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Test Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Suzuki XL7. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. 5.  A starter motor that remains engaged after engine start up can be cause by a starter relay that hangs up or a low current short to B+ on the starter solenoid crank voltage circuit. Verify the integrity of the starter solenoid crank voltage circuit before replacing the starter motor.
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE

Step Action Yes No
1 Did you perform the DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - VEHICLE ? Go to Step 2 Go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION
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", that 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
NOTE: This is often diagnosed as a starter drive gear hang-in or a weak solenoid.
When the engine is cranked, do you hear a high-pitched whine after the engine cranks and starts normally?
Go to Step 8 Go to Step 7
6 Inspect the flywheel ring gear for the following:
  • Chipped gear teeth
  • Missing gear teeth
  • Milled teeth

Is the flywheel bent, or does it have damaged teeth?
Go to Step 8 Go to Step 7
7
  1. Remove the starter motor. Refer to REMOVAL PROCEDURE .
  2. Inspect the starter motor bushings and clutch gear.

Does the clutch gear have chipped or milled teeth or worn bushings?
Go to Step 9 Go to Step 10
8 Replace the flywheel. Refer to ENGINE FLYWHEEL REPLACEMENT .
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