Recently replaced the starter on my 2001 Ex due to it burning out when I didn't realize that the block heater was out. Now the there's a weird growl/squeal sound that comes from the starter and it doesn't turn over at all. I'm thinking that the smaller wire leading to the starter has a short/is broken somewhere but the big wire definitely has power running through it. It appears that the wires are a combo package but I can't find a definitive part # and also would like to know if this is something that would cause the sound I described. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

The growl could be your Bendix not fully engaging the flywheel. The squeal could be starter bearings. My vote is you have a bad starter. Was it a rebuilt starter you put in? I have had rebuilt starters go out in as little as 2 weeks. Also check to make sure your starter bolts are not coming loose.

 

I agree with above. Starter bolts come loose very fast. We use red locktite on a couple threads which holds it but you can still remove later. Not more than a couple threads though.

​​​​​​​Good luck!

 

Sorry guys, I should have been more specific but the starter was just put in and the growl/whine sound started immediately and the truck never started. It's not the fast squeal when it's spinning too fast cuz it's not engaging, it's something different that I've never heard. I was wondering if the heavy wire is still getting power but the smaller wire is broke, if something like this could happen.

I have very limited time to work on my truck. I'm an LEO in central ND so I've been working stupid hours and the cold hasn't helped. I can take the new/rebuilt starter back into NAPA to be tested but town is a decent distance away so I'd like to have ideas of what else to grab if it tests fine. I figure I can always return what I don't use. Thanks for the help guys.

 

From what it sounds like, the starter is bad. If the small wire is broken, you will hear nothing. That small wire provides +12V to the solenoid which connects the large battery wire to the starter windings to crank. If you were to want to test the small wire, you could use a meter and ohm out the wire back to the solenoid or start circuit wire depending on year.

Personally I would pull the starter in case it is grinding on the ring gear and run it while it is not installed just with the wires connected. Make sure not to let any of the posts come close to any metal as they will short if they touch ground..