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 the high point of tooth runout when the engine is turned OFF. Important: Saturn starter motors are not shimmed. Turn the engine OFF and rotate the engine by hand so that the marked teeth are in the area of inspection. If the runout is present, the flywheel may have to be replaced. If no runout exists, check the starter drive gear and starter housing for any unusual conditions that would cause it not to mesh properly. If a problem exists, replace the starter motor.
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. | Important: The starter motor is not shimmed for service. Check flywheel runout. If it is acceptable, replace the starter motor.
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 is 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.