Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check the wear patterns on the starter drive and the flexplate ring gear. If the wear pattern is not normal, install a new starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starter Motor - 3.5L GTDI, 3.7L or Starter Motor - 5.0L (4V), 6.2L (2V) .

Fig 1: Locating Starter Drive And Flywheel Ring Gear Wear Patterns
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If the starter drive gear and the flywheel ring gear are not fully meshing or the gears are milled or damaged, install a new starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starter Motor - 3.5L GTDI, 3.7L or Starter Motor - 5.0L (4V), 6.2L (2V) . Install a new flexplate. For additional information, REFER to ENGINE - 3.5L GTDI , ENGINE - 3.7L , ENGINE - 5.0L (4V) or ENGINE - 6.2L (2V) .

Fig 2: Locating Damage Starter Drive Gear And Flexplate Ring Gear

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.