How do you tell if the starter is bad on 2000 ford expedition?

Answer 1

Starter / Starter Testing / Starter Solenoid / Starter Feed Circuit Tests

Removal & Installation

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.

3. Remove the starter terminal cover.

4. Remove the terminal nut and separate the battery starter cable from the starter motor.

5. Disconnect the solenoid (S) terminal connector, if equipped with a starter mounted solenoid.

Ø To disconnect the hard-shell connector from the solenoid (S) terminal, grasp the plastic shell and pull off; do not pull on the wire. Pull straight off to prevent damage to the connector and (S) terminal.

6. Remove the starter motor retaining bolts.

7. Remove the starter motor from the vehicle.

To Install:

8. Place the starter motor in position and install the starter motor retaining bolts. Tighten the bolts to 15-20 ft. lbs. (20-27 Nm).

9. Install the battery starter cable and a terminal nut to the starter motor. Tighten the terminal nuts to 79 inch lbs. (9 Nm).

10. Connect the solenoid (S) terminal connector, if equipped with a starter mounted solenoid.

11. Install the starter solenoid safety cap. If equipped.

12. Lower the vehicle.

13. Connect the negative battery cable.

14. Start the engine several times to check starter motor operation.

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Starter Testing

Voltage Drop Test

Ø The battery must be in good condition and fully charge prior to performing test.

1. Disable the ignition system. Verify that the vehicle will not start.

2. Connect a voltmeter between the positive terminal of the battery and the starter (B+) circuit.

3. Turn the ignition key to the START position and note the voltage on the meter.

4. If voltage reads (0.5) volts or more, there is high resistance in the starter cables or the cable ground, repair as necessary. If the voltage reading is ok proceed to the next step.

5. Connect a voltmeter between the positive terminal of the battery and the starter (M) circuit.

6. Turn the ignition key to the START position and note the voltage on the meter.

7. If voltage reads (0.5) volts or more, there is high resistance in the starter.

Ø Many automotive parts stores have bench testers available for use by customers. A starter bench test is the most definitive way to determine the condition of your starter.

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Starter Solenoid

On the 4.6L engine. The starter solenoid is located on the passenger's side firewall. Next to the hood hinge. Just under the plastic hard shell cover. It's a black cover on the firewall. Pull cover off and you will see the solenoid relay switch.

CAUTION: When disconnecting the plastic hard shell connector at the starter solenoid S-terminal, grasp the plastic connector, depress the plastic tab, and pull off the lead assembly. Do not pull on the lead wire or damage may result.

look for a cover like this...


The solenoid relay switch should be under it.

Starter Feed Circuit Tests

Disable ignition system.

Connect volt/ampere tester to battery terminals. Refer to operating instructions provided with tester being used.

Verify that all lights and accessories are Off and transmission shift selector is in Park for automatic transmissions or Neutral for manual transmissions, then set parking brake.

Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe tester.

· If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and amperage draw reads above 250 amps, proceed to starter feed circuit resistance test.

· If voltage reads 12.4 volts or greater and amperage reads 0-10 amps, proceed to starter control circuit test.

· If starter motor turns engine freely at times, but starting system is still suspected, engage starter several times while observing tester. A starting system that has a problem should fail while performing this procedure.

After starting system problem have been corrected, verify battery state of charge, disconnect all testing equipment and connect distributor.

Starter Feed Circuit Resistance Test

The following test will require a voltmeter accurate to 1/10 of a volt.

Disable ignition system.

With all wiring harness and components connected properly, perform the following:

· Connect positive lead of voltmeter to battery negative post, and negative lead to battery negative cable clamp. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is not detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and post.

· Connect positive lead of voltmeter to battery positive post, and negative lead to battery cable positive clamp. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is not detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and post.

· Connect positive lead of voltmeter to battery negative terminal, and negative led to engine block near battery cable attaching point.

Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. If voltage reads above .2 volt, correct poor contact at ground cable attaching point. If reading is still above .2 volt, replace ground cable.

Remove starter heat shield (if equipped), then perform the following:

· Connect positive voltmeter lead to starter motor housing and negative lead to battery negative terminal. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. If voltage reads above .2 volt, correct poor starter to engine ground.

· Connect positive voltmeter lead to positive battery terminal and negative lead to battery cable terminal on starter solenoid. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. If voltage reads above .2 volt, correct poor contact at battery cable to solenoid connection. If reading is still above .2 volt, replace positive battery cable.

If resistance tests detect no feed circuit failures, replace starter motor.

Starter Solenoid Test

Connect heavy jumper wire on starter relay between battery and solenoid terminals. If engine cranks, perform starter relay test.

If engine does not crank or solenoid chatters, check wiring and connectors from relay to starter for loose or corroded connections.

Repeat test and, if engine still does not crank properly, repair or replace starter as necessary.

Starter Relay Test

Place transmission in Park.

Apply parking brake.

Check for battery voltage between starter relay battery terminal and ground.

Connect jumper wire on starter relay between battery and ignition terminals.

If engine does not crank, connect a second jumper wire to starter relay between ground terminal and good ground and repeat test.

If engine cranks in step 3, transmission linkage is misadjusted or neutral safety switch is defective.

If engine does not crank in step 3, starter relay is defective.

Follow this step by step and you will pinpoint the problem.