Check Flywheel runout. | If flywheel runout is acceptable, replace the starter motor.