This procedure covers removal and replacement of the starter motor on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including accessing the starter from underneath the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Starter motor assembly × 1 — Motorcraft SA-1069-RM or equivalent for 3.5L EcoBoost

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Chock rear wheels securely
4. Gather all tools and new starter motor
5. Ensure adequate lighting for underneath vehicle work

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery
   Open the hood and locate the battery in the engine compartment. Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the negative (-) battery cable from the battery terminal. Secure the cable away from the battery terminal to prevent accidental contact.
2. 2

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack at the designated front jacking point. Once raised to a comfortable working height, position jack stands under the frame rails on both sides. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and verify stability before proceeding.
3. 3

   Locate starter motor
   Position yourself under the passenger side of the vehicle. The starter is mounted to the transmission bellhousing, between the engine and transmission on the passenger side. You may need to trace the positive battery cable from the battery down to the starter solenoid to confirm location.
4. 4

   Remove heat shield (if equipped)
   Some models have a heat shield covering the starter. If present, remove the heat shield mounting bolts using a 10mm socket. Note the position and number of bolts for reinstallation. Set the heat shield aside.
   Torque spec

   Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect starter electrical connections
   Locate the solenoid on top of the starter motor. Using a 13mm socket, remove the nut securing the B+ positive cable to the solenoid terminal (red wire or large gauge wire). Pull the cable terminal straight off. Next, disconnect the smaller trigger wire connector by pressing the release tab and pulling the connector away from the solenoid.
   ⚠Do not allow the positive cable terminal to contact ground or any metal surface
   Torque spec

   Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove upper starter mounting bolt
   Locate the upper starter mounting bolt that threads into the bellhousing. Using an 18mm socket with an extension, remove the upper mounting bolt. This bolt may be longer than the lower bolt. You may need a 10" extension to reach this bolt comfortably. Keep track of bolt length and location.
   ℹ️The upper bolt may require a longer extension to access. Support the starter with one hand as you remove the final bolt
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove lower starter mounting bolt
   Using an 18mm socket with extension, remove the lower starter mounting bolt from the bellhousing. Once both mounting bolts are removed, support the starter motor with your hand to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove starter motor
   Carefully maneuver the starter motor away from the bellhousing. You may need to rotate or tilt the starter to clear any surrounding components. Lower the starter carefully and remove it from underneath the vehicle. The starter weighs approximately 10-12 lbs.
9. 9

   Inspect mounting surfaces and connections
   Clean the starter mounting surface on the bellhousing with a wire brush to remove any corrosion or debris. Inspect the positive cable terminal and solenoid connector for corrosion, damage, or fraying. Clean terminals with a wire brush if necessary. Verify the new starter matches the original in mounting configuration and electrical connections.
10. 10

    Install new starter motor
    Position the new starter motor into place, aligning the mounting holes with the bellhousing. You may need to rotate the starter to align the nose properly with the bellhousing opening. Support the starter with one hand while installing the lower mounting bolt finger-tight.
11. 11

    Install and torque mounting bolts
    Thread the upper mounting bolt finger-tight. Once both bolts are started, tighten them in an alternating pattern. Using a torque wrench and 18mm socket, torque both starter mounting bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Ensure the starter is seated flush against the bellhousing.
    Torque spec

    Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect the small trigger wire connector to the solenoid until it clicks into place. Position the B+ positive cable terminal onto the solenoid stud. Install the retaining nut and tighten using a 13mm socket and torque wrench to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft). Ensure all connections are clean and secure.
    Torque spec

    Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall heat shield (if equipped)
    If a heat shield was removed, position it back in place over the starter. Install and torque the heat shield mounting bolts to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) using a 10mm socket and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and reconnect battery
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stands, and lower the vehicle to the ground. At the battery, clean the negative terminal if necessary. Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten the terminal nut to 16 Nm (12 lb-ft) using a 10mm socket and torque wrench.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly routed
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment or under the vehicle
3. Double-check that both starter mounting bolts are torqued to specification
4. Confirm battery cable is securely fastened and terminal is clean

Verification

• Turn the ignition key to the START position and verify the engine cranks smoothly without unusual noises
• Start the engine and verify normal operation with no grinding or clicking sounds from the starter area
• Turn off the engine and restart 2-3 times to confirm consistent starter operation
• Check for any electrical warning lights on the dashboard
• Inspect underneath the vehicle for any loose components or leaking fluids
• Verify the starter disengages properly after engine starts (no continuing whirring sound)

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