Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Sable, 2009 Ford Taurus X, and 2009 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starter Motor .
Check the wear patterns on the starter drive gear and the flexplate ring gear. If the wear pattern is normal, install the starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starter Motor .

Fig 1: Checking Wear Patterns On Starter Drive Gear & Flywheel Ring Gear

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If the starter drive gear and the flexplate ring gear are not fully meshing and both of the gears are scored or damaged, install a new starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starter Motor .
If necessary, install a new flexplate. For additional information, refer to ENGINE - 3.5L article.

Fig 2: Checking Wear Patterns On Starter Drive Gear & Flywheel Ring Gear

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.