Chapter 1 Routine maintenance and servicing

Starting and charging systems 5A•79.4 Disconnecting the wires from thestarter motor solenoid9.5a Starter motor retaining bolts9.5b Starter motor rear support bracketand fasteners (arrowed)4 If the battery and all connections are ingood condition, check the circuit bydisconnecting the wire from the solenoidblade terminal. Connect a voltmeter or testlamp between the wire end and a good earth(such as the battery negative terminal), andcheck that the wire is live when the ignitionswitch is turned to the “start” position. If it is,then the circuit is sound - if not the circuitwiring can be checked as described inChapter 12.5 The solenoid contacts can be checked byconnecting a voltmeter or test lamp betweenthe battery positive feed connection on thestarter side of the solenoid, and earth. Whenthe ignition switch is turned to the “start”position, there should be a reading or lightedbulb, as applicable. If there is no reading orlighted bulb, the solenoid is faulty and shouldbe renewed.6 If the circuit and solenoid are provedsound, the fault must lie in the starter motor.In this event, it may be possible to have thestarter motor overhauled by a specialist, butcheck on the cost of spares beforeproceeding, as it may prove more economicalto obtain a new or exchange motor.9 Starter motor -removal and refitting1Removal1 Disconnect the battery negative (earth) lead(refer to Section 1).2 Chock the rear wheels then jack up thefront of the car and support it on axle stands(see “Jacking and vehicle support”). Removethe front roadwheels.3 Undo the two retaining nuts, and removethe starter motor heat shield (where fitted).4 Prise free the cap, if fitted, then unscrew thenuts to disconnect the wiring from thestarter/solenoid terminals. Where applicable,disconnect the oxygen sensor wiring multi-plugfrom the locating bracket (see illustration).5 Unscrew and remove the starter motorretaining bolts at the transmission/clutchhousing and, where applicable, also unboltand detach the support bracket. Withdraw thestarter motor from its mounting, and remove itfrom the vehicle (see illustrations).Refitting6 Refitting is a reversal of removal. Tightenthe retaining bolts to the specified torque.Ensure that the wiring is securely reconnectedto the starter motor (and solenoid) and isrouted clear of the exhaust downpipe.10 Starter motor -testing and overhaul4If the starter motor is thought to be suspect, itshould be removed from the vehicle and takento an auto-electrician for testing. Most autoelectricianswill be able to supply and fitbrushes at a reasonable cost. However, checkon the cost of repairs before proceeding as itmay prove more economical to obtain a newor exchange motor.5A1595Ford Fiesta Remake