How to Change a 2000 Ford Taurus Starter

Without a functioning starter motor, the 2000 Ford Taurus wouldn’t be able to move under its own power. While starter failures aren’t as common as they used to be, they do occur; when it happens to you, be prepared to shell out some cash to have it replaced. The 2000 Ford Taurus starter itself will set you back a bundle, but if you have some basic mechanical skill and an hour or two of free time, you can do the work yourself and save the labor charges.

Things You'll Need:

• Battery terminal wrench
• Floor jack
• Jack stand
• Creeper
• Socket set
• Replacement starter

1. Open the 2000 Taurus's hood and locate the negative battery terminal on the battery

Open the 2000 Taurus's hood and locate the negative battery terminal on the battery. The battery is located in the top of the engine well. Loosen the negative cable clamp's retainer bolt with a wrench and push the cable aside so it cannot accidentally contact the battery while you’re performing the work.

2. Roll the floor jack under the right front side of the Taurus

Roll the floor jack under the right front side of the Taurus and jack the front end up. Place the jack stand under the frame and lower the Taurus carefully onto the jack stand.

3. Lie down on the creeper and roll under the Taurus

Lie down on the creeper and roll under the Taurus so you can access the area behind the right front wheel. Locate the starter, which is on the side of the engine near the transmission bell housing.

4. Disconnect the starter wiring

Disconnect the starter wiring using the socket set. Move the wiring out of the way so it doesn’t interfere with the rest of the job.

5. Hold the starter steady

Hold the starter steady with one hand while you remove the two starter mounting bolts with the other hand using the socket set. This requires some strength and endurance, as you cannot let the starter hang from the loose bolts. The starter is very heavy, so be prepared to support the weight in order to avoid damage to the starter, the Taurus or yourself.

6. Compare the old starter to the replacement one

Compare the old starter to the replacement one. If the two starters aren’t identical, you will need to take the old one back to the store where you bought the replacement one to match it up properly.

7. Hold the replacement starter in position

Hold the replacement starter in position and reinstall the mounting bolts by threading them both in by hand, then tightening them down with the socket set. Do not leave the starter unsupported until the mounting bolts are in all the way.

8. Reattach the starter wiring

Reattach the starter wiring in reverse of how you removed it.

9. Lower the Taurus off the jack stand

Lower the Taurus off the jack stand and reconnect the negative battery cable.

Tip

Don’t forget to return the old starter, with the replacement starter’s packaging, for a core charge refund.

Video showing how to replace a Ford Taurus starter:

Comments on this video:

• Good video. Thanks! Going to change the starter out on my 2000 Taurus this weekend.
• I appreciate this video because nobody believed me about the wire needing to be heat shrunk and now i have proof. Also appreciate you showing that I didn't need to change the wire. Thank you.