For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Value | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | Do you hear a high pitched whine during cranking (before the engine fires) but the engine cranks and starts normally? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 3
2 |

1. Remove one starter motor shim in order to reduce the distance between the starter pinion and the flywheel.
2. If there are no starter motor shims on the vehicle, make sure that the proper starter motor is installed.
3. Replace the starter motor as necessary.

Has the noise stopped?

--

System OK

--

3 | As the key is being turned, 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 | 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 in order to increase starter motor pinion clearance. Do not use more than two shims and do not exceed 2.0 mm (0.08 in).

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 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 . 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.

Has the noise stopped?

--

System OK

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