How To Starter Replacement

[Deb'nKJ]

Mine's a 2004, so it's the same - I assume.

Can't speak for the others as have no knowledge of them, although I have driven an Escape, but I agree they're not in the same league.

However, none of that explains why some things are needlessly difficult.

I could change the front drive shaft on an XJ in less time than it takes to remove the bolts on a KJ.

The airfilter box defeated my 1st 2 attempts to remove it & at the 3rd go, got very close to taking a hammer to it, as it had to come out - in however many pieces. Why? Because I was replacing the ABS sensor, having discovered the hard way, that it won't come out of the hub without destroying it!

For all its competence, I wouldn't risk taking one too far from civilisation because it's just too difficult to fix by the roadside - never mind out on a trail. I know people do & I have nothing but admiration & respect for them.

It somewhat depends on your year. Mine is the pre-facelift (2002), so it has a cable throttle body, etc. and is marginally simpler.

Overall though, if you consider how small this vehicle is, it is a marvel that they were able to pack a real 4wd system with mechanical TC, decent V6, IFS, ABS, etc., in one package. I can't think of another vehicle this size that has as many (real) functional features - not a RAV4, CRV, Escape, not even a wrangler (4 door is much larger).

 

[Trainmaster]

Just for the record, I've changed starters in several 3.7L 2005's. Removed the front drive shaft and didn't have to touch the exhaust.