Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance Starter motor replacement questions

My brother has a 95 Contour. The starter motor works but seems to turn slow. An oil change and new battery didn't help. The Tour has 192,000 miles and the starter probably is original and just plain worn out. It sounds almost like it is grinding while rotating. Something like a bad bearing sound.
Where is the starter located? I mean do you change it from under the car or from the top. The car isn't here so I can't just open the hood to look.
Is this a PITA to change?
I changed his timing belt recently and don't recall seeing the starter, but then, I wasn't looking for it either.
How much are starters for 2.0L Zetecs? It is an automatic trans car if it matters.

Thanks.
Danford1

Call up Napa or Autozone and they can give you a quote on the start. You can usually get some cash off the new starter if you give them your old starter (they rebuild them). I believe you get to the start from underneth the car. Good luck.

I changed my starter on my Jeep 1990 Cherokee. It wasnt to bad just dirty hahahah. I havent had to change it on my tour.

How-to from 1996 Ford CD.

2.0L Engine

Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.

2. Remove engine intake air resonator.

3. Remove upper starter motor retaining bolt.

4. Raise vehicle on hoist.

5. Remove integral connector retaining nuts from starter solenoid.

6. Remove two lower starter motor retaining bolts and remove starter motor from vehicle.


Installation

1. Note: When installing lower starter motor retaining bolts, be sure to install ground cable.

Position starter motor to transaxle and install lower retaining bolts. Tighten bolts to 20-27 N-m (15-20 lb-ft).

2. Install integral connector onto starter solenoid.

3. Install integral connector retaining nuts. Tighten B-terminal retaining nut to 11-13 N-m (97-115 lb-in). Tighten S-terminal retaining nut to 5-6 N-m (44-53 lb-in).

4. Lower vehicle to floor.

5. Install upper starter motor retaining bolt. Tighten to 20-27 N-m (15-20 lb-ft).

6. Install engine intake air resonator.

7. Connect battery ground cable.

Thank you. Seems straight forward and easy enough.
Cheers.
Danford1