Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection

General Procedure 

1. 1.
   
   Remove the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor - 2.0L GTDI  or Starter Motor - 3.5L Ti-VCT  or Starter Motor - 3.5L GTDI .

1. 2.
   
   Inspect the wear patterns on the starter drive and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear. If the wear pattern is normal, install the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor - 2.0L GTDI  or Starter Motor - 3.5L Ti-VCT  or Starter Motor - 3.5L GTDI .

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

1. 3.
   
   If the starter drive gear and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear are not fully meshing and the gears are scored or damaged, install a new starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor - 2.0L GTDI  or Starter Motor - 3.5L Ti-VCT  or Starter Motor - 3.5L GTDI  or Starter Motor - 3.7L Ti-VCT . If necessary, install a new flywheel or flexplate. Refer to ENGINE - 2.0L GTDI , ENGINE - 3.5L TI-VCT or ENGINE - 3.5L GTDI .