Ok, guys. I am new to this site but not to working on my own vehicles but this one has got me stumpt. I am trying to change my starter on a 2001 4.6L F150. I was able to get the two lowest bolts but how in the heck are you suppose to get to the top bolt? Does something else need to be taken off to get to it. I have tried from underneath and through the right wheel well and no dice. If someone knows how to do this I would be greatful. Thanks in advance.

amisuraca

 

Go in through the wheel well with the longest extension you've got and a 13mm swivel socket.

 

I hope you checked/replaced the starter soleniod first. Hate for you to go to all the trouble just to find out.

 

Hmm, Through the wheele well. Do I need to take off the inside of the wheel well housing? I am not sure if it is the starter or the solenoid but the guy at the parts store said I can't even buy the solenoid alone anymore. He said it all comes as one (the starter and the solenoid). This is what the truck is doing. When I try to start it I get a slight thump or click which is my relay but no start. I have checked voltage to the starter solenoid while turning the ignition and I get 13 volts. So that is why I am changing the starter. Any thoughts or suggestions would be great.

amisuraca

 

that bolt is a pain. thru the wheel well long extension, all by feel you cant even see the dam thing.

 

On my 02 with the 5.4 engine there is a starter relay mounted on the firewall close to the battery. Mine went bad and started poping the fuse too. I just took a small screwdriver and used it to make contact with the two big terminals on the relay and the truck started right up with the key turned on.

You could have a bad starter, a dead/bad battery or a bad alternator thats not charging the battery.

If it does click then it's sounds more like a battery/alternator problem. Have you tried a jump start before you started to remove the starter.

 

HI!... A palm rachet helps out greatly.