Possible starter motor problems (95 windstar)

[go-stang5.0]

Ok as mentioned in the title my moms 95 windstar doesnt crank. THe relay clicks and the solenoid clicks but no cranking occurs. Now when I say it clicks, its not a rapid clicking like when the battery dies and the solenoid clicks on and off. When you turn the key to start it clicks once and thats it until you release the key and do it again. This leads me to believe the starter motor itsef has failed. The connections to the solenoid look good. I dont remember the connections on the starter so I dunno if I can bypass the solenoid to see if I can get the car to crank( solenoid is attached to the starter so I dont know if the connection from the solenoid to the starter is accessable to me). Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[bmac50]

While someone turns the key try tapping the starter with a broom stick or some other object you can get on the starter.

 

[go-stang5.0]

I tried whacking the starter solenoid multiple times no luck. Gave up and had the car towed last night to the house. I have pulled the starter and gonna go get it tested. I bypassed the solenoid (much easier to do in daylight) and the starter motor is fine. So I think something broke in the solenoid and its not sending juice to the starter, even though it soulds like its working when you turn the key. I guess I'll knoiw in a couple of minutes when i get it tested.

 

[HISSIN50]

This car has a SPST relay that's a slave to the starter solenoid?

If not: If you have a voltage drop in the interlock wiring, it can cause exactly what you're describing. Starter kills with bad connections are common.

If you give the trigger on the solenoid 12 volts (ensure you're in Park with the EBrake on since you just bypassed the interlock safety features) and the starter excels, your solenoid is fine. If it fails but jumping battery power to the normally Open side of the solenoid allows cranking, then the solenoid is likely.

Good luck.

 

[go-stang5.0]

When I jumped the solenoid with a screw driver the starter cranked but just a bit before I pulled the screw driver away. I figured it was fine but apparently when I pulled it and had it tested the solenoid was fine but the motor would barely spin and it started smoking so they stopped the test. needless to say it was the actual starter motor itself. I got a new one for free...gotta love lifetime warranties and poped it in. All is well now.

Now I can get back to finishing my car.