Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Before beginning any service procedure in this service information, refer to Safety Warnings in SERVICE INFORMATION General Information. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.
Remove the starter motor.
Refer to: Starter Motor .
Visual check. Check the wear patterns on the starter drive gear and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear. If the wear pattern is normal, install the starter motor.
Refer to: Starter Motor .

Fig 1: Checking Wear Patterns On Starter Drive Gear And Flywheel Or Flexplate Ring Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If the starter drive gear and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear are not fully meshing and the gears are scored or damaged, install a new starter motor.
Refer to: Starter Motor .
If necessary, install a new flywheel or flexplate.
Refer to: Flywheel ( FLYWHEEL ).