How to Replace a Ford Escort Starter

When it comes time to replace the starter on the Ford Escort, most people find it easier than with most other cars because you do not have to crawl under the car to get to the starter. You can remove the old starter and install the new one yourself in about an hour, saving you the high cost of taking it to the mechanic.

Things You Will Need:

• Metric socket set
• Metric wrench set
• Regular screwdriver
• New starter

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal

Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a wrench to loosen the nut.

2. Disconnect the air cleaner outlet tube

Disconnect the air cleaner outlet tube by loosening the clamps with the screwdriver. The air cleaner outlet tube looks like a large hose coming out of the air cleaner box.

3. Remove the lower starter motor bolt

Remove the lower starter motor bolt using a socket and ratchet. Remove the two bolts at the top of the starter with the socket and ratchet as well.

4. Slide the starter from the mounting surface

Slide the starter from the mounting surface only far enough to gain access to the wires. Unplug the wiring harness and then remove the large cable using a wrench to remove the nut. Take the starter all the way off and set aside.

5. Put the new starter in place and reconnect the wires

Put the new starter in place and reconnect the wires before pushing the starter all the way in. Plug in the harness and then tighten the nut on the large cable. Push the starter all the way in now.

6. Put the top bolts back into the starter

Put the top bolts back into the starter and tighten them with the socket and ratchet. Now put the bottom bolt back in and tighten it.

7. Reconnect the air cleaner outlet tube

Reconnect the air cleaner outlet tube. Tighten the clamps using the screwdriver.

8. Reconnect the negative battery terminal

Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the nut.

9. Start the car

Start the car to test the installation of the new starter.

Tips and Warnings

Take care when removing the last bolt from the starter so that it does not simply drop off.

Never attempt this repair without removing the negative battery terminal as instructed in Step 1, or you will get shocked.

Video showing how to replace a starter for a Ford Escort:

Comments on this video:

• This kind of practical information is gold. I especially liked your advice about the clutch safety switch. I've got lots of book knowledge about voltage drop tests etc, and that's important, too. But guys in the field have all kinds of ways to do things efficiently, that take you right to the solution almost every time. I stumbled across your channel today, and I'll work through your videos slowly. Thanks for going through the effort to put these videos up.
• My dad and I just did this repair with the help of your video. It helped so much man. THANK YOU.