2019 2.0L Starter Removal

[denson9874]

Hello Everyone,

A few days ago my wife and I were stopped at a stop light, with auto stop engaged. Upon releasing the brake pedal to drive, we heard a "pop" sound and vehicle lost all power and shut off. Now when we attempt to start the vehicle we get a grinding sound and start up is unsuccessful. I ran the codes on the vehicle and cannot find a DTC that points to anything, which leads me to believe that the starter has failed at the fly wheel. I am attempting to remove the starter in order to inspect/replace it, but I suspect that I may need to remove several mechanical component to access it (Drive Shaft, Transfer Case, etc.) Has anyone here attempted such a repair/replacement, and if so, could provide some tips or guidance on how to achieve such a task? Thanks for any assistance provided.

 

[PoManNox]

It doesn't look that bad based on this video below for the 2.0T, but you know how that goes..

I sound like a broken record on this, but you have to eliminate the auto stop/start system. Having the poor thing cycle itself to death puts so much extra stress on the vehicle mechanically and electronically. These things aren't a Toyota Prius after all.

 

[denson9874]

Lol this is true. I was successful in getting it removed, thanks to the above video. Significantly less painful than removing a drive shaft and transfer case. I will definitely invest in a module to disable this Auto Start Stop "feature" or at the very least place the vehicle in L9 so that the engine remains engaged at all times.

 

[Moonwink]

Lol this is true. I was successful in getting it removed, thanks to the above video. Significantly less painful than removing a drive shaft and transfer case. I will definitely invest in a module to disable this Auto Start Stop "feature" or at the very least place the vehicle in L9 so that the engine remains engaged at all times.

What did you find after removing the starter? Was it the problem?

 

[denson9874]

What did you find after removing the starter? Was it the problem?

Yes! It was indeed the starter. It was a bear to get it removed. As a DIYer, it was as simple as the above mentioned video implied, an the method of using the passenger wheel well does work. It is indeed a left arm workout.

Upon inspection, the bearings and spline teeth on the factory starter were severely worn and the actuator was seized in place, I suspect due to the constant disengage and re-engage of the flywheel.

I purchased a starter that lacks the auto start/stop "feature" and no DTCs were generated after several miles driven last night. I will monitor it over the next several weeks and will update this thread on my findings.

Here's the link to the starter I purchased:

Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

 

[Prince_Polaris]

I assumed that they would have given the car a starter designed to handle the extra workload of auto starts and stops, but I guess not

 

[denson9874]

I assumed that they would have given the car a starter designed to handle the extra workload of auto starts and stops, but I guess not

One could definitely come to such a conclusion and not be foolish in doing so. The reality is that no two cars are the same, no matter the nameplate, year of production, etc. Same is true regarding parts within the car itself. There are many Equinox owners who never experience a starter failure, any issues for that matter, whereas there could be a multitude who have constant problems.

 

[Prince_Polaris]

Upon inspection, the bearings and spline teeth on the factory starter were severely worn and the actuator was seized in place, I suspect due to the constant disengage and re-engage of the flywheel.

But I mean if it's like this...