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I have an 07 Ford Explorer, 4WD, with a 4.0L 6 cylinder engine. Recently, I've been hearing a fluttering noise from the starter when I release the key from the start position. It doesn't happen all the time, maybe more often when the weather is cold. Doesn't seem to impact the start function. Sounds like something is sticking after the starter is de-energized. Should I just replace the starter or is there something else I should check before doing this. Thanks in advance for your help and advice.
It sounds like at a minium you need to pull the starter out and clean the drive mechanism and make sure the operating fork is pivoting freely -- lube with the drive mechanism with graphite lock lube. You should also examine all the teeth on the starter ring gear. However personally I would fit a new starter from a reputable brand.
This probably won't apply to your vehicle model but where I am ( the UK ) a lot of manual transmission Fords have a DMF (dual mass flywheel), on these engines if the starter drive is giving trouble and when the starter is removed there are signs of a lot metallic debris on the business end of the starter then it is an early warning of impending DMF failure.
" We're trying to plug a hole in the universe, what are you doing ?. "
(Walter Bishop Fringe TV show)
I'm with Andy, it sounds like the starter drive is staying engaged with the flexplate after startup.
Do not pass GO, do not install a cheap parts store starter. Go directly to the best quality part you can find. Coming from a guy that recently changed starters three times in a month on a Dodge Dakota for similar problems.
Andy.MacFayden wrote: This probably won't apply to your vehicle model but where I am ( the UK ) a lot of manual transmission Fords have a DMF (dual mass flywheel)
I LOVE the differences between UK/Euro Ford and US Ford. They're practically two different car companies. :lol:
At one time the difference was even greater after WW2 Ford North America, Ford GB, Ford Germany and Ford France all headed off in different directions. Ford France was hived off completely and became Simca. Ford UK had some personnel exchange with Ford USA particularly on body and interior design but Ford Germany went their own way, eventually Ford head office cracked the whip in the mid-1960s and pushed Ford UK and Ford Germany to actually co-operate with each other buy it didn't stop both divisions introducing completely unrelated but very similar (ie. equally bad) V4 and V6 engines in the late 1960's.
" We're trying to plug a hole in the universe, what are you doing ?. "
(Walter Bishop Fringe TV show)
Andy.MacFadyen wrote: At one time the difference was even greater after WW2 Ford North America, Ford GB, Ford Germany and Ford France all headed off in different directions. Ford France was hived off completely and became Simca. Ford UK had some personnel exchange with Ford USA particularly on body and interior design but Ford Germany went their own way, eventually Ford head office cracked the whip in the mid-1960s and pushed Ford UK and Ford Germany to actually co-operate with each other buy it didn't stop both divisions introducing completely unrelated but very similar (ie. equally bad) V4 and V6 engines in the late 1960's.
:lol: :lol: :lol:
MonteH wrote: Thanks, guys. I will pull the starter for inspection and barring any amazing discoveries, I will install a new starter.
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