How to Replace a Starter on a 99 Ford Explorer

Starter motors crank the engine over to initiate the combustion process, which keeps the engine running. If the starter motor fails on a 1999 Ford Explorer, the engine won’t start and the Explorer essentially becomes a 5,000 lb. paperweight. Replacing the starter isn’t a difficult task if you possess basic automotive repair skills and the right tools. When purchasing a replacement starter, avoid buying a rebuilt unit; instead buy a remanufactured one. Rebuilt units are essentially repaired used ones, prone to failure soon after installation.

Things You'll Need

• Battery wrench
• Floor jack
• Jack stand
• Socket set

Instructions

1. Lift the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable with the battery cable wrench. Move the cable aside so it cannot contact the battery terminal during the repair.

2. Roll the floor jack under the right front end and lift the Explorer up so that you can position the jack stand under the right front frame. Lower the Explorer onto the jack stand.

3. Slide under the right front with the socket set in hand. Disconnect the battery wiring harness and ground wire using the socket set to unbolt their retainers.

4. Hold the starter with one hand while you remove the starter mounting bolts with the other hand, using the socket set. Never let the starter’s weight hang on the bolts once they’re loose. The starter is extremely heavy and can snap the bolts off or otherwise damage the Explorer or you.

5. Pull the old starter out from under the Explorer and compare it to the replacement starter. Make sure the wiring connections and solenoid are in the same positions on both units. Also make sure the units are identical in width, length, girth and nose cone design.

6. Slide back under with the replacement starter. Hold it in position with one hand while you thread the mounting bolts back in place. Tighten the bolts down with the socket set. Remember to never let the starter hang on the loose bolts.

7. Reconnect the starter wiring in reverse of removal. Slide out, lower the Explorer off the jack stand and reconnect the battery cable with the battery wrench.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t forget to put the old starter in the box the replacement unit came in and return it to the place where you purchased the replacement unit for a refund of your core charge.

References

• "Ford Explorer 1991 Thru 2001: Haynes Manual"; Ken Freund; 2001