Frequently the selenoid and motor will be assembled in the same case, or the selenoid will mount directly to the motor case. Typically there are only two required wires for the starter motor assembly to work: the one from the starter circuit (closed by the igintion key) and the "always hot" huge wire from the battery. The circuits are completed to ground - often just through/via the motor body. Somtimes additional wires are present to supply power to other systems. Also, sometimes there will be a redundant/precautionary grounding strap.
Yes, a starter has to be grounded to work.
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Could it be your starter won't work because... Ford didn't make a 1998 Thunderbird?
polar car starter programing
The starter is what helps for only you to be able you use your car. Usually the starter is calibrated only to work with your key, and will send electrical signals that cause your car to start.
remove the neg battery cable then the wires on the starter. Then take out the mounting bolts and work the starter out.
A DOL or direct on line starter works by connecting the motor terminals directly to the power supply when they are energized. A DOL starter is the simplest type of motor starter.
First, check the ground to the starter and confirm that you have power to the starter. If you do, the starter should work fine. Second, you can always remove the starter and check if the gear can spin and the spindle depresses at all. If not, replace the starter.
Tapping the starter is an old fix and usually doesn't work any more. It was done to free up a stuck starter drive.
Do not install the shims. Your starter should work fine.
Yes, it is the same starter for both.
A car starter is an electric motor that is used to turn the engine over in order to get it started.