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HOMESERVICE MANUALSGMC1999FORWARD CONTROL 5.7 R, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 338 (STARTING SYSTEM)SYSTEM TESTSTEST D: STARTER MOTOR NOISE DIAGNOSISTESTING
1999 GMC Forward Control 5.7 R, Automatic

Test D: Starter Motor Noise Diagnosis: Testing

1999 GMC Forward Control 5.7 R, AutomaticSECTION Testing
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Buick Regal, 2003 Buick Century, 2002 Buick Regal, and 2002 Buick Century. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check for Engine Electrical? If so go to step  2 . If not, go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK (ENGINE ELECTRICAL)  under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
  2. Start the engine. Does the starter operate normally? If yes, testing for intermittent and poor connections in wiring systems. If not, 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? If so, go to step  6 . If not, 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? If so, go to step  7 . If not, go to step  5 .
    5. CAUTION: This is often diagnosed as a starter drive gear hang-in or a weak solenoid.
  5. When the engine is cranked, do you hear a high-pitched whine after the engine cranks and starts normally? If so, go to step  8 . If not, go to step  7 .
  6. Inspect the flywheel ring gear for chipped gear teeth, missing gear teeth or milled teeth Is the flywheel bent, or does it have damaged teeth? If so, go to step  9 . If not, go to step  10 .
  7. Remove the starter motor. See STARTER  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Inspect the starter motor bushings and clutch gear. Does the clutch gear have chipped or milled teeth or worn bushings? If so, go to step  10 . If not, go to step  9 .
  8. Shim the starter motor away from the flywheel by adding shims between the starter motor and the engine block one at a time. Flywheel runout may make this noise appear to be intermittent. Did you complete the repair? If so, go to step  11 .
  9. Replace the flywheel. Refer to Engine Flywheel Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.1L or Engine Flywheel Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L. See appropriate REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - A/T article in TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION. After repairs are complete, go to step  11 .
  10. Replace the starter motor. See STARTER  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After repairs are complete, go to step  11 .
  11. Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If so, system OK. If not, go to step  3 .
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.