F-250 Starter Replacement Instructions

Ford F-250 truck starter systems consist of several key components. The ignition starter switch sends low amperage power to the starter relay, which causes the relay to close. The battery sends high amperage power through the starter relay and to the starter. Once energized, the starter clutch engages the teeth on the flywheel and rotates the engine. Age, wear, broken or worn starter clutch teeth and insulation breakdown cause the starter motor to fail.

Things You Will Need:

• Wrench set
• Jack
• Jack stands (2)

Removal

1. Open the hood. Remove the battery negative cable from the battery with a wrench.
2. Set the parking brake. Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack, if necessary. Support the vehicle with jack stands. (Tall trucks may have sufficient clearance to remain on the ground during the procedure.)
3. Remove the battery cable from the starter with a wrench. Remove the starter relay cable from the starter with a wrench.
4. Remove the starter bolts that mount the starter to the flywheel housing. Lower the starter away from the vehicle.

Installation

1. Lift the new starter into position in the flywheel housing. Ensure that the machined mating surfaces are flush. Install the bolts and tighten them firmly with a wrench.
2. Install the starter relay cable and the starter battery cable with a wrench. Install the battery negative cable with a wrench.
3. Support the vehicle with a jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground and release the parking brake.
4. Test-start the new starter.

Warning

Remove the starter with caution. Starter motors contain a large amount of copper, and are quite cumbersome and heavy.

Video showing how to replace the starter on a Ford F-250: