Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting 99 V6 auto trans starter ring gear problem

Noticed a problem late last year where starter would occasionally grind when bendix engages ring. Thought bendix was binding so removed starter and had it re-built. While out, checket teeth on ring and found 4-5 with knarked teeth on the first 1/16 inch of the engaging edge. Filed off the rough spots and all seemed well for a while, but problem persists. Occasionally starter grinds when trying to start vehicle. Read some posts that this was problem with standard trans models but nothing on automatics. Any advice on correcting this short of engine R&R with new flywheel? Out of warranty of course. 65K miles on vehicle.
Thanks
Dialtone

you say you had the starter rebuilt?? did they replace the starter drive(the part with the teeth that goes to the flywheel?? if not then this is the problem, the teeth are messed up and you need a new starter drive.. if they did replace it then make sure its the correct one...go to the ford dealership and get them to check the parts sheet for the contour and then get them to check the sheets for other fords and see if they use different ones.. if so then the rebuild shop probably used one for other fords... you know that most contour parts are alot different that most other ford parts, check with the dealer...

Read about it here Its not just standard transmission, it is a defect in automatics as well. Big job, or big bucks...if you need any advice on it just ask, I already did the job on my 95 Mystique.

When starter was rebuilt, had them replace everything on the drive end. Bendix and drive gear. All the old parts looked good and showed no damage at the starter, but shafts were dry so I assumed new parts and some lube would suffice. The damage I found on the ring gear did not appear to be bad enough to keep vehicle from starting once the teeth were cleaned up, unless the starter is not driving the teeth far enough into the ring gear to get a good grip on it. If this is the case, the design is junk and Ford needs their collective [expletive deleted] kicked. I expect better than this on an $18K car.
Thanks to all that replied. You told me exactly what I didn't want to hear, but highly suspected.
Dialtone