The starter on my 2000 Max will likely need repairs soon (67K miles). Three out of the last ten times I’ve started it, it has made a light, brief grinding noise after the engine starts up, as if the solenoid was getting stuck in the activated position, or not retracting fast enough, thus grinding the flywheel.

My questions are:

1.- Are these starters serviceable (can I just change the solenoid or spring), or are they cheap enough (doubt it) to simply replace the whole thing?

2.- Is replacing the starter simple enough (two hour garage job), or is it a complex task better left to a repair shop?

Thanks in advance for your help,
Adan

 

Try motorvate.ca and check out the starter fix section. It is unlikely that you need a new starter. i have had that same noise to 30k and all is still well. i haven't done the fix yet, but I will in the spring.

 

That might have happened to me once or twice (2K, 50K miles) but it was only when it was REALLY cold out...

I think the Starter looks straightforward to remove once you have the entire intake removed. It's easy to get down there with the intake removed.

 

I would prefer to open up the starter to clean and regrease it. At least I don't have to take a chance on an unknown rebuilt from a part store. Took me 2 hours to remove/clean/regrease/reinstall on my 98. You need the wheel bearing grease, brake cleaner, and electrical cleaner.

 

Thanks for the info , after looking a the pictures/discussion on motorvate.ca, it makes sense to me that dried-out grease is the culprit.

It can get very warm here in Dallas,TX; and given my 100-mile daily commute in stop-n-go traffic, the Max sure gets a beating in the summer time.

I'll try regreasing the gears sometime soon,

Adan