JohnPReid

1999 Cherokee 4.0 4x4

replaced starter about a year ago and has been smooth sailing. I went for a drive this morning and from what I can tell the starter and flywheel weren’t getting along. The grinding noise was unbelievable and loud. I didn’t have any choice but to drive the rest of the way home. The starter is burnt up and the splines are all chipped! Wondering if I just need a new starter or something else is amiss and will need further attention. I am a single dad and I have learned to be a mechanic out of necessity. This looks like it’s out of my abilities but would like to trouble shoot myself (quickly) and try to save as much money as I can. Pretty worried not going to lie. Is there any advice that you guys with a little more knowledge can share with me? Is there anyway to spin the flywheel without the engine running? I’m afraid if I spend the money on a new starter it could happen again and have to take a serious loss. Thanks!

JohnPReid

Replaced starter and issue is solved. I would delete thread altogether but couldn’t figure out how too.

tech

Lucky the fly wheel is still good , thanks for posting the fix .

Steve Hayes

It sounds like the solenoid or starter drive may have failed on your old starter. It happens. Glad you're back up and running.