Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection

1. Remove the starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starter Motor — 3.5L Ti-VCT or Starter Motor — 3.5L GTDI .

2. Check the wear patterns on the starter drive gear and the flexplate ring gear. If the wear pattern is normal, install the starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starter Motor — 3.5L Ti-VCT or Starter Motor — 3.5L GTDI . Visual check.

3. If the starter drive gear and the flexplate ring gear are not fully meshing and both of the gears are scored or damaged, install a new starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starter Motor — 3.5L Ti-VCT or Starter Motor — 3.5L GTDI .
   If necessary, install a new flexplate. For additional information, refer to Section 303-01A , Section 303-01B .