A starter grinding sound or free spinning sound under the hood may be heard on some 2019-2020 Enclave and Traverse models equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine (RPO LFY). In some cases, there also may be issues during auto stop/start operation.
These conditions may be caused by a damaged automatic transmission flex plate. If there are missing or damaged flex plate teeth, the starter may not engage and there may be an open 350A starter mega fuse.
If these conditions are present, remove the starter and, through the starter mounting hole, inspect the automatic transmission flex plate. (Fig. 6)
Fig. 6
Look for any damaged or missing flex plate teeth while slowly rotating the crankshaft. If any teeth are damaged or missing, replace the flex plate. (Fig. 7) Refer to Automatic Transmission Flex Plate Replacement in the appropriate Service Information.
Fig. 7
Also inspect the starter pinion for any damaged teeth by rotating the starter pinion. If the starter pinion teeth (Fig. 8) do not show any damage, do not replace the starter.
Starter pinion teeth damage is normally caused by broken or damaged flex plate teeth.
Fig. 8
Refer to Bulletin #21-NA-066 for more information, including part numbers.
– Thanks to Scott Willems
