Ford F150 Starter Location | How To Replace [99-2018]

The Ford F150, a powerhouse of performance and reliability, has been America’s best-selling truck for decades. Over the years, while many aspects of the truck have undergone upgrades and redesigns, one thing remains consistent – the significance of its starter.

The starter, as any vehicle enthusiast will tell you, is the heart of starting your truck. Like the heart pumps blood to kickstart the body, the starter pumps life into the truck’s engine.

However, locating the starter can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially for novice drivers or those new to the F150.

Having spent a significant amount of time behind the wheel of various F150 models, I can attest to the importance of knowing your truck inside and out. Whether you’re troubleshooting, doing some DIY maintenance, or just curious, understanding the starter’s location can be beneficial.

Ford F150 Starter Location [99-2018] - How To Replace?

Table of Contents

How to replace the Ford F150 Starter location?

Are you looking to replace the starter in your Ford F-150? You’re in luck! Follow this detailed guide to achieve a seamless replacement.

Preparation Steps:

Safety First: Before you start, turn off your engine and engage the parking brake. Then, pop open the hood of your vehicle.
Battery Disconnection: It’s crucial for safety purposes to disconnect the battery before you commence.

Locating and Removing the Starter:

You’ll find the starter beneath your vehicle, precisely on the passenger side where the exhaust manifold intersects with the exhaust line.
Begin by peeling off the plastic covering shielding the three power connectors of the starter.
With a 13mm wrench, carefully unscrew and then detach the red power terminal of the starter.
Next, use a 10mm wrench to unscrew and subsequently remove the black negative terminal from the starter.
A bit of a challenge here – the screws that hold the starter in place are not straightforward to access. You’ll likely have to operate by feel. Using a combination of a ratchet, extender, and a 13mm socket, methodically unscrew each of the three starter retaining screws.
To extract the starter, you’ll need to create some maneuvering space. Achieve this by first using your ratchet and extender, combined with a 10mm socket, to unscrew the retaining bolt of the electrical harness’s plastic guide. Then, using a 13mm wrench, proceed to unscrew the ground’s retaining screw located on the engine. You can finish this step by hand, and afterward, reposition all the harnesses.
With everything clear, you can now smoothly remove the old starter.

Installing the New Starter:

Grab your new starter, and slot it into its designated position. To keep it stable, briefly slot in the first screw.
Make sure to reposition all the electrical harnesses you moved earlier, securing the plastic guide in its original spot.
Remember that engine ground you unscrewed? Place it back, ensuring you align the copper seal correctly, and then retighten the screw.
Using your hand, reattach the second starter retaining screw. For the third screw, employ the ratchet and extender. Once you’ve got all screws back in, secure them tightly with the ratchet.
Reconnect both the negative and positive terminals of the starter, ensuring they’re screwed back securely.
Pop the plastic cover back on, and lastly, reconnect the vehicle’s battery.

Read more about Ford Bank 2 Sensor 1 Location

Let’s explore the Ford F150’s starter location across different model years.

2017 Ford F150 Starter Location:

The 2017 model, lauded for its blend of power and fuel efficiency, houses its starter on the passenger side of the engine, right below the exhaust manifold. It’s nestled slightly towards the back, making it easier to access from underneath the truck.

2016 Ford F150 Starter Location:

Much like the 2017 model, the 2016 F150 also positions its starter on the passenger side. However, it’s slightly more to the front than its successor, just beneath the exhaust manifold. A flashlight or work light can be a handy tool when trying to pinpoint it.

2018 Ford F150 Starter Location:

The 2018 F150, with its advanced tech integrations, keeps the starter’s location consistent with the 2017 model. It’s on the passenger side, below the exhaust manifold and slightly rearward.

99 Ford F150 Starter Location:

Jumping back to the end of the millennium, the 1999 F150 was simpler in design. The starter for this year’s model is found towards the bottom of the engine block, on the passenger side, making it relatively straightforward to locate and access.

2005 Ford F150 Starter Location:

The mid-2000s brought some design tweaks to the F150. For the 2005 model, the starter is located on the passenger side, close to the transmission bell housing. A creeper can be invaluable for those looking to slide underneath and get a clear view.

2010 Ford F150 Starter Location:

Ringing in the new decade, the 2010 F150 saw significant upgrades in terms of tech and design. The starter’s location, however, remains consistent with the mid-2000s models. It’s on the passenger side, near the transmission bell housing.

Tips for Accessing the Starter:

Safety First: Always ensure your truck is on a stable surface. If you’re elevating it, use jack stands for added security.
Right Tools: Having the appropriate tools, like a flashlight or work light and a creeper, can make the process smoother.
Clean Area: Before starting, it’s a good idea to ensure the area around the starter is clean. This not only gives you a clearer view but also prevents dirt and debris from entering any parts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the starter location consistent across all Ford F150 models?

Mostly, yes. The starter is typically located on the passenger side, but its precise position may vary slightly across different model years.

How often should I check or replace the starter on my Ford F150?

While starters are built to last, it’s a good idea to inspect them every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, always be attentive to any starting issues or unusual noises.

What are the signs of a failing starter?

Common signs include hearing a clicking sound when trying to start, the truck not starting occasionally, or the starter staying on after the engine has ignited.

Where is the starter located on a 2015 Ford F150?

The starter for the 2015 Ford F150, much like its successor models, is typically located on the passenger side of the engine, beneath the exhaust manifold. You might find it easier to access it from underneath the truck, and using a flashlight can help illuminate its precise position.

Where is the starter on a 2001 F150?

For the 2001 Ford F150, which comes after the simpler design of the 1999 model, you’ll likely find the starter on the passenger side, closer to the bottom of the engine block. It’s relatively straightforward to locate, especially if you’re viewing from beneath the truck.

Where is the starter on a 2003 F150?

The 2003 Ford F150’s starter is positioned on the passenger side, akin to the 2005 model. It’s located near the transmission bell housing. When attempting to locate it, using a creeper might make the process smoother and more comfortable.

How to replace the starter in a 2004 Ford F150?

Replacing the starter in a 2004 Ford F150 requires a few steps:

Safety First: Ensure the truck is on a flat, stable surface. If raising it, always use jack stands.
Disconnect the Battery: Before starting, disconnect the negative battery terminal to ensure safety during the replacement.
Locate the Starter: The 2004 F150’s starter is on the passenger side, near the transmission bell housing.
Remove Old Starter: After locating the starter, disconnect the wires attached to it. There will typically be two or three bolts securing the starter to the engine. Remove these bolts and then remove the starter itself.
Install New Starter: Position the new starter in the place of the old one. Reattach it using the bolts, ensuring it’s securely in place. Once secured, reconnect the wires to the starter.

Reconnect the Battery and Test: Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Start the truck a few times to ensure the new starter is functioning correctly.

Driving the Ford F150 is an experience in power and precision. And while the starter might seem like a small component, it’s a giant in terms of function. Familiarizing yourself with its location across different models not only helps in potential DIY fixes but also deepens the bond between you and your truck.

Because, as every seasoned driver knows, understanding your vehicle is the cornerstone of a lasting journey.