2017 Ford Explorer Starter Location – Pinpointing The Power Source
A quick rundown for the busy owner: The starter on a 2017 Ford Explorer is typically found on the passenger side of the engine, nestled near the oil pan and transmission housing. Accessing it often requires removing the passenger-side front wheel and some underbody splash shields. This guide will walk you through its exact position and what you might need to do to reach it.
Ever turned the key, only to be met with a disheartening click or silence? That’s often the starter motor telling you it’s had enough. For owners of a 2017 Ford Explorer, knowing precisely where this crucial component lives is the first step to diagnosing and potentially fixing a no-start situation. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting to get your hands dirty, understanding your vehicle’s anatomy is empowering.
This article dives deep into the 2017 Ford Explorer starter location, providing you with the confidence to tackle this repair yourself. We’ll cover why starters fail, how to confirm it’s the culprit, and then, most importantly, guide you to its exact spot. We’ll also touch upon the tools you might need and some safety precautions to keep in mind.
By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what’s involved, enabling you to make an informed decision: tackle it yourself or consult a professional. Let’s get your Explorer purring again!
Locating the Starter on Your 2017 Ford Explorer
The starter motor is a small but mighty electric motor responsible for the initial rotation of the engine’s crankshaft, getting the combustion process going. For the 2017 Ford Explorer, its placement is fairly consistent across the different engine options (2.3L EcoBoost, 3.5L Ti-VCT, and 3.5L EcoBoost V6). Understanding the 2017 ford explorer starter location is key to any diagnostic or replacement effort.
Generally, you’ll find the starter motor bolted to the engine’s flywheel housing, which is the part that connects the engine to the transmission. It’s typically positioned on the lower portion of the engine, often on the passenger side, facing towards the rear of the vehicle.
Think of it as a bridge between the battery’s power and the engine’s mechanical action. Without a functional starter, your powerful Explorer remains stubbornly inert.
Why Starters Fail and How to Tell
Before we get our hands dirty searching for the starter, it’s good to understand why it might be failing. Common culprits include worn-out brushes, a damaged solenoid, or a faulty starter drive gear (often called the Bendix drive). Age, excessive heat, and even a weak battery can contribute to its demise.
Symptoms of a failing starter are usually quite distinct. You might hear a single, loud click when you turn the key, but the engine doesn’t crank. Sometimes, you might hear a grinding noise as the starter gear tries to engage but can’t. In other cases, especially with a completely dead starter, you’ll hear nothing at all, not even a click, when you turn the ignition. This is where confirming the 2017 ford explorer starter location becomes critical for diagnosis.
A simple test involves checking battery voltage first. If the battery is strong, and you’re getting either no sound or just a click, the starter is a prime suspect. For off-road adventures, a reliable starter is paramount; a dead starter can leave you stranded miles from civilization.
Step-by-Step: Finding the 2017 Ford Explorer Starter Location
Accessing the starter on your 2017 Ford Explorer often requires a bit of disassembly, primarily to gain clear visibility and working room. Safety first is crucial here, as you’ll be working underneath the vehicle. 1. Safety First: Lifting and Securing the Vehicle Begin by parking your Explorer on a level surface. Engage the parking brake firmly. Using a good quality jack, lift the front of the vehicle and support it securely with jack stands. Never rely solely on the jack to hold the vehicle up while you are working underneath it. You’ll likely need to lift it high enough to comfortably remove the passenger-side front wheel and work around the engine and transmission area. 2. Accessing the Underside: Splash Shields and Wheel Well Liners
Once the vehicle is safely supported, you’ll need to remove the plastic splash shields located underneath the engine compartment, particularly on the passenger side. These shields protect the engine from road debris and are usually held in place by a series of plastic clips and bolts. You may also need to remove sections of the inner fender liner in the passenger-side wheel well for better access. A trim removal tool can be very helpful for prying out stubborn clips without damaging them. 3. Identifying the Target Area: Engine and Transmission Junction With the shields removed, you’ll have a clearer view of the underside of the engine. The starter motor is typically mounted to the rear of the engine block, where it meets the transmission. Look for a cylindrical component with electrical wires connected to it. It’s usually a fairly compact unit, often painted black or a metallic color, and will have a prominent gear extending from its end. 4. Pinpointing the Exact Spot On the 2017 Ford Explorer, the starter is almost always located on the passenger side of the engine, low down, near the oil pan and the transmission housing. It’s bolted directly to the transmission bell housing. You’ll see two main electrical connections: a large, thick wire coming directly from the battery (usually red) and a smaller wire that receives the signal from the ignition switch when you turn the key.
Visual Confirmation: The starter motor is characterized by its solenoid, a smaller cylindrical piece that attaches to the main motor body. This solenoid is what engages the starter gear with the engine’s flywheel. Sometimes, the solenoid can be a separate part, but on most modern vehicles like the 2017 Explorer, it’s integrated into the starter assembly.
Tools You Might Need for Starter Access
While the exact 2017 ford explorer starter location is now clearer, having the right tools makes the job much smoother. For accessing and potentially replacing the starter, you’ll want a decent set of sockets and wrenches. Common sizes you might encounter include 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, and 15mm for bolts and nuts.
A ratchet with various extension lengths will be invaluable for reaching fasteners in tight spots. A torque wrench is essential if you’re replacing the starter, to ensure bolts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications, preventing damage or leaks. You’ll also need a good set of screwdrivers and pliers, as well as a trim removal tool for those plastic clips.
Don’t forget safety gear: safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris and sturdy gloves to protect your hands. A good flashlight or work light is also a must for seeing into those dark corners.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY is rewarding, there are times when it’s best to let the pros handle it. If you’ve located the starter and determined it’s faulty, but you’re uncomfortable with the process of removing and replacing it, don’t hesitate to call a mechanic. The starter is a critical component, and improper installation can lead to further damage or safety hazards.
Also, if you’re working on an older Explorer that has seen extensive off-road use, there might be rust or seized bolts that make removal extremely difficult. If you’re not equipped to handle potentially stubborn fasteners or are unsure about any part of the process, seeking professional help is a wise decision. For those venturing into remote areas, ensuring your vehicle’s starting system is in top shape before a trip is crucial, and a professional inspection can provide peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford Explorer Starter
Why does my 2017 Explorer make a clicking noise but won’t start?
A single, loud click often indicates that the starter solenoid is receiving power and trying to engage, but the starter motor itself isn’t spinning or the gear isn’t fully engaging the flywheel. This could be due to a weak battery (even if it lights up the dash), a faulty starter motor, or a problem with the connection between the starter and the engine.
How long does a starter motor typically last?
Starter motors are designed to last for a significant portion of a vehicle’s lifespan, often around 100,000 to 150,000 miles. However, this can vary greatly depending on driving habits, climate, and the quality of the starter. Frequent short trips, where the engine doesn’t get fully warmed up, can put more strain on the starter.
Can I test the starter motor without removing it?
Yes, with caution. You can check for voltage at the starter’s solenoid terminal when the key is turned to the start position. If voltage is present but the starter doesn’t crank, the starter is likely bad. A more advanced test involves checking the starter’s draw with an ammeter, but this is typically done by a mechanic.
Is the starter location the same for all 2017 Ford Explorer engines?
Yes, the general 2017 ford explorer starter location is consistent across the 2.3L EcoBoost, 3.5L Ti-VCT, and 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engines. It’s always mounted on the passenger side of the engine, low down, where the engine meets the transmission.
What is the solenoid on the starter?
The starter solenoid is an electromagnetic switch. When you turn the ignition key, a small current energizes the solenoid. This action does two things: it pushes the starter gear forward to mesh with the engine’s flywheel, and it closes a high-current contact, allowing power from the battery to flow to the starter motor, making it spin.
Locating the starter on your 2017 Ford Explorer is a fundamental step for any DIY diagnosis or repair. Remember to always prioritize safety by properly supporting your vehicle and taking precautions when working with electrical components. With the right knowledge and tools, you can confidently identify the starter’s position and be well on your way to getting your Explorer back on the road or trail.
Stay safe, and happy wrenching!
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