Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD2012EXPLORER FWD V6-3.5LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISSTARTING AND CHARGINGSTARTING SYSTEMSTARTER MOTORSTARTER DRIVE/BENDIXTESTING AND INSPECTION
2012 Ford Explorer FWD V6-3.5L
Starter Drive/Bendix: Testing and Inspection
2012 Ford Explorer FWD V6-3.5LSECTION Testing and Inspection
Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection
General Procedure
1. Remove the starter motor. REFER to Starter Motor - 2.0L GTDI or REFER to Starter Motor - 3.5L Ti-VCT .
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 REFER to Starter Motor - 3.5L Ti-VCT .
3. If the starter drive gear and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear are not fully meshing or the gears are milled or damaged, install a new flywheel or flexplate and a new starter motor. REFER to Flexplate - 2.0L GTDI or REFER to Flexplate - 3.5L Ti-VCT and REFER to Starter Motor - 2.0L GTDI or REFER to Starter Motor - 3.5L Ti-VCT .
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.