Im not certain, but you need to replace the starter anyway. Just when you get it off...check the flywheel teeth very carefully. And if the new one grinds anytime soon after you install it, then you will know for sure the flywheel is no good. Hopefully it is only the starter. Ford had alot of problems with failed flywheels...just imagine the cost of a recall on that one? I have heard of people paying $1000.00 and up for flywheel replacement. And to think that they are aware of the problem, with the new superceded Flywheel part. Mine did what yours did for quite a while...I ignored it and when I did finally get around to taking off the starter....and getting a new one...I installed it and two days later, the same thing again. Pulled it off, and one of the mechanic at the dealer told me to check the flywheel. So second time I took it off, I had someone turn the crankshaft bolt slowly while I inspected the teeth with a flashlight through the starter opening....I wanted to cry when I saw a couple of places where the teeth was chewed really bad. The part is cheap...the labour is a PITA of a job.
