Starter will not engage the flywheel

2002 SATURN L200
150,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TRISTON C. G. THACKER
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My car shut off on the way to work. I replaced the alternator, tested the battery, both are good now. My starter for some reason will not engage the flywheel. I had it tested at AutoZone and they said it was good. I put it back on with a fully charged battery and it still just spins. Please help, any ideas are appreciated.
Jan 19, 2018 at 1:13 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning.

Are you saying the starter motor turns but does not turn the motor?

if it does, two possibilities:
1. Bendix drive bad in starter.
2. Flywheel damaged on the motor.

Roy
Jan 19, 2018 at 3:38 AM
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TRISTON C. G. THACKER
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Flywheel is good, but if the Bendix is bad would it pass an AutoZone test?
Jan 19, 2018 at 2:46 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Sure, the starter would turn fine but would not engage the flywheel.

Roy
Jan 19, 2018 at 2:53 PM
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TRISTON C. G. THACKER
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I will replace the starter, I will get back to you if it fixes the problem. Worst case scenario at least i will get a refund and the old one back if it does not work.
Jan 19, 2018 at 9:00 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Keep us updated and thank you for visiting 2CarPros.

Roy
Jan 21, 2018 at 5:15 AM
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TRISTON C. G. THACKER
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I rebuilt the starter but it still does the exact same thing. Is it possible the ignition switch is bad?
Jan 31, 2018 at 10:01 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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did you replace the bendix drive at the end of the shaft???

no, you have power and it turns

Roy
Jan 31, 2018 at 10:40 AM
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TRISTON C. G. THACKER
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Replaced the starter. The engine will turn but won't crank. I am getting spark. All fuses are fine.
Feb 3, 2018 at 3:36 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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the engine will turn but will not crank?? if the engine is turning, it is cranking. Please explain

Roy
Feb 4, 2018 at 5:32 AM
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TRISTON C. G. THACKER
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the engine will turn but it will not start. I turn the key to the start position and everything moves, it just wont start.
Feb 4, 2018 at 10:20 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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ok, thanks.
did you check for spark and fuel?? that is the next step.

Roy
Feb 4, 2018 at 7:06 PM
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TRISTON C. G. THACKER
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Checked all 4 pins on the coil pack, I have spark. Took the plugs out and they smelled like gas and the fuel pump kicks on.
Feb 4, 2018 at 8:12 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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OK, so you have spark at the plugs??

you need to check the actual fuel pressure to be sure it is putting out the proper pressure.

Roy
Feb 5, 2018 at 3:16 AM