help new starter won't catch
 

I installed a new starter on my 2005 caravan it spins but isn't catching. I pulled the bolts out and tried again still not catching the fly wheel. Autozone starter. My install or the starter is the problem. Any thoughts appreciated.

Try & get a good look at the flywheel, which is what is engaged when the starter spins, it may have missing teeth. You can also have AZ bench test the starter for free, if it works fine then look at the flywheel teeth and the connections.

I agree !!
 

Same thoughts . Bud

yup
 

At least I found out there isn't some step or trick I missed. Gonna snug it up and try again.

I had put in starter same things happened, took it off and tried again. no difference. took it back to parts store. they showed me it spinned on their machine.

i conveinced the guy go give me another starter because i got the original started from a parking lot by tapping with hammer. i stated this info to him confirming i had a starter problem therefore the one he was giving me, even though it spins in his machine didn't mean it was good.

I went on am told him what a engineer told me: the machine they use to spin isn't the same as in a car. more torque needed and possibly plunger coming from starter doesn't go out far enough to catch fly wheel.

End of story--he gave me another and it worked on car when i replaced.

if spinning maybe it just doesn't go far enough out to catch.

Keep in mind if that happens, it can also be due to poor connection to the starter due to weak, corroded or otherwise faulty positive cable that does not put full power through to the starter. Those test benches are usually running at high amps & a new starter can run super great & strong as long as it gets full amps during it's break in process since new bearings can be a little stiff for a while.

whirr
 

Right you were. I had to replace the battery, starts fine but now the starter is making a whirring sound. Think it could be the bearings on the starter?

If it is the new starter making the sound, it could just be the sound of newness. If it is the old one, it may be a sign that the thing is dying.