2003 matrix starter problems????

[jamesmetairie]

2003 matrix,automatic tranny,97,000 miles. when turn key to start position starter seems to be turning over,making noises even after car seems to have started. any help will be appreciated.

[roadrunner2]

Originally Posted by jamesmetairie

2003 matrix,automatic tranny,97,000 miles. when turn key to start position starter seems to be turning over,making noises even after car seems to have started. any help will be appreciated.

The word 'seems' makes your post doubtful.

So for now I will ignore it and answer this way: the starter activates when you turn the ignition key to the START position and engages with the flywheel to crank the engine.

BUT, you hear the STARTER(?) making noises after the engine has started?

If that's what you mean, it is possible the Bendix gear in the starter that jumps forward to engage the flywheel may be getting stuck there.

To inspect you have to remove the starter and check the gear teeth on both the starter Bendix gear and the flywheel.

The starter may be getting tired after 7 years and/or the gears may have lost a tooth or possibly has a chipped one causing the starter to hang up.

I had a tech at a Toyota shop tell me the starters do wear in such a manner that when attempting to start the engine, the starter will crank at least three times before the engine catches and as the vehicle gets older, the starter takes longer. Eventually the starter will need replacing.
True or not? I don't know.

FWIW, I have an '04 Matrix XR and it cranks three times before it fires up. but at least it is consistent.

[jamesmetairie]

Originally Posted by roadrunner2

The word 'seems' makes your post doubtful.

So for now I will ignore it and answer this way: the starter activates when you turn the ignition key to the START position and engages with the flywheel to crank the engine.

BUT, you hear the STARTER(?) making noises after the engine has started?

If that's what you mean, it is possible the Bendix gear in the starter that jumps forward to engage the flywheel may be getting stuck there.

To inspect you have to remove the starter and check the gear teeth on both the starter Bendix gear and the flywheel.

The starter may be getting tired after 7 years and/or the gears may have lost a tooth or possibly has a chipped one causing the starter to hang up.

I had a tech at a Toyota shop tell me the starters do wear in such a manner that when attempting to start the engine, the starter will crank at least three times before the engine catches and as the vehicle gets older, the starter takes longer. Eventually the starter will need replacing.
True or not? I don't know.

FWIW, I have an '04 Matrix XR and it cranks three times before it fires up. but at least it is consistent.

napa offers a few options. how does a person know if a starter with solinoid is the one needed. best plan looks like a visit to the auto electric shop. they can probly rebuild the original starter. thanks for the info.

[jamesmetairie]

almost unreal= today this car ain,t no problem. But our 2004 corolla (about 97 k) is making the same noise. we had a cold weather front arrive. could it be a reason?

[roadrunner2]

Originally Posted by jamesmetairie

napa offers a few options. how does a person know if a starter with solinoid is the one needed. best plan looks like a visit to the auto electric shop. they can probly rebuild the original starter. thanks for the info.

All starters have a solenoid, if you can't see one it's because it's INside.

[jamesmetairie]

some faulty starter symptoms=? is it possible for a starter to keep spinning after the motor starts one day and work perfectly ok the next day??

[roadrunner2]

Originally Posted by jamesmetairie

some faulty starter symptoms=? is it possible for a starter to keep spinning after the motor starts one day and work perfectly ok the next day??

When the starter does engage and spins after the engine is running, how long does it spin?

If a starter engages with the ring gear and won't disengage after the engine starts, it will be VERY noisy and if not shut down immediately will destroy the starter and likely the ring rear as well.

If the starter engages with the ring gear and starts the engine and while still spinning it may be retracting back in (albeit slowly) until it stops.

Either way, I'd be removing this starter and closely inspect it and the ring rear as I previously suggested.

Look for wear on the Bendix gear and when 12V is applied to the solenoid, watch how the gear and spring act.

James, if you want to see how a starter works go to http://www.howstuffworks.com

Click on 'auto'.