Ask Smithy Xtra Rough start in cold Ford

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Right from when it was new my 2006 AWD Territory Ghia has started roughly when it is cold. It has been checked at every service and they tell me it is normal, but I have started other Territorys and they have a normal smooth start. One Ford Dealer said it could be the starter motor not doing what it should be doing. Is it possible it does not disengage smoothly? It drives me to distraction; so much I will not buy another Territory. What do you think?

Answered by CarsGuide

8 February 2011

Graham Smith

It could be that the starter gear and the ring gear it engages are not mating properly; it could be that either is damaged. It could be that the solenoid on the starter is not throwing the pinion gear with sufficient power to cleanly engage the ring gear. Have the starter removed and checked, at the same time the mechanic should be able to check the ring gear for damage, and check the solenoid on the starter.

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