Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup, 2012 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2012 Ford Cab & Chassis. 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 and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear. If the wear pattern is normal, install the starter motor. For additional information, refer to STARTER MOTOR .

Fig 1: Locating Damage Starter Drive Gear And Flexplate Ring Gear (Wear Pattern Normal)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If the starter drive gear and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear are not fully meshing or the gears are milled or damaged, install a new flywheel or flexplate and a new starter motor. For additional information, refer to ENGINE - 6.2L (2V) or ENGINE - 6.8L (3V) and Starter Motor.

Fig 2: Locating Damage Starter Drive Gear And Flexplate Ring Gear (Not Fully Meshing)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.