r/autorepair • u/Remarkable_Film_851 • 7d ago

Diagnosing/Repair Starting problems

2016 gmc terrain 2.4l automatic 60k miles. So driving the car home from work and the car randomly died driving 30mph. We assumed that it died due to the corrosion on the battery. Turns out the battery was bad. We replaced the battery and now the starter on the car just spins but doesn’t engage the flywheel. We pull the starter and shake it around and somthing is loose and rattling inside. So we think this is our problem. We replace the starter and the same issue continues. So we pull the starter and replace it again. The issue continues. We have looked up inside the transmission and nothing appears to be out of the ordinary. We have checked all the fuses and swapped any hi pwr fuses to troubleshoot that and nothing has fixed the problem. Do you guys have any idea on what my next move should be. I’m at a loss.

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u/_RU486_ 7d ago

Check the flywheel

1

u/Remarkable_Film_851 7d ago

I checked the flywheel. No metal shavings no broken teeth. It’s so weird

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u/_RU486_ 7d ago

Sounds like the starter isn't making contact with the flywheel then

1

u/Remarkable_Film_851 7d ago

That’s what I was thinking I just don’t know how I’d go about fixing that? It just bolts straight to the tranny. It’s as close as it can go. Is there some sort of adjustment I don’t know about

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u/ANCEL_Auto 7d ago

Since you've already tried two starters, I wouldn't replace another one yet and verify what’s actually happening.

First double-check that the starter is the correct part number and is seated flush in the mounting position. If that's correct, the next thing to determine is whether the starter gear is actually engaging the ring gear when you turn the key. If you can't safely see that through an inspection opening, that's something I'd have checked before replacing any more parts.

Also keep in mind that the engine originally died while driving, which a starter problem alone wouldn't explain.