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new starter, new relay, new problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter FiveO
  • Start date Start date Mar 9, 2008

FiveO

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Jan 28, 2001
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NJ
Mar 9, 2008
#1
  • Mar 9, 2008
  • #1
threw a new starter and relay in my car today. plugged the wires in but did not install the starter because my previous issue was the starter would not disengage....anyways... starter doesn't not turn now.

and just to test the relay i hooked a Vmeter up to it as well...0 volts, try to turn over..it clicks and i get voltage so i know thats good.

basically i skipped the relay and hooked the positive batt wire up to the starter wires that way i can get under the car and test voltages without needing another person to turn the key. correct me if im wrong but the s terminal wire should be positive as well? i get 12.6volts to the Sterminal wire and the larger main wire. bad starter?

and just for ****s and giggles i hooked up jumper cables to make sure it wasnt my battery. still no go.

also besides a new starter and relay nothing has changed. before the car would still start only the starter would not disengage. now starter wont even turn...tried putting old relay back in and still doesn't turn so im thinking it could be the new starter.
 

jrichker

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#2
  • Mar 9, 2008
  • #2
This may help...

No Crank checklist for 5.0 Mustangs

Since some of the tests will bypass the safety interlocks, make sure that the car is in neutral and the parking brake is set. Becoming a pancake isn’t part of the repair process…

Check battery, terminal connections, ground, starter relay switch (also known as solenoid) and starter in that order. The clamp on with 2 bolts battery terminal ends are a know problem causer.

A voltmeter is handy if you are familiar with how to use it to find bad connections. Measure the voltage drop across a connection while trying to start the car: more than .5 volts across a connection indicates a problem.
See http://www.fluke.com/application_notes/automotive/circuit.asp?AGID=1&SID=103 for help for help troubleshooting voltage drops across grounds.


1.) Will the car start if it is jumped? Then clean battery terminals and check battery.

2.) Check the battery to engine block ground, and the ground behind the engine to the firewall.

3.) Jump the big terminals on the starter relay next to the battery with a screwdriver - watch out for the sparks! If the engine cranks, the starter and power wiring is good. The starter relay is also known as a starter solenoid.

4.) Then pull the small push on connector (small red/blue wire) off the starter solenoid (Looks like it is stuck on a screw). Then jump between the screw and the terminal that is connected to the battery. If it starts, the relay is good and your problem is in the rest of the circuit.

5.) Remember to check the ignition switch, neutral safety switch on auto trans and the clutch safety switch on manual trans cars. If they are good, then you have wiring problems.

Typical start circuit...
Diagram courtesy of Tmoss &Stang&2birds


See http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/gif/large/0900823d80195963.gif for 88-90 year cars
See http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/gif/large/0900823d80195964.gif for 91-93 year cars.
See http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/1d/db/3c/0900823d801ddb3c.jsp for 94-95 model cars.

6.) The starter may be hung, loosen up the bolts that hold it on, and give it a good whack with a big hammer. Tighten up the bolts and try again.

7.) Pull the starter and take it to Autozone or Pep Boys and have them test it. Starter fails test, then replace it. If you got this far, the starter is probably bad.

Starter solenoid wiring for 86-91 Mustang



Starter solenoid wiring 92-93 Mustang or upgraded high torque mini starter.
 

twistedwankel

Member
Sep 7, 2006
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0
17
Spring Hill, FL
Mar 9, 2008
#3
  • Mar 9, 2008
  • #3
FiveO said:
threw a new starter and relay in my car today. plugged the wires in but did not install the starter because my previous issue was the starter would not disengage....anyways... starter doesn't not turn now.

and just to test the relay i hooked a Vmeter up to it as well...0 volts, try to turn over..it clicks and i get voltage so i know thats good.

.
Click to expand...

So you are saying you didn't mount the starter to the engine? The mounting is the ground to complete the circuit. If you have it laying on the ground it won't complete the circuit. You can test the starter off the car by using your jumper cables. Careful it has alot of torque. Or you can jump across the solenoid with a jumper or a screw driver with the ignition on to make the starter spin with it on the car.
 

FiveO

Founding Member
Jan 28, 2001
1,146
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0
NJ
Mar 9, 2008
#4
  • Mar 9, 2008
  • #4
doh, that never crossed my mind

was wondering why i couldn't get a ground off it...damnit im a idiot.

thats gotta be my issue then. hah, sweet, hope this fixes the issue.
 
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