Any help on how to install a new starter?

dlo · 02-14-2007, 11:36 AM

I did a few searches and nothing. Does anyone have info to a link, picture thread or even some quick info they can give me on installing a new starter on a 96 4.0 with an auto tranny?

Thanks all.

97greenmonster · 02-14-2007, 12:09 PM

Its really easy. As simple as taking the 2 bolts of, and disconnecting the cables. But be careful, the top bot is a pain in the but to get at, there pretty tight, me and my stepdad had alittle bit of trouble getting at it, but we didnt have the right tools. Youll also need a deep welled socket.

dlo · 02-28-2007, 12:53 PM

I jus got the starter in the mail and am going to attempt it this weekend. Hoping for No snow and fairly decent weather. Always sucks putting your truck on ramp and being on the ground at 20 degree's out. Wish me luck

97greenmonster · 02-28-2007, 02:16 PM

HA, i didnt have to put it on ramps, it would be easier off them i think so you have more leverage cause its up high enough under the truck. If you go through the wheel wells to, that might be easy too, i just went right under the trucl with a deepwelled socket and a couple of extensions and got it off.

marragtop · 02-28-2007, 05:55 PM

Try leaving the wheels on the ground and go thru the wheel well to get to the bolts. Make sure you disconnect the batt first (duh!).

Nocturnall · 02-28-2007, 06:25 PM

I used a normal metric socket (13mm IIRC) u joint, 6inch or so extension, another ujoint another extension, socket. Worked pretty easy, I left the wires connected till I unbolted it from the block then you can turn it and look at the wires as you do it. I did it with my truck on the ground but parked over a low spot in the grass so I had a little more room. Or should I say got towed and dropped over a low spot. Took 20mins to take out, maybe 30 to put in and it was my first.

dlo · 03-05-2007, 02:54 PM

Okay, so the update is she died the other night and I had to do the typical "hammer to the outside of the old starter to get the brushes to release" maneuver and I am soooo gonna pay someone to replace the starter after seeing where it is located.
Best damn $50 bucks I am gonna spend (will be done as of 3/6 in the am)

Can't wait to get the truck running again.

Nocturnall · 03-05-2007, 03:25 PM

If we lived closer to each other I'd do it for you.

hammer57 · 08-01-2009, 11:13 AM

What side wheel well? Driver or passenger?

*BrianDye* · 10-04-2009, 10:55 PM

Drivers side.

Im trying to replace mine, got the bottom bolt with the ground wire off, but I CANNOT get that other bolt off, ive tried going through the engine area, and nothing, tried going through the wheelwell, and I cant get it!

I have the 13mm socket on the swivel adaptor, and right at the wrench are the extentions, so am I doing something wrong?

(Socket wrench > extension(s) > swivel piece ? 13mm socket) is how im trying.

BigBoom · 10-08-2009, 09:10 PM

funny that this got bumped. i'm thinking i have to do this myself. broke down about 30 minutes from my house at a mall lol. and i work doubles for the next 2 days, then a morning shift. i hope it doesnt get towed. but it doesnt turn over, just one click. lights and all are fine. some other research says that it's possible that it might not be the starter tho. but ima call around tomorrow.

EDIT: wait...further research shows that came from a 'not so smart' shop. so i'm going back to thinking it's the starter

marragtop · 10-09-2009, 03:41 AM

Is the clicking sound coming from the starter? If so, try smacking the starter with a hammer. SOmetimes that will get it to where it will start. You could also use a test light to verify that you are getting power to the starter.

*BrianDye* · 10-09-2009, 05:40 AM

Its just one CLICK when you turn the key, lights stay on, mine actually dim pretty good, but then you let off they key and its one more CLICK. Ive had it where my battery was low and it sounded like a toy tommy gun click click click click click like 90 miles an hour.

I STILL cant get that bolt off!

9blackex1 · 04-01-2010, 07:35 AM

Brian urz sounds more like a low battery. or dead battery. One click= starter. multiple clicks = battery. even with a jump a dead battery will cause a no crank or a "tommy gun" starter sound

*BrianDye* · 04-01-2010, 07:38 AM

Old thread..lol I dont have that explorer anymore, but it wasnt the starter, it was the cables. All I did was wiggle the cable and it would crank right up.

I would never change a starter on these things though, call me stupid but after about 4 hours of trying for one bolt, thats it for me lol.

9blackex1 · 04-06-2010, 07:49 AM

yea i know old post but meh.... i was looking for starter info and i saw the thread ha ha

Cryptman · 04-27-2010, 12:06 PM

I used a short 1/4" ratchet with a deep 13mm socket and had no trouble getthing the bolt off. Just need to get in between all the junk. Problem that I'm having, now, is that I can't get the started out. It keeps getting jammed up, no matter which way I twist and turn it. I'm hoping I don't need to drop the driveshaft or differential. Anyone else have this problem?

arizonie602 · 07-18-2010, 11:15 AM

Just did my starter not to bad layed under the driverside was able to get to both nut and bolt with no problems..was a 14mm socket though and a 17mm for the bottom bolt..

TheVarmit · 02-03-2011, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cryptman

I used a short 1/4" ratchet with a deep 13mm socket and had no trouble getthing the bolt off. Just need to get in between all the junk. Problem that I'm having, now, is that I can't get the started out. It keeps getting jammed up, no matter which way I twist and turn it. I'm hoping I don't need to drop the driveshaft or differential. Anyone else have this problem?

I have the same problem getting my starter off my 1996 Explorer 4.0 . Don't let this thread die until I get an answer, PLEASE!!

Alexb · 03-04-2011, 02:08 PM

I got my starter off but can't get it out all the holes are to small for the starter to fit through.. Any advice?

02-14-2007, 11:36 AM	#1
dlo Wannabe Elite Explorer Randolph, Maine...Back home baby!!! 96 XLT Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 106 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Any help on how to install a new starter? I did a few searches and nothing. Does anyone have info to a link, picture thread or even some quick info they can give me on installing a new starter on a 96 4.0 with an auto tranny? Thanks all. __________________ As my wife would say : I have an un-exquisite taste in homo-lific autos

02-28-2007, 12:53 PM	#3
dlo Wannabe Elite Explorer Randolph, Maine...Back home baby!!! 96 XLT Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 106 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I jus got the starter in the mail and am going to attempt it this weekend. Hoping for No snow and fairly decent weather. Always sucks putting your truck on ramp and being on the ground at 20 degree's out. Wish me luck __________________ As my wife would say : I have an un-exquisite taste in homo-lific autos

02-28-2007, 05:55 PM	#5
marragtop Wannabe Elite Explorer balt, md 91 xlt, 92 xlt, 95 xlt Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 2,074 Vehicle Specs	Try leaving the wheels on the ground and go thru the wheel well to get to the bolts. Make sure you disconnect the batt first (duh!). __________________ '88 F150 4x4 '91 Explorer XLT 4x4 '92 Explorer XLT 4x4 '95 Explorer XLT 4x4 If it don't = 16 (4x4), it ain't worth driving...

02-28-2007, 06:25 PM	#6
Nocturnall Wannabe Elite Explorer Tempe, AZ 1997 Sport Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 903 Vehicle Specs	I used a normal metric socket (13mm IIRC) u joint, 6inch or so extension, another ujoint another extension, socket. Worked pretty easy, I left the wires connected till I unbolted it from the block then you can turn it and look at the wires as you do it. I did it with my truck on the ground but parked over a low spot in the grass so I had a little more room. Or should I say got towed and dropped over a low spot. Took 20mins to take out, maybe 30 to put in and it was my first. __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2511375

03-05-2007, 02:54 PM	#7
dlo Wannabe Elite Explorer Randolph, Maine...Back home baby!!! 96 XLT Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 106 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Okay, so the update is she died the other night and I had to do the typical "hammer to the outside of the old starter to get the brushes to release" maneuver and I am soooo gonna pay someone to replace the starter after seeing where it is located. Best damn $50 bucks I am gonna spend (will be done as of 3/6 in the am) Can't wait to get the truck running again. __________________ As my wife would say : I have an un-exquisite taste in homo-lific autos

02-14-2007, 12:09 PM	#2
97greenmonster B Omaha, NE '97 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0 Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 493 Vehicle Specs	Its really easy. As simple as taking the 2 bolts of, and disconnecting the cables. But be careful, the top bot is a pain in the but to get at, there pretty tight, me and my stepdad had alittle bit of trouble getting at it, but we didnt have the right tools. Youll also need a deep welled socket.

02-28-2007, 02:16 PM	#4
97greenmonster B Omaha, NE '97 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0 Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 493 Vehicle Specs	HA, i didnt have to put it on ramps, it would be easier off them i think so you have more leverage cause its up high enough under the truck. If you go through the wheel wells to, that might be easy too, i just went right under the trucl with a deepwelled socket and a couple of extensions and got it off.

03-05-2007, 03:25 PM	#8
Nocturnall Wannabe Elite Explorer Tempe, AZ 1997 Sport Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 903 Vehicle Specs	If we lived closer to each other I'd do it for you. __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2511375

08-01-2009, 11:13 AM	#9
hammer57 Wannabe Elite Explorer Brandon, Manitoba 1996 Explorer XL Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs	What side wheel well? Driver or passenger?

10-04-2009, 10:55 PM	#10
BrianDye Elite Explorer Michigan 04 CV LX Sport Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,607 Vehicle Specs	Drivers side. Im trying to replace mine, got the bottom bolt with the ground wire off, but I CANNOT get that other bolt off, ive tried going through the engine area, and nothing, tried going through the wheelwell, and I cant get it! I have the 13mm socket on the swivel adaptor, and right at the wrench are the extentions, so am I doing something wrong? (Socket wrench > extension(s) > swivel piece ? 13mm socket) is how im trying. __________________ '13 Dodge Charger RT

10-08-2009, 09:10 PM	#11
BigBoom Wannabe Elite Explorer Kentucky 01 Sport Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 149 Vehicle Specs	funny that this got bumped. i'm thinking i have to do this myself. broke down about 30 minutes from my house at a mall lol. and i work doubles for the next 2 days, then a morning shift. i hope it doesnt get towed. but it doesnt turn over, just one click. lights and all are fine. some other research says that it's possible that it might not be the starter tho. but ima call around tomorrow. EDIT: wait...further research shows that came from a 'not so smart' shop. so i'm going back to thinking it's the starter

10-09-2009, 03:41 AM	#12
marragtop Wannabe Elite Explorer balt, md 91 xlt, 92 xlt, 95 xlt Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 2,074 Vehicle Specs	Is the clicking sound coming from the starter? If so, try smacking the starter with a hammer. SOmetimes that will get it to where it will start. You could also use a test light to verify that you are getting power to the starter. __________________ '88 F150 4x4 '91 Explorer XLT 4x4 '92 Explorer XLT 4x4 '95 Explorer XLT 4x4 If it don't = 16 (4x4), it ain't worth driving...

10-09-2009, 05:40 AM	#13
BrianDye Elite Explorer Michigan 04 CV LX Sport Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,607 Vehicle Specs	Its just one CLICK when you turn the key, lights stay on, mine actually dim pretty good, but then you let off they key and its one more CLICK. Ive had it where my battery was low and it sounded like a toy tommy gun click click click click click like 90 miles an hour. I STILL cant get that bolt off! __________________ '13 Dodge Charger RT

04-01-2010, 07:35 AM	#14
9blackex1 Wannabe Elite Explorer Skokie, IL 1991 Explorer XL 4x4 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 22 Vehicle Specs	Brian urz sounds more like a low battery. or dead battery. One click= starter. multiple clicks = battery. even with a jump a dead battery will cause a no crank or a "tommy gun" starter sound

04-01-2010, 07:38 AM	#15
BrianDye Elite Explorer Michigan 04 CV LX Sport Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,607 Vehicle Specs	Old thread..lol I dont have that explorer anymore, but it wasnt the starter, it was the cables. All I did was wiggle the cable and it would crank right up. I would never change a starter on these things though, call me stupid but after about 4 hours of trying for one bolt, thats it for me lol. __________________ '13 Dodge Charger RT

04-06-2010, 07:49 AM	#16
9blackex1 Wannabe Elite Explorer Skokie, IL 1991 Explorer XL 4x4 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 22 Vehicle Specs	yea i know old post but meh.... i was looking for starter info and i saw the thread ha ha

04-27-2010, 12:06 PM	#17
Cryptman Wannabe Elite Explorer Colorado 95 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2 Vehicle Specs	Short 1/4" I used a short 1/4" ratchet with a deep 13mm socket and had no trouble getthing the bolt off. Just need to get in between all the junk. Problem that I'm having, now, is that I can't get the started out. It keeps getting jammed up, no matter which way I twist and turn it. I'm hoping I don't need to drop the driveshaft or differential. Anyone else have this problem?

07-18-2010, 11:15 AM	#18
arizonie602 Wannabe Elite Explorer Phoenix, Arizona 1994 XLT 4X4 Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 11 Vehicle Specs	Just did my starter not to bad layed under the driverside was able to get to both nut and bolt with no problems..was a 14mm socket though and a 17mm for the bottom bolt..

03-04-2011, 02:08 PM	#20
Alexb Wannabe Elite Explorer Minnesota 1995 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs	I got my starter off but can't get it out all the holes are to small for the starter to fit through.. Any advice?