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Ford Mustang V6 2005-2014: How to Replace Starter

The starter is not a common point of failure for a Mustang, but when it stops working, your Mustang is not going anywhere until you fix or replace it.

By Jared Hammond - September 28, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 (2005-2014).

When your Mustang won't start, the starter is only one of many other things that could be causing the issue. Typically, you should check for a dead battery or a bad alternator first, as those are more common. Replacing the starter is simple, even though it can be difficult to reach. Be prepared to remove other components in your engine compartment if you need more room to work. With that said, let's get started on replacing that wonky starter.

Materials Needed

  • Replacement starter
  • Ratchet with 10mm and 13mm socket, extensions, and U-joint
  • Jack and jack stand

Step 1 – Lift the car and disconnect the battery

You'll have a better chance of reaching the starter from under the car, so lift the car with a jack and set it on jack stands. Once that is done, go ahead and disconnect the negative battery cable (black) and set it where it won't accidentally touch the battery.

Pro Tip

Be careful that you only jack the car from the appropriate jacking point.

Step 2 – Remove the starter

The starter is located behind the engine on the passenger's side. Pull the cap off the wires and remove the two nuts. Pull the power cable as well as trigger wire off and set them aside. There are three bolts mounting the starter to the engine. Two can be easily reached from the bottom, but the other one will need to be reached from the top. Use an extension as well as U-joint with your ratchet to extend your reach and remove these bolts. After removing the bolts, the starter should come loose and can be pulled out from underneath the car.

  • Figure 1. Remove the red cap.
  • Figure 2. Remove the nuts holding the power cable and trigger wire.
  • Figure 3. Remove the three mounting bolts.
  • Figure 4. Remove the starter from the engine bay.

Step 3 – Install new starter

Mount the new starter to the engine and insert the three mounting bolts by hand. Once the bolts are on straight, you can finish tightening them with your ratchet. Insert the power wire and trigger wire to the solenoid, then tighten down the two nuts. Put the cap back on. After that, just lower the car and reconnect your battery cable.

Figure 5. Old starter (right) and new starter (left).

Featured Video: Starter Replacement

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