Remove the Malfunctioning Starter

• 1). Park your Lincoln Navigator on a level surface, activate the emergency brake and place blocks behind the back tires for safety. Disconnect the negative battery cable with a terminal puller. Raise the front end of the car with a jack for easier access to the starter.
  
  
• 2). Remove the starter terminal cover. Loosen and remove the terminal nut and disconnect the battery starter cable from the starter motor.
  
  
• 3). Grasp the plastic shell of the S-terminal connector wire and pull it straight off to disconnect it without causing damage. Disconnection of this wire is only necessary if your vehicle has a starter mounted solenoid.
  
  
• 4). Unfasten the starter mounting bolts and place them in the jar to store safely until later. Remove the starter from the engine of your Lincoln Navigator.
  
  
• 5). Take your malfunctioning starter to the parts store with you. Aftermarket distributors remanufacture most of the starters they sell, so you can likely obtain a partial credit toward your new starter by exchanging your old one. Be sure that you take care not to damage the starter in transit, because the better condition it is in, the more you can get for it.
  
  
• 6). Purchase a replacement starter that has the same or higher cranking capacity (power rating) as the original. Also, match the bolt patterns, drive gears and electrical connections. Your owner's manual may list specifications or the auto parts technician will help you determine them. Download a free owner's manual at Ford Fleet (see Resources).
  
  

Install the New Starter

• 1). Position the starter in the appropriate location and secure it with the starter mounting bolts. Torque the bolts to between 15 and 20 foot pounds (20 to 27 Nm).
  
  
• 2). Connect the battery starter cable and secure with the terminal nut. Tighten the terminal nut to 79 inch pounds (nine Nm).
  
  
• 3). Attach the S terminal connector, providing your vehicle has a starter mounted solenoid. Replace the starter solenoid safety cap, if applicable.
  
  
• 4). Lower your Lincoln Navigator back to the ground. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the key in the ignition to see if your new starter motor functions correctly.