How do you replace the starter on a 1991 Ford Tempo?

Answer 1

I changed the starter on my 1993 Ford Tempo. If possible, its best to replace the starter solenoid along with the starter. 1. Jack the car up, put on ramps, blocks or something---so you can comfortably access the under engine area. Engage the parking brake and block the rear tires with chocks, large pieces of wood, rock or something to prevent the vehicle from moving. 2. Disconnect the Battery Cables. 3. The solenoid is located near the battery, on the firewall---it is easily recognized, a 2" by 2" item, with some bolts and a plug. Easy to take off and replace. Installation is the reverse of the removal. 4. The starter is attached to the block, in the direction underneath and in back of the motor fan area. It is cylindrical in shape, has a hot and a ground wire on one end of the starter. 5. Disconnect any electrical connections at the end of the starter. To ensure a sound electrical connection, this is a good time to visually check, clean and/or repair the wiring. Remember to electrical tape any bare wire. 6. The starter is mounted with (3) "double-nutted bolts" (the actual mounting bolts are used to attach a second outer support bracket). Remove the first three nuts so the secondary bracket moves freely, the actual starter mounting bolts were tough to get off, we used a "cheater bar" to break them free. 7. Patience is the name of the game on those (3) mounting bolts. Once they're removed, the starter falls right out! BE CAREFUL to support the hoses that run underneath the starter, I think these are transmission lines or something, I braced them with blocks of wood in case the starter hit them on the way out! 8. This is a good time to look at the condition of the flywheel, check the condition of gear teeth you'll see it where the starter used to attach! Look at the flywheel, feel for broken or missing, gear teeth, metal shavings, wear, etc.. I was amazed to find my flywheel to be in "like new" condition! 9. The replacement starter fits right back up where it came from very easily, installation is the reverse of the removal. 10. Re-connect your battery cables and you are good to roll! FYI: The replacement parts came with instructions, too. I had only the most primitive of tools---so anyone with more than a ratchet, socket and a few wrenches could do this much more easily than I!) In 2008, I paid $10 for the starter solenoid and $90 for a starter.