Starter spins but Bendix doesn't kick out

[wheelman]

Looking at buying a 2013 Dodge dart it's been sitting for about 8 months. We went to start it and the starter just spins. When we smacked starter and it turned over and worked from then on. Doesn't the solenoid actually aid in pushing the Bendix out? Why would the starter do that just from sitting. It worked fine before being parked. I will likely install a new starter but I'd like to understand the technical reason why it did what it did.

 

[gman2304]

it's been sitting for about 8 months.

This is most likely your problem especially if you’re in a cold climate. I would drive it for now and if the problem happens again then replace the starter. Machinery like humans need to be exercised.

 

[B1974]

It could have just gotten stuck from not being used. Wait and see if it keeps working.

 

[vw7674]

my guess is the grease lube set up over time & jammed the pivot arm (or worm gear). No operation, no combustion heat to keep things loose & moving. : ( Grease is a great adhesive too.

 

[Wrenchturner44]

Wheelman.....what model / trim Dart are you looking at? You can go to this link at find out the exact equipment the car has.

https://www.mopar.com/chrysler/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls/search.html

The 1.4 litre engine is a Fiat engine and has known to have several issues. The 2.4 Multiair engines run good, as long as the solenoids are in good working order. The 2.0 litre Tigershark engine is probably the most simple / conventional of the three offered. You can PM, and I can tell you more things to look at before purchase.

 

[wheelman]

Wheelman.....what model / trim Dart are you looking at? You can go to this link at find out the exact equipment the car has.

https://www.mopar.com/chrysler/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls/search.html

The 1.4 litre engine is a Fiat engine and has known to have several issues. The 2.4 Multiair engines run good, as long as the solenoids are in good working order. The 2.0 litre Tigershark engine is probably the most simple / conventional of the three offered. You can PM, and I can tell you more things to look at before purchase.

I owned a dart previously so I am pretty familiar with them I think.. I appreciate that though! It's a 2.0 6speed manual. I was happy that it was the 2.0 don't have to worry about multi air.

 

[paulo57509]

Looking at buying a 2013 Dodge dart it's been sitting for about 8 months. We went to start it and the starter just spins. When we smacked starter and it turned over and worked from then on. Doesn't the solenoid actually aid in pushing the Bendix out? Why would the starter do that just from sitting. It worked fine before being parked. I will likely install a new starter but I'd like to understand the technical reason why it did what it did.

The solenoid is kicking out. It has to in order to complete the circuit that makes the motor spin. It's the one-way sprag in the drive that's not locking up.