Originally posted by Mop:
Bought 99 se sport V6 2 or 3 weeks ago. Original owner had starter replaced by local Ford dealership in May. Now has maybe 5.000 mi. since replacement. It just started this hellish grinding trying to start car. I parked it. Tomorrow Ford will look at it again.
Your advice is welcomed.
Is it an ATX? If so, and the starter is indeed new, you may require a new flex plate, which sorry to say is mucho bucks (pull tranny). I know of at least 2 or 3 "failed starters" that turned out to be worn / chipped teeth on the flywheel (flex plate).
I think a search for starter in problems forum might turn up the details.