How to Replace a Starter on a 1997 Ford Taurus

Driving your 1997 Ford Taurus becomes impossible when the starter motor fails. Without a working starter motor, the engine can’t start, which usually translates to frustration and inconvenience. Replacing the starter is somewhat time-consuming and physically demanding. However, if you possess basic auto-repair skills, you can replace the starter motor yourself and pocket the labor expense so you’re not adding financial injury to the list of inconveniences created by a broken down Taurus.

Open the hood and unbolt the negative battery cable end from the negative battery terminal using the battery wrench.

Lift the front end with the jack and then lower it onto the jack stands. Make sure to position the two jack stands under the right and left front frame for best stability. Put the wheel chock behind either of the rear wheels to prevent the Taurus from rolling.

Climb underneath the right-front side of the Taurus, with the socket set. Disconnect the starter-motor ground wire and wiring harness using the socket set. The starter is located where the engine and transmission join.

Support the weight of the starter with one hand while you remove the starter retaining bolts with the socket set. Don’t release your support of the starter until your remove both bolts and you can lower the starter down by hand.

Compare the old starter to your replacement starter to make sure both are exact in every physical detail.

Hold the new starter in position and thread the retaining bolts in by hand. Continue to hold the starter in place while you tighten down the bolt with the socket set.

Reattach the ground wire and starter wiring harness in reverse of removal. Climb out and reconnect the negative battery cable.

Lower the Taurus off the jack stands, using the jack.