What caused my starter to go bad?

[Kidcosmos]

I have a 2005 GTX with 38 hours and was having troubling starting it. I'd get the beeps when attaching the lanyard, but when I pressed the start button, I'd only get a slight buzzing sound. I would then pull off the lanyard, reattach and try again. Sometime it would start, sometimes it would take 3-4 times.

After checking the battery and connections, I brought it into the dealer and here are the notes from the work order: tested continuity of solenoid switch - every few times it would be open circuit or high resistance - tried new switch - problem still happening - removed PTO cover and found bad teeth on the flywheel and starter drive - replaced both. So for $800 I got a new starter and starter gear.

I'm wondering if I did something to cause this as I suspect a starter should last more than 38 hours. I'd really like to prevent replacing again...

 

[kustomkarl]

It is possible that the starter was hanging up from corrosion and caused the starter to not release from the flywheel as it should. The dealer might have replaced the starter and flywheel a little premature but with out seeing the condition of either it's hard to really know. When you go to a dealer they replace things if they seem border line. The starter could have be able to be cleaned or repaired but the dealer won't take the time...they just replace things. If in the future, if you have problems, or questions post here first to see if we can save you some money. Now go have some fun...

Karl

 

[derek]

heck. you have no idea if they actually replaced the ring gear or not. you might have just paid $800 for a starter job.