Starter Motor spin but want crank?

2012 HYUNDAI SONATA
184,000 MILES • AUTOMATIC
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JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 806 POSTS
what cause starter to spin but want crank the engine all the time? sometime i have to try 3 or 4 time and sometime the Bendix will engage and then disengage why?
Jun 18, 2026 at 1:55 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,542 POSTS
Most of the time it will be a bad starter motor, but once the starter motor is out use a flashlight to check the teeth of the flex plate. Here is a guide to help you step by step with instructions for your car in the images below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor/

You will need to remove the air box and throttle body. Check out the images (below). Please upload an image or a short video in your response, so I can see what's going on.
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Jun 19, 2026 at 8:53 AM
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