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Starter will not engage the flywheel

Tiny
TRISTON C. G. THACKER
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 SATURN L200
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
My car shut off on the way to work. I replaced the alternator, tested the battery, both are good now. My starter for some reason will not engage the flywheel. I had it tested at AutoZone and they said it was good. I put it back on with a fully charged battery and it still just spins. Please help, any ideas are appreciated.
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Friday, January 19th, 2018 AT 1:13 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning.

Are you saying the starter motor turns but does not turn the motor?

If it does, two possibilities:
1. Bendix drive bad in starter.
2. Flywheel damaged on the motor.

Roy
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Friday, January 19th, 2018 AT 3:38 AM
Tiny
TRISTON C. G. THACKER
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Flywheel is good, but if the Bendix is bad would it pass an AutoZone test?
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Friday, January 19th, 2018 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Sure, the starter would turn fine but would not engage the flywheel.

Roy
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Friday, January 19th, 2018 AT 2:53 PM
Tiny
TRISTON C. G. THACKER
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I will replace the starter, I will get back to you if it fixes the problem. Worst case scenario at least I will get a refund and the old one back if it does not work.
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Friday, January 19th, 2018 AT 9:00 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Keep us updated and thank you for visiting 2CarPros.

Roy
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Sunday, January 21st, 2018 AT 5:15 AM
Tiny
TRISTON C. G. THACKER
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I rebuilt the starter but it still does the exact same thing. Is it possible the ignition switch is bad?
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Wednesday, January 31st, 2018 AT 10:01 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Did you replace the bendix drive at the end of the shaft?

No, you have power and it turns

Roy
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Wednesday, January 31st, 2018 AT 10:40 AM
Tiny
TRISTON C. G. THACKER
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Replaced the starter. The engine will turn but won't crank. I am getting spark. All fuses are fine.
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Saturday, February 3rd, 2018 AT 3:36 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The engine will turn but will not crank? If the engine is turning, it is cranking. Please explain

Roy
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Sunday, February 4th, 2018 AT 5:32 AM
Tiny
TRISTON C. G. THACKER
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
The engine will turn but it will not start. I turn the key to the start position and everything moves, it just wont start.
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Sunday, February 4th, 2018 AT 10:20 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Ok, thanks.
Did you check for spark and fuel? That is the next step.

Roy
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Sunday, February 4th, 2018 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
TRISTON C. G. THACKER
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Checked all 4 pins on the coil pack, I have spark. Took the plugs out and they smelled like gas and the fuel pump kicks on.
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Sunday, February 4th, 2018 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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OK, so you have spark at the plugs?

You need to check the actual fuel pressure to be sure it is putting out the proper pressure.

Roy
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Monday, February 5th, 2018 AT 3:16 AM

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