BlackTranzam

Hi everyone,

Looking for help, I have a 98 Trans Am LS1 automatic with 85K that I've owned for a little over a year. As the title implies, when I go to start it, the starter just grinds and does not turn over at all. It sounds like a grind similar to if you tried to start it while it's already running.

Does anyone have any experience with this issue? I haven't had any starting issues with this car before. I tried jumping it today to see if it was a weak battery issue, but nothing improved.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

00PewterSS

iTrader: (3)

I think it most likely your starter is bad (solenoid not fully engaging). Flywheel could be missing some teeth, but that seems unlikely.

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

Did the block crack where the starter is? This same thing happened to me where the block cracked causing the starter to not be aligned with the flex plate causing a very harsh grinding / rubbing noise.

R6cowboy

iTrader: (3)

Its likely your starter just is going bad. Remove it and inspect there is no cracks in the block as mentioned above, its unlikely but obviously it can happen. Also inspect the flywheel to make sure no damaged teeth. Probably just need to replace the starter.

BlackTranzam

UPDATE: 1/27/19

After taking out the old starter, it was found the mounting point of the starter to the block was cracked, causing the starter to misaligne. The block is fine, flexplate does not seem to be missing teeth. A new starter was put in, turn the key, clunk. It's no longer grinking, but now the starter can't turn the motor, which may be why the starter broke to begin with. The motor turns to a point when manually rotating the crankshaft, but then will not continue to rotate.

Is it hydrolocked? Or do you think there's a stuck pully that's not enabling the motor to rotate?

R6cowboy

iTrader: (3)

Remove spark plugs (to release compression thus easier to manually rotate engine) AND remove the accessory belts, then again try to manually rotate the engine if not done so already.

bammax

Always start with removing the belt and turning it by hand. A seized ac compressor with a strong belt can stop an engine quick.