How do you change the starter on a 2002 Ford Escape?

Answer 1

On the 6 cylinder engine:

Disconnect car battery (positive first then neutral. Disconnect mass air flow power connector (runs into air filter box) and vacuum line running into snorkel (large rubber hose going from throttle body to air filter box). Remove vacuum hose running just behind air filter box (this gives you room to reach in and pull out old starter). Now, remove air filter box cover and snorkel. Remove the two radiator hoses (north/south) running into large plastic hose connector next to starter (channel locks will work on oem hose clamps). Take a 13mm swivel socket and a couple of extensions and you should be able to get both bolts out without removing anything else. I used a 6 inch extension for front bolt (extension angled low towards driver side front tire) and a 10 inch plus the 6 inch for the rear bolt (extensions angled up and slightly towards steering wheel). Once the two large bolts are out you can pull the starter and turn it so you have easy access to the the nuts holding the power connector on. Once these nuts and washers are off just work the old starter out and reverse instructions to install new one. You will loose a little coolant when hoses are removed so add a little bit to expansion reservoir and let engine run for 20 -30 minutes with top off reservoir (this is to get any air out of system). BE SURE TO CLEAN UP ANY SPILLED COOLANT. You should be done.