2002 3.0L 4WD starter question

[mikkelstuff]

I been stranded twice in the last two weeks with a dead battery even though, when cool, the battery tested fine at the NAPA store. Today I demanded a replacement for my 2 1/2 year old battery and NAPA gave me one at a considerable discount.

I did clean up the battery cables at the battery even though they were not that bad. So I thought I'd check the cable connection at the starter but, ho ho, I cannot see the danged thing either from above or below the truck.

So how when the time comes (now 144,000 miles and near 20 years) does one change out the starter? Must the engine come out? My gawd Ford crammed this one together.

 

[Rearanger]

Testing a battery after just running the engine will give a false assessment. You need to wait several hours.

Have you considered a parasitic drain?

Starter should be accessible from below.

 

[RonD]

Battery voltage should show above 14volts just after starting engine, but below 15volts
Than means alternator is working

Before shutting off engine after driving it, or after letting it idle for 10min, battery voltage should show 13.5v to 13.9v, under 14v but at least 13.5v at idle


When you access the starter motor cables/wires BE SURE TO UNHOOK ONE OF THE BATTERY CABLES FIRST!!!!!!
Or you will get an eye opening SHORT, lol
Doesn't matter which one, but one or both need to be disconnected from battery FIRST


You can buy a digital volt meter that plugs into cigarette lighter or AUX port in dash, one with USB plugs can also be used to charge phone, under $15
You do need to unplug it or turn it off if it has a switch so it doesn't draw power with key off as these ports have 12volts all the time

 

[mikkelstuff]

The truck is starting fine now with a replacement battery. Still wondering how one changes the starter on this 4WD truck. The front axle precludes even getting a hand on the starter let alone visualizing the danged thing. Must the front axle be lowered to reach the starter?

 

[RonD]

No, it comes out with drive shaft in place, bit of a chinese puzzle on angles after bolts are removed to get it out and new one in, 4.0l is the same

 

[mikkelstuff]

Good to know. It would help of course to have an overhead lift but that I do not have.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Truck stranded me again. Boosting the battery did not help. Had it towed to the shop. I'll let them fight the starter!