Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .

Remove the starter motor. For additional information, refer to STARTER MOTOR .
Check the wear patterns on the (A) starter drive and the (B) flywheel 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 And Flywheel Ring Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .

Fig 2: Identifying Starter Drive Gear And Flywheel Ring Gear

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If the (A) starter drive gear and the flywheel ring gear are not fully meshing or the gears are (B) milled or damaged, install a new starter motor. For additional information, refer to STARTER MOTOR . Install a new flywheel ring gear. For additional information, refer to ENGINE .