How to Replace the Starter on a 2000 Ford Expedition
by Russell WoodUpdated July 05, 2023
The starter always goes out on your vehicle at the most inconvenient times. But if you pay attention to the signs--slow starts, a whine upon starting, the occasional no start--you can replace the starter motor before it inconveniences you. This is a fairly straightforward process, and the most difficult thing about it is knowing which wire goes where and a little bit of heavy lifting.
Things You'll Need:
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Masking tape
- Permanent marker
- Open-end wrench set
- 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
- Replacement starter
1. Raise up the front of the vehicle using the jack
Raise up the front of the vehicle using the jack and set it on the jack stands. Make sure that the vehicle is solidly on the stands before crawling underneath it. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, then the positive terminal using an open-end wrench.
2. Crawl underneath the SUV and locate the starter on the engine
Crawl underneath the SUV and locate the starter on the engine. Remove the terminal cover using your hands. Label each wire on the distributor using the masking tape and permanent marker so that you don't get them confused.
3. Unbolt the wiring from the starter terminals
Unbolt the wiring from the starter terminals using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket or an open-end wrench depending on accessibility. If your Expedition has a ground cable on it, disconnect that as well using the wrench.
4. Unbolt the starter from the engine
Unbolt the starter from the engine using the ratchet and pull it away from the motor. Put the replacement starter onto the engine and bolt it in place using the ratchet as well.
5. Reconnect all electrical connections
Reconnect all electrical connections to the starter per the labels you made in step 2 using an open-end wrench or the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Then reconnect the positive then negative battery cables using an open-end wrench. Lower the vehicle off of the jack stands using the jack and start the vehicle several times to ensure that the starter motor is working correctly.
Video showing how to replace a Ford Expedition starter:
Comments on this video:
- Man why can’t every mechanic video be this good? I love it when it’s real time and you can see a little struggle- that means it’s normal when I’m struggling too. Appreciate it
- After searching for 8 hrs I finally found your video with such clarity and explanation on what to do and exactly how to do it I’m a simple city chick with a country heart and I love to get my hands dirty fixing my own cars I’ve never had to change a starter before and this video should make it so much easier thank heavens I’ll give you an update when I’m done on my way to pick up my starter now Thank you so much in advance
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
