Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Ranger. 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 - 2.3L , Starter Motor - 3.0L or Starter Motor - 4.0L in this article.
Check the wear patterns on the starter drive gear and the flywheel ring gear. If the wear pattern is normal, install the starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starter Motor - 2.3L , Starter Motor - 3.0L or Starter Motor - 4.0L in this article.

Fig 1: Checking Wear Patterns On Starter Drive Gear & Flywheel Ring Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If the starter drive gear and the flywheel 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 - 2.3L , Starter Motor - 3.0L or Starter Motor - 4.0L in this article.

Fig 2: Installing New Starter Motor
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If necessary, install a new flywheel. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure.