Having major issues here. I just replaced my clutch on my 01 Cavalier. When I disconnected the wires from the starter, I got a little ahead of myself and didn't label the wires. I put everything back together and now the car will not start, sort of.

When you try and start the car you can hear the solenoid clicking in and out against the flywheel. Eventually, if you let it go long enough, it will start. (That is the most god awful noise I have ever heard by the way.) A mechanic I know took the starter off the car and put jumper cables to it and "benched checked" it. Worked fine. I even took the starter down to an automotive electrical shop and had them test it with a load on it. Worked fine. The guy even opened the starter up to look at the brushes and he said they look brand new.

After all this, I went and tried to reconnect the wires one by one to see what would happen. After all the wires were reconnected it imediately started, but with the slight grinding still. Did this two more times. On the last time it sounded like the starter stayed engaged with the car running. I turned the key off and pulled it out of the ignition but the car continued to turn over. I disconnected the battery and it stopped. Reconnected the battery and it kept turning over on its own. My thought is that the key solenoid is bad and the shorting cap harness is also bad.

I am at my wits end and on the verge of getting rid of it because my car is literally costing me money due to me being stationed in England. I really don't want to sell her because she is my baby. If there is anyone out there that can be of any help it would be much appreciated. If you got pics, that could/would/might help in the case that I am hooking things up wrong, much appreciated.

thats not to much label in terms for the starter wires. All the starter does is spin the flywheel, are you sure you didn't butcher the clutch job?

Hi,

While not familiar with your exact engine, MOST GM starters have shims between them and the block to gain flywheel clearance. If they are too close you get some awful noises, may not work at all and may destroy the starter if the pinion hangs up in the ring gear.
Look around, little thin piece of metal with two holes in it lying on the "extra parts and don't know where they came from so I'll not worry about them" pile?? Even if you don't have that pile, go get some starter shims and start by putting just one in, test, two in, test, etc. Most likely will fix your problem if you haven't already destroyed your starter.

Dave