This procedure covers the replacement of the starter solenoid on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. The solenoid is integrated into the starter assembly and requires starter removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Starter motor assembly with integrated solenoid × 1 — Motorcraft SA-1041-RM or equivalent
• Battery terminal protector spray × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove engine splash shield if equipped (10mm bolts)
6. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Open the hood and locate the battery in the engine compartment. Using a 10mm wrench, loosen the negative (black) battery cable clamp bolt and carefully remove the cable from the terminal. Secure the cable away from the battery post to prevent accidental reconnection.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access starter from underneath
   Position yourself under the vehicle from the passenger side. The starter is located on the rear side of the engine block, below the intake manifold and above the transmission bellhousing. You may need to remove plastic heat shields for better access.
   ⚠Verify vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath
3. 3

   Disconnect starter electrical connections
   Locate the two electrical connections on the starter solenoid. Using a 13mm socket, remove the nut securing the heavy battery cable to the solenoid terminal (large terminal). Remove the cable and move it aside. Disconnect the small push-on connector from the S-terminal by pulling firmly while supporting the solenoid body.
   ⚠Do not allow the battery cable to contact any metal surfaces or ground points
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove starter mounting bolts
   Locate the two starter mounting bolts that secure the starter to the transmission bellhousing. Using a 15mm socket with extension, remove the upper mounting bolt first, then the lower mounting bolt. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation. Support the starter with one hand as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠The starter weighs approximately 15-18 pounds and may drop when the second bolt is removed. Maintain firm grip and proper hand position
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove starter assembly
   Carefully maneuver the starter assembly out of its mounting location. You may need to rotate or angle the starter to clear the transmission bellhousing and surrounding components. On the EcoBoost, the starter must be tilted toward the rear of the vehicle and then lowered. Once clear, bring the starter out from under the vehicle.
   ℹ️Take note of starter orientation and any shims present between starter and bellhousing. Shims must be reinstalled in the same position
6. 6

   Remove solenoid from starter
   With the starter on a workbench, identify the two or three bolts securing the solenoid to the starter motor housing. Using a 10mm socket, remove these bolts and carefully separate the solenoid from the starter body. Note the position of the plunger and return spring for reassembly. The solenoid on this starter is integral to the assembly, so you will be installing a complete new starter rather than just the solenoid.
   ℹ️Ford EcoBoost starters typically have integrated solenoids that are not serviceable separately. Replacement requires a complete starter assembly
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Using a wire brush, clean the starter mounting surface on the transmission bellhousing. Remove any dirt, corrosion, or old gasket material. Ensure the mounting surface is flat and free of debris. Clean the electrical terminal contact points with electrical contact cleaner.
8. 8

   Install new starter assembly
   Position the new starter assembly (with integrated solenoid) at the bellhousing mounting location. If shims were present on the original starter, install them in the same position. Angle the starter as needed to fit it into position, reversing the removal process. Align the mounting bolt holes with the bellhousing.
9. 9

   Install and torque starter mounting bolts
   Thread both starter mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment. Install the lower bolt first, then the upper bolt. Using a torque wrench with 15mm socket, torque both mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern (lower first, then upper) to ensure even seating of the starter against the bellhousing.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect starter electrical connections
    Reconnect the small push-on connector to the S-terminal on the solenoid until it clicks into place. Position the heavy battery cable onto the large solenoid terminal post. Install the terminal nut and tighten using a torque wrench with 13mm socket to the specified torque. Ensure the cable is routed away from moving parts and heat sources.
    ⚠Ensure battery cable does not contact sharp edges or moving components that could cause abrasion or damage
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall splash shield and lower vehicle
    If the engine splash shield was removed, reinstall it using the original 10mm bolts. Ensure all fasteners are secure. Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands and remove the wheel chocks.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery negative terminal
    Clean the battery terminal posts and cable clamps with a wire brush if corrosion is present. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the negative terminal post. Tighten the clamp bolt to the specified torque using a 10mm wrench and torque wrench. Apply battery terminal protector spray to prevent corrosion.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly routed away from heat sources
2. Verify starter mounting bolts are torqued to specification
3. Confirm battery terminals are clean and tight
4. Reinstall any heat shields or protective covers removed during access

Verification

• Turn ignition key to START position and verify engine cranks normally without grinding or unusual noises
• Release key and verify starter disengages immediately (no continued spinning or grinding)
• Perform three consecutive start cycles to confirm proper operation
• Check for any unusual sounds from the starter area during cranking
• Verify no warning lights related to starting/charging system appear on instrument cluster
• Inspect underneath vehicle for any loose bolts or disconnected wires
• Test that the engine starts normally when hot and when cold

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