Ford F-150 Starter Replacement Walkthrough

In this video I walk you through replacing the starter motor on a Ford F-150.

The only remanufactured starters I Recommend: (check fitment guide)

Forscan is a free Ford Specific Diagnostic Software:
Download Here-
ELM 327 Adapter I Recommend-

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My Ford Specialty Shop: BSG Automotive-

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Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user and BSG Automotive (hereinafter “FordTechMakuloco”) makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. FordTechMakuloco shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by FordTechMakuloco and therefore, FordTechMakuloco does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge FordTechMakuloco or anyone affiliated with FordTechMakuloco, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[FordTechMakuloco]

The only remanufactured starters I Recommend: (check fitment guide)

Forscan is a free Ford Specific Diagnostic Software:
Download Here-
ELM 327 Adapter I Recommend-

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[Jim.D]

Very helpful video, watched it 2 years ago and it helped me yesterday when it died at my local post office. 2 hours to remove the starter, walked it 1/4 mile down the road to a local rebuilder, he rebuilt it in 30 minutes, then I reinstalled it in less than 30 minutes. Thanks for all the great tips!

[KLLRGRN]

I love the fact that Ford put the solenoid on the bottom instead of where it normally is. It really gets in the way of getting to that top bolt

[dcmkcbbq]

Thanks for the very helpful video. Some other observations I made during my 6 hours swear fest were- 1. 2 3" extensions rather than 1 6" worked better for me on the top bolt. The 2 3" extensions are about 1/2" shorter and let me back out the bolt almost all the way out of the hole before pinching the ratchet on the frame. 2. when working on the top bolt I found it easiest to have my body 90 degrees to the truck with my feet at the drivers side door. That allowed my hands to follow the curve of the starter easier to located the top bolt. 3. a 12 point socket is a lot easier to got on the top bolt to remove it. 4. If you are having a problem getting on the bolt, check for debris on top of the starter that might interfere with the socket. 5. Give each bolt hole a couple of short blasts of brake cleaner to help to remove any grit from the holes. 6. Make sure the neighborhood kids aren't around while you are replacing the starter. Good luck to all why try this.

[klikliks_service]

Been watching your videos a lot lately. I'm a diesel tech of 15 years and I just wanted to say I have a lot of respect for you and your videos. Always professional and always informative.

[jaysmechs]

This is honestly as good as a video on the notorious f150 starter can get. I have a 2012 Mustang and it's the same PITA with no space to fully torque anything. Really a ford thing. Thumbs up from me.

[rejmonwilson]

trick that I did, when replacing my starter, (I placed a piece of electricity tape over the hole on the top hole on the new starter, stick the bolt through it, which holds the bolt in place put the starter in place, this really make reinstall the top bolt easy to install). it is a pain but be patient, also check the starter cable wire harness. I live in Canada my wire harness was very corroded. Great video really help me to tackle this job.

[jeffreyallen]

Did mine yesterday. I took off the passenger side wheel like others have done. I have big hands and have a real hard time getting them into that tight gap around the starter. Also if you position a light right you'll be able to see the bolt which helps a lot. It is a little extra work to take off the wheel and the plastic well sheild, but if you've never removed one before it might be worth it. You can get the bolt with a 6 inch extension and a wobbler or a similar arrangement depending on what you have for tools. I electrical tape the wobbler flex joint to stiffen it up so you can easily position it onto the bolt without it flopping around and you can actually see what you're doing. Once you get that one off it's easy if you have a decent selection of wrenches. Definetly wire brush your bolts well and use antiseize as well as recommended and you will find the reassembly will go much better. I put a generous amount of antiseize onto the bolt and turn them into the holes before reinstalling the starter to reduce the chance of misthreading the soft aluminum. I use nickel based antiseize which works really well on aluminum castings. If you think this project is really hard replace your exhaust manifolds first and it will seem much easier.

[Akasuper]

Just removed the old starter on my 2004 f150 3v. The top bolt can absolutely go to hell!

Thanks for the great video FTM

[allgun]

Very helpful video, it took me 3 hours to remove the top bolt, my hand was bleeding there is just not enough room just to give my advice remove the solenoid there are 2 Philips screws and the solenoid pulls right out, now you have more room for your hands but it is still not easy to get to the bolt. I also used a short flexhead ratchet fine tooth. Good luck

[whitley]

Thank you so much for making this guide! I was able to fix my 97 f-150 all by myself (and I have never replaced anything ever). You saved me a ton of money. Now my truck, Buddy, can go another 420, 000 miles! Maybe..

[TheMeanWolverine]

This was my first time watching one of your videos. I would say great job on providing incite and details regarding the tools, sizes and lengths that you recommend. Just an fyi for those here, my truck is a 2007 f150 5.4 motor. The little braided ground wire from the solenoid to the starter was rusted in half. Truck had turned over more slowly then normal several times over the summer but I didn't look into it at the time:(( Today it was 6 degrees outside and today is when the starter failed completely. No heated shop, no lift and no power tools. So not to bore anyone here is the best information that I have to share and it worked FANTASTIC.
I ended up using a much smaller ratchet than anyone noted on this thread that I have seen. I will try to include a pic but here is the long and short of it... pun intended... is the ratchet I used is five inches long overall with a swivel head. To that I connected a 2 7/8"
3/8" drive extension, a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter and a deep well 1/2 drive 12 point socket. Overall dimensions were 6 3/4" for the ratchet, extension, adapter and socket. Oh and the top bolt took me less than five minuets to remove. The short ratchet allowed me to get one half of a revolution on each motion. It was the first time I danced under my truck after I got the top bolt out. Thanks again for the video, you got me on the right track.
PS I tried to attach a pic without success. Sorry

[lowccperformance]

100% the best tutorial for this on YouTube. Doing this job for a customer soon thanks!

[jaypezynavarro]

I literally fumbled with all sorts of combinations of extensions untill I saw Brian’s video and I was like wow the most simple combo 6” plus a short socket damm should of known thanks for your video!

[rwzwiefka]

heading out to the driveway today in michigan to change my starter in my '03 Ford. Thanks for posting this video! I have never done one before, and in the cold its not going to be easy... appreciate the information you gave.

[CanadianCampPurr]

Just bought a 2012 F150 thursday from a ford dealership, friday morning in costco parking lot, truck would not start. Towing company tried to boost the battery only one click told me it was the starter. Nice to have a 3yr warranty!!!. Great video!!!

[Sstantial]

Great video thanks! I just did mine in 19 degree temperatures in my driveway on a set of ramps. I found that I could run my fingers on my left hand up and over to feel for the top bolt, then use right hand to guide the ratchet in to get on the bolt. Fine tooth ratchet helps a lot! Definitely use a 3/8 drive ratchet/socket to break them loose, then I used a 1/4 drive ratchet to remove/install the bolts quicker.

[iambrian]

I don't even need to do this yet but I love watching your vidoes on the F150's. I have a 2004 and I am sure I will be doing some these sooner or later. I didn't attempt the spark plugs and let a professional do it. I do wish you lived near me in Florida though to diagnose a ticking noise under my truck. Love the videos. Keep em coming.

[ronbaker]

1, 333, 071 views suggesting people searching for the professional's method of doing the job. And then some think they need to tell you how to do the job differently or better. Makes me laugh. Great camera work and description Brian. And thanks for all the other Ford videos as well.

[JamesSmith-nofr]

Thanks much for your video. As with all your videos, well presented and right on the money. On my 2006 Ford LTD 5.4L, there was no way to get my hand up and over the starter motor for the top bolt. To solve the problem of access, I took off the wheel well shield and went in under the exhaust manifold from the top. I used a 9" extension on a 3/8ths inch with a swivel head connector. Just enough friction to break torque and just enough visibility to see the bolt . Cheers and Thanks Much.