Inspect the flywheel ring gear for damage or unusual wear.
Step  | Action  | Yes  | No  | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1  | Did you review the Battery Description and Operation , the Starting System Description and Operation and the Charging System Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?  | Go to Step 2  | |||||||
2  | Start the engine. Does the starter operate normally?  | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections  | Go to Step 3  | ||||||
3  | Start the engine while listening to the starter motor turn. Is there a loud whoop, (it may sound like a siren if the engine is revved while the starter is engaged), after the engine starts, but while the starter is still held in the engaged position?  | Go to Step 6  | Go to Step 4  | ||||||
4  | Do you hear a rumble, a growl, or, in some cases, a knock as the starter is coasting down to a stop after starting the engine?  | Go to Step 7  | Go to Step 5  | ||||||
5  | When the engine is cranked, do you hear a high-pitched whine after the engine cranks and starts normally? (This is often diagnosed as a starter drive gear hang-in or a weak solenoid).  | Go to Step 9  | Go to Step 7  | ||||||
6  | Inspect the flywheel ring gear for the following: 
 
 
 Is the flywheel bent, or does it have damaged teeth?  | Go to Step 8  | Go to Step 9  | ||||||
7  | 
 Does the clutch gear have chipped or milled teeth or worn bushings?  | Go to Step 9  | Go to Step 8  | ||||||
8  | Replace the flywheel. Did you complete the replacement?  | Go to Step 10  | --  | ||||||
9  | Replace the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?  | Go to Step 10  | --  | ||||||
10  | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?  | System OK  | Go to Step 3  |