This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the starter motor on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine in rear-wheel drive configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Starter motor assembly × 1 — Motorcraft SA-1122 or equivalent for 3.5L EcoBoost

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
5. Remove engine splash shield or belly pan if equipped to access starter from below

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Locate the battery in the engine compartment. Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the negative (-) battery cable from the battery terminal. Move cable away from battery and secure to prevent accidental contact. Wait 2 minutes for electrical systems to de-energize.
2. 2

   Access starter from below vehicle
   Position yourself under the vehicle with adequate lighting. The starter is located on the passenger side of the engine block, between the engine and transmission bellhousing. Identify the starter motor, solenoid, and electrical connections.
   ℹ️On RWD F-150 models, the starter is accessed primarily from underneath the vehicle. AWD models may require different access procedures.
3. 3

   Remove heat shield if equipped
   If a heat shield is present over the starter, remove the retaining bolts using a 10mm socket. Set heat shield and bolts aside for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect starter electrical connections
   Locate the large B+ power cable connection on the starter solenoid. Remove the protective cover if present. Using a 13mm socket, remove the nut securing the B+ cable to the solenoid terminal. Carefully pull the cable from the terminal. Disconnect the smaller trigger wire connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight off.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires. Support the connector body when disconnecting to avoid damaging terminals.
   Torque spec

   Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove ground strap if present
   Check for any ground strap connections to the starter or nearby mounting area. If present, remove the ground strap bolt using appropriate socket. Clean contact surfaces with wire brush if corrosion is present.
6. 6

   Remove upper starter mounting bolt
   Locate the upper starter mounting bolt at the top of the starter motor where it meets the transmission bellhousing. This bolt is accessed from below and may require a 6-inch extension. Using a 15mm or 18mm socket (verify size on your specific vehicle), remove the upper mounting bolt completely. Retain bolt for reinstallation.
   ℹ️The upper bolt may be longer than the lower bolt and may require a universal joint or long extension for access.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower starter mounting bolt
   Locate and remove the lower starter mounting bolt using the same socket size as the upper bolt. This bolt typically has better access than the upper bolt.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove starter from vehicle
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully support the starter weight and pull it away from the bellhousing. Maneuver the starter down and out from beneath the vehicle. Be careful not to damage any nearby wiring or components during removal. Inspect the mounting area and flywheel gear teeth for damage or wear.
   ⚠Starter motor weighs approximately 10-15 lbs. Support it carefully to prevent dropping and injury or damage.
9. 9

   Prepare new starter for installation
   Compare new starter to old unit to verify correct replacement part. Check that mounting bolt holes align and electrical connections match. If reusing old mounting bolts, inspect threads for damage and clean with wire brush. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to bolt threads if desired.
   ℹ️Verify the new starter gear engagement depth matches the old unit to ensure proper mesh with flywheel.
10. 10

    Install new starter
    Guide the new starter into position from beneath the vehicle, carefully maneuvering it into the bellhousing opening. Align the mounting holes with the bellhousing threaded holes. Insert both mounting bolts by hand and thread them several turns to ensure proper engagement before tightening.
    Torque spec

    Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque starter mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten both starter mounting bolts to specification. Tighten in a crossing pattern (upper, then lower, then verify upper) to ensure even seating of the starter against the bellhousing.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect starter electrical connections
    Reconnect the small trigger wire connector to the solenoid by pressing firmly until it clicks into place. Position the B+ power cable over the solenoid terminal stud. Install the retaining nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Reinstall protective cover if equipped.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall ground strap and heat shield
    If a ground strap was removed, reinstall it to the original location, ensuring contact surfaces are clean and free of corrosion. Torque ground strap bolt to specification. Reinstall heat shield if equipped and torque bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall underbody panels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the engine splash shield or belly pan if removed. Verify all fasteners are secure. Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands to ground level.
    ⚠Ensure no tools or parts have been left in the engine bay or under the vehicle before lowering.
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal and tighten to specification. Ensure connection is secure. Turn ignition key to start position and verify starter engages smoothly and engine cranks normally.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly routed away from heat sources
2. Verify no tools or fasteners were left in engine compartment or under vehicle
3. Double-check that all underbody panels are reinstalled and secured

Verification

• Start the engine and verify it cranks smoothly without grinding or unusual noises
• Listen for any abnormal sounds during cranking that might indicate improper starter gear engagement
• Check that engine starts promptly and starter disengages immediately when engine fires
• Perform 3-4 start cycles to confirm consistent operation
• Verify no warning lights appear on instrument cluster related to charging system

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