Ok, some days ago my '98 Marea HLX 2.0 20v HLX starting giving us problems to start in the morning when it's cold.

I can hear the starter motor turning really fast with a very smooth shhhhhhh noise, but it seems like it never gets in contact with the engine flywheel, so the engine never starts turning. Sometimes it seems like it gets in contact during some seconds and the engine starts turning but after that it disengages again and the starter motor keeps turning freely.

The problem is every day more frequent and it takes every day more tries until it finally engages and the engine starts... after that while the engine is hot I can turn the ignition off and on and the car starts normally. Today it got really bad because my wife tried to start it for about ten minutes without success, until some gentlemen in there helped her by pushing the car until it started.

Now I'm wondering how to access the starter motor in my car just to take a look and see if the solenoid it's stuck in there or evaluate if It is in need of more serious repairs...

Has anyone took the starter engine out of his car? Is this a DIY work? or must I take the car to a garage to do it?

Any clues on what can be the cause, or information on how to check things will be very much appreciated...

Take Care!

Sebastián.

Sebastian,
It is a fairly simple job to remove and strip down the starter motor if you have basic mechanical skills.
Remember to disconnect the battery first.
It sounds like the solenoid or solenoid connections are faulty. It may be an idea to check the connections for corrosion before you remove the starter. Again disconnect the battery before you put any tools near the solenoid connections.
Good luck

Thank you Polecat...

Can you point me to where the starter motor is exactly located? Or do you you have by chance some diagram, or pictures showing how to access it and eventually remove it?

I have the Fiat Coupe 20v service manual, but cannot find any diagrams showing the starter motor.

Take Care!

Sebastián

The starter is connected to the transmission end of the engine. It drives the flywheel/clutch ring.
Thats bottom right. Only two or three bolts to disconnect.