While this article may be the same for 2nd, 3rd gen, and ZX2 Ford Escorts, please take caution if using starters from various types as they often don't match. The flywheels on the 3 different types of Ford Escorts are different.

1. Disconnect & remove the battery.
2. Remove the battery tray, it is secured by 3 10mm bolts. Some may be difficult to spot under wires.
3. Several different length extensions and sockets will be required until the desired length to reach the two of the three starter bolts is achieved. The bolts that secure the starter are 13 mm. Two medium sized extensions with a regular socket or one medium sized extension with a deep socket works well.
4. From under the car there is the third bolt and it faces the opposite direction of the two upper bolts. This one is far more uncomfortable to get at but does not require anything be moved to access it. It's better to use a longer wrench rather than standard length.
5. After the starter is lose, slightly turn it over and unscrew the positive cable from the solenoid with a wrench or the smallest available ratchet (such as 1/4" in drive).
6. Unplug the smaller cable from the starter solenoid. The cable may be on really tight and may require a flat head screw driver to force it off. Lifting the small tab on the plug usually does not result in anything. Sometimes it's better to pull it off before loosening the bottom bolt, if it's possible to reach around the starter to the solenoid, unfortunately both the wires are mostly above the starter and create accessability issues.
7. Reinstall everything in reverse order.

If the vehicle doesn't start after installing, the smaller wire plug probably came off.

Note: If the vehicle is an automatic, then the transmission shifter cable must be moved out of the way from the top of the car to get out of the extension's way. In one instance when it came time to reinstall the cable, the end of the cable that meets the transmission broke. This caused severe problems and prevented the vehicle from being usable for a few days. Be sure to first unscrew it from the very end of the transmission. It's very easy to remove and install. The it can be disconnected from where it gets in the way of the ratchet and extension. Ford made a weak & flimsy connection at the end of the transmission shifter cable.

Also see

• Ford Escort & ZX2 section for the entire index of all Ford Escort and ZX2 related articles.