For about three to four months I have had a problem with my starter not engaging in my 04 TJ. It only happened one or two times in the first two months but it has become a little more frequent lately. My vehicle almost always starts normally on the first attempt. But occasionally when I turn the key I can hear the starter motor spin but the starter doesn't engage the flywheel. It always starts without incident on the second attempt. My question is this. Should I just replace the starter now or should I pull it and service it with the expectation that it will solve the problem. A friend has suggested that I pull the starter and clean and lubricate the gear and the gear shaft based on the assumption that the starter motor and solenoid are fine and it's just dirt or rust causing the problem. A new starter will run about $130 plus tax so if I can service the existing one I'm willing to give it a try. However, if that is just a waste of time then I want to replace it rather than mess around trying to fix the original one. If it can be serviced, what would you recommend I do? Thanks in advance for any assistance.
