[ChevyGuy]

Starter. The motor spins, but is not engaging the flywheel.

 

[ChevyGuy]

when was the timing belt last replaced?

What engine? Only the 1.8 and diesel have a belt. The 1.4T is a chain.

 

[ChevyGuy]

That's weird. The usual design of a GM starter is such that the contacts for the starter motor itself are activated when the solenoid engages the mechanism. So it would see unlikely that the starter motor could run if things aren't moving like they should. However, i understand this engine has a different heritage, so I'm not 100% sure how it works. We've had a few people with dying batteries, but I don't think any of them ran across that problem.

 

[ChevyGuy]

So, even though the solenoid has engaged the starter to the flywheel and motor power has been applied, the motor just spins without engaging the pinion gear.

That makes sense! Thanks. Learned something new.

I agree this is likely to return at some point.