1998 Mercury Mystique Starter Tested OK but won't start

BELLBUTT

MEMBER
1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

Starter sounds as if it's spinning but engine not cranking. Pulled starter and had it tested. Told it's ok. Sounds as if the drive gear from starter wasn't engaging because when you turn the key it sounds as if it just spins. Starter ok, battery ok, alternator ok. Any ideas? Nephew drove it last and says that it seemed to "jerk a bit when slowing down" shortly before he parked it and it wouldn't start after that.

3 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

HI there',

If the starter is spinning with out engaging the drive plate at all, it will be a faulty Bendix drive, this will normally be a faulty starter.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 AT 11:43 PM

BELLBUTT

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I had the starter tested at an auto parts store and they have a little window on the tester and were able to see that the drive does extend to engage the flywheel. They said the problem is not with my starter, which is why I posted here. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

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Thursday, July 30th, 2009 AT 5:12 PM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

well this is all a bit strange, the starter is working and the Bendix is engaging but no cranking. This would mean that the Bendix is not engaging the ring gear at all, as if it was just touching it would screech like a banshee. So, is there as spacer fitted? Is the Bendix engaging the ring gear and slipping on the shaft? What we need to establish is that the Bendix is or is not engaging the ring gear, to do this place a wad of grease on the Bendix, with the main power cable removed activate the solinoid wire so the Bendix through with out turning, remove the starter and check the grease mark on the ring gear, do this next.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Thursday, July 30th, 2009 AT 6:26 PM