Starter Sticking
 

A couple of times over the last month, when starting the X, after the engine turns over the starter keeps spinning. Luckily have turned it off before getting the dreaded grinding noise. Anyone else experience this, if so what was the problem and the fix? Thanks in advance for the help.

Does the engine acutally "start", or does it just continually crank? I've had my 2001 4.4i continually crank without the engine actually starting about 4 times (vehicle has 82,000 miles) and had to turn off the key to stop the cranking.

I've determined that it only happens when I have SNAPPED the key to the starting position without pausing in the run position to let the computer boot up. I have never had it continually crank if I pause for a couple of seconds in the run position before cranking the engine.

yes this has happened to me as well, and I have come to the same conclusion...it only happens when I snap the key to the starting position without pausing in the run position...

It does start, just that the starter has continued to spin. Like I said has only happened twice so far. Didn't know if it could be a starter relay or something like that.

Even with the engine starting I would still put the fault on the computer since on the 4.4i the computer controls the entire start proceedure, to include starter disengagment, once you have turned the key to the start position.

Make sure you pause in the run position prior to starting to allow the computer to completely boot and if the problem re-occurs go to the dealer.

Cool, thanks for the help. Hope it does not happen anymore cause I don't want to go to the stealer. They will just charge me and then say that they could not duplicate the problem, therefor no fix.

Maybe is the battery half/dead:rolleyes:

Sounds like the starter bendix is sticking on the shaft and not returning properly.

"It is also recommended that you spray the bendix shaft with a suitable lubricant to prevent it from STICKING on the shaft thus not allowing it to retract back into the strater housing all the way. "

Taken from another forum but applies!

did u ever fix your starting problem , starter staying engaged and engine spining not starting , mine 2001 4.4i does the same, help me out please

Guys, take a look at this thread, It took me and a few others around 6 months and countless $$$ at the stealer to figure out the problem. Look near the end of the thread to see that it turned out to be a problem with the ignition switch. I was able to fix it with contact cleaner, and didn't even need to replace the ignition switch. Also note that the stealer told me on 3 separate occasions that there was "no chance" that it could be the ignition switch.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...-starting.html