Starter problems

KICKINIT42

MEMBER
2006 KIA SORENTO
3.5L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
168,000 MILES

Starter whines when trying to start. If she is close to starting, she scratches with a temper. Sometimes she will start only after I have loosened the starter and tightened it back up.
I use a jump starter on the battery, the starter sucks the energy out of the battery.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi,

It sounds like either the starter itself is bad (drawing too much amperage) or something is causing the Bendix to bind. Is it possible for you to record what it is doing and upload it for me to hear?

As far as the starter, if it drains the battery that quickly, chances are it is failing internally.
At this point, I would recommend removing the starter motor and having it bench tested at a parts store. Most do it free of charge. In addition to operation, ask them to check the voltage/amperage drawn from the starter motor.

Here is a link that explains in general how to remove the starter. Make sure the battery is disconnected prior to working on the removal.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Also, if you could record it and upload it for me to hear, that may help me.

Take care,

Joe