Starter Motor?

Miles · Feb 3, 2009

Looking for some +1's on my issue and my diagnostics thus far. I think the starter motor is dead on my 97 GT..

Symptoms:
- mustang will not start
- motor does not attempt to turn over, i only hear 1 click as i turn the key

What is working:
- all lights, chimes, etc. are working and full illuminated
- fuel pump primes and sounds strong
- no blown fuses in engine bay or driver compartment
- 12V at battery
- 12V coming into Starter motor relay from Ignition switch
- 12V going out to Starter motor relay when key is turn to on to start car
- 12V at starter motor when key is turned to on to start car

I've heard lots of fun stories about the 'concealed' 3rd bolt for the starter, and read the threads on how to replace. Looking forward to this one

flstang65 · Feb 3, 2009

I just took the right size wrench and put the box end on the bolt. Then, I draped a chain over the open end and used that to pull down on the bolt to get it loosened. If a regular length wrench is too big, a mid length or stubby wrench will do just as well. When re installing the starter, I just left out that bolt. It's been like that for a while now and I have had no issues. I have friends that have been like that for well over a year with no issues as well.

COramprat · Feb 3, 2009

If it is exactly 12 volts then look at the battery 1st. It should be reading 13+. Have it checked before you fool with the starter.

Stan Weiss · Feb 3, 2009

X2
Have you tried using jumper cables?

Miles · Feb 3, 2009

Stan Weiss said:
X2
Have you tried using jumper cables?

Yes and same problem - just a single click then nothing (sorry, should have mentioned that i tried jumping it). Also, the battery terminals, posts, etc. are very clean and no corrison (summer car only, maybe driven 3,000Km / Yr)

If it is exactly 12 volts then look at the battery 1st. It should be reading 13+. Have it checked before you fool with the starter.

12.07v. I thought it only jumps up past 12v after it starts (?) Either way, even though it didn't start when I went to jump it, I guess I should have the battery tested as well.

SRT Handz · Feb 3, 2009

Its the starter. Mine went out and had to replace it. #rd bolt it tricky, but easy when you figure it out. I can do it fast now.

Here is the trick.

In this order, assemble your tools

Socket-Universal Joint-Long Extention

TAPE THE UNIVERSAL JOINT SO IT DOENST FLOP, This makes it easy.

Insert the tools in between the motor mount and the K-Member (Or Motor mount in block, i cant remember but you will see).

If you lay a certain way under the car with the wheel off you can have one hand on the extension and one hand on the socket and navigate it on the bolt.

Once you have the tools on the bolt attach ANOTHER extension and and your ratchet and break it loose. Easy as cake when you figure it out.

Some people leave the 3rd bolt out when they re-install but i am a perfectionist and always put it back on.

Miles · Feb 3, 2009

Took the battery in, checks out fine. I'm convinced it's the starter, so I began to take it off....

I see what everyone means about the 3rd bolt. I've been at it for 3 hours now and still no go.

Where exactly is the 3rd bolt located? If I'm at the front of the car look towards the back, the 2 bolts i have off are at 6pm and 8pm on either side of the solenoid... where the hell is the 3rd bolt - more towards the passenger side or the driver's side?

Smokeurhonda · Feb 3, 2009

It's your starter for sure. Mine did the same thing when it was about 10 degrees outside. Kickstarted it and put back in garage then started fine. SO they can freeze up, but yours is prob toast.

The third bolt is pretty much on the 12 o'clock position, maybe alittle closer to the passenger side. You have to stick your hand up in there to feel it.

As far as the removal is concerned the easiest way I have found to get it is to have the following
-about 2 and a half foot of extentions. Pref 3/8 drive. A regular non impact universal joint, and a shallow 13 mill socket.

Come from the front end of the engine bay while under the car with you long extention. Put the extentions through the k member, and using your left hand, come up from the back side of the k member and guide the universal and 13 mill socket onto the bolt in question. Once you feel it slip on, crack it loose.
You prob want to put that 3rd bolt back in. I had a buddy that didn't when he did his trans and the starter took a **** a week later. Maybe luck of the draw, maybe not.

hotrodredneck · Feb 4, 2009

I wouldn't be 100% set on the starter....I had a couple friends over here that when we went to check the battery cable at the starter was loose...tightened it, and it was fine.

+1 on the top starter bolt removal and not reinstalling

SRT Handz · Feb 4, 2009

did you follow my bolt removal instructions?

COramprat · Feb 4, 2009

If the battery is fine check the terminal connections on the starter and the ground wire.

Miles · Feb 4, 2009

SRT Handz said:
did you follow my bolt removal instructions?

Yes I saw your post, I think I am just having bad (ie. dumb) luck trying to get at it. Going to give it another go tonight. Maybe I just need a Bud Light or 2 to keep me motivated

COramprat said:
If the battery is fine check the terminal connections on the starter and the ground wire.

Both looked good, and the voltage across the 2 was just shy of 12v which seems right. I took the cables off the starter to inspect closer and they are good.

I'll post once I get this thing off, replaced, and back on. Thanks again everyone for your help..

Miles · Feb 4, 2009

I didn't think it was possible, but the 3rd bolt is finally off!

Here's how I did it...

Starter Motor Removal:

Ratchet + 8" ext + 4" ext + 4" ext + Universal Joint but no tape on it
Fed this part from the front of the engine above the k-member and between the motor mount and engine. It went through a small opening where the wiring harness is for the starter motor (so you can trace this back from the starter motor to see where the hole was)

2" ext + 2" ext + Universal Joint wrapped in duct tape + shallow 13mm socket
Placed this part onto the bolt and then attached it to the previous part. Then give it a good snap and it was off.

The 3rd bolt is located at 11 o'clock if you're looking at the starter motor from the front of the car (ie. just slightly on the passenger directly above the middle of the starter motor).

I don't think I would have kept trying if I didn't know fellow SN'ers had done it, so thanks to you guys for the motivation

COramprat · Feb 4, 2009

Yea...that bolt is a pain...

For what its worth I didn't replace it when I did my clutch swap and have no issues in 60K miles. Just get the other 2 goodntight and you'll be OK

Miles · Feb 9, 2009

To complete this thread (for search purposes for other SN'ers) the new starter motor/solenoid unit is on, and the car fired up first try. I didn't replace the 3rd top bolt, but I must admit I tried for about 20 minutes before I gave up, lol.

Thanks again to all for their ideas and help

staciedaisy · Feb 3, 2010

my 98 GT was having the EXACT same issues. we replaced the starter and CLICK, nothing was different.

after doing some research we looked to the battery terminals, decided one didn't fit as well as it should and replaced it. When we took the terminal off, the cable it self had big time corrosion dust on it. Cleaned it, put the new terminal on, car fired right up!!!!!!! So nice to hear her purr again!

Just thought i would reply to the thread, because it really helped us with getting the starter out!!!!!!

Starter Motor?

Miles

flstang65

COramprat

...I can take it. I think.

Stan Weiss

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Miles

SRT Handz

I tripped & fell down and cut myself & got blood

Miles

Smokeurhonda

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hotrodredneck

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SRT Handz

I tripped & fell down and cut myself & got blood

COramprat

...I can take it. I think.

Miles

Miles

COramprat

...I can take it. I think.

Miles

staciedaisy

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