When it comes time to replace the starter on the Ford Escort, most people find it easier than with most other cars because you do not have to crawl under the car to get to the starter. You can remove the old starter and install the new one yourself in about an hour, saving you the high cost of taking it to the mechanic.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a wrench to loosen the nut.
Disconnect the air cleaner outlet tube by loosening the clamps with the screwdriver. The air cleaner outlet tube looks like a large hose coming out of the air cleaner box.
Remove the lower starter motor bolt using a socket and ratchet. Remove the two bolts at the top of the starter with the socket and ratchet as well.
Slide the starter from the mounting surface only far enough to gain access to the wires. Unplug the wiring harness and then remove the large cable using a wrench to remove the nut. Take the starter all the way off and set aside.
Put the new starter in place and reconnect the wires before pushing the starter all the way in. Plug in the harness and then tighten the nut on the large cable. Push the starter all the way in now.
Put the top bolts back into the starter and tighten them with the socket and ratchet. Now put the bottom bolt back in and tighten it.
Reconnect the air cleaner outlet tube. Tighten the clamps using the screwdriver.
Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the nut.
Start the car to test the installation of the new starter.
