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Starters and Ignition Systems

Ignition systems are found in all complex engines. They are attached to a power source that provides both the power to the system and to the starters in order to turn on the engine.

3,433 Questions

How do you wire in a toggle switch to start the car?

By passkey. If you are talking about a starter by-pass. It is not keyed, but a push button on & off switch. You must break the small wire at the starter relay, or solenoid, and wire the switch in series. After the car starts, you must release the push on/off switch, or you will keep turning the starter motor.

How do you replace 1993 Ford Tempo neutral switch?

It is bolted to the case on the trans.It slides over the shifting shaft and is held with 2 bolts. Be sure to align the marks up when adjusting before tightening down. I believe this is done when the trans is in the neutral position. The marks are molded in the plastic - one on the switch body and the other on the moving collar. They are little raised lines. Dan the tranny man

Why does your car want to start as soon as battery is connected without key in ignition?

sounds like you have connected the wires wrong on starter. if that is not the problem then you have a short either in ignitin switch or in the solenoid

Will a bad crankshaft positioning sensor prevent spark to spark plugs?

Yes it can. The crankshaft position sensor is one of the major sensors for spark timing.

Where is the starter located on a 1993 Lincoln mark VIII?

THE STARTER IS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR, ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE, ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AHEAD OF THE TRANSMISSION. YOU CAN GET TO IT BY JACKING UP THE FRONT END (THEN SUPPORTING IT WITH JACK STANDS, NOT CINDER BLOCKS) AND CRAWLING UP BEHIND THE PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL. YOU WILL FIND THE TRANSMISSION AND TO THE RIGHT OF IT (OR LOOKING UP, THE LEFT) YOU WILL FIND IT. LOOK AT THE NEW ONE TO HELP IDENTIFY IT. THE STARTER WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT TO REMOVE. IF THE RATCHET DOES NOT FIT SNUGLY DO NOT USE IT, YOU WILL STRIP THE BOLT. IT MAY BE A 5/8'S WRENCH AS WAS WITH MY CAR. MAKE SURE YOU SPRAY IT WITH SOME BOLT REMOVER FIRST.

IF THE CAR HAS STARTING PROBLEMS, PERHAPS YOU SHOULD FIRST CONSIDER CHANGING THE SOLENOID. YOU CAN TEST IT FIRST, BUT THE SOLENOID IS ABOUT $12 TO $18 AND IS SIGNIFICANTLY CHEAPER AND EASIER TO CHANGE THAN THE STARTER. I ONLY SAY THIS BECAUSE THE STARTERS ARE USUALLY VERY DEPENDABLE. I HAD A 1988 TOWNCAR WITH 439000 ORIGINAL MILES, THE ONLY THING EVER CHANGED WAS A STARTER SOLENOID TUNE UP PARTS AND AN ALTERNATOR. THIS TEST WILL DETERMINE IF YOUR SOLENOID IS DEFECTIVE INSTEAD OF YOUR EXPENSIVE STARTER:

THE SOLENOID IS LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FENDER CLOSE TO THE BATTERY. YOU NEED TO PLACE THE METAL OVER THE SOLENOID TERMINALS TO PASS IT WHILE SOMEONE IS ATTEMPTING TO CRANK. THERE WILL BE AN ARC SO USE CAUTION. DO NOT USE WITH AN OLD BATTERY NEARBY.

On a '01 Pontiac Grand Prix GT why would the ignition not turn all the way off so you can't take the key out?

There is a solenoid & plunger next to the ignition switch inside the steering column that stops functioning. The plunger must be retracted in order for the switch to turn all the way so the key can be removed. I manually inserted the plunger and took out the key.

This part failed in my 2001 Grand Prix GT as well about a year ago. My local mechanic explained the part and what it does to me and recommended to just remove it and not reinstall a new one.

As it was explained to me, this interlock makes sure that the car is in PARK before allowing key removal. Note that without it, the ingnition can be switched off and the key can be removed while the car is moving (a dirty trick, which will lock the steering wheel). Also, without it, you might accidentally shut the car off and remove the key while parking without actually putting it in PARK.

Probably a nice interlock to have.

OR - You have the vehicle in gear. Shift to park and remove.

I thought the solenoid/plunger was the problem with our 01 Grand Prix GT as well (couldn't remove key and the steering wheel didn't lock) but the GM service shop told me the problem was the solenoid(?) at the base of the shift lever on the center console. Required replacement of the entire shift lever assembly as can't replace the solenoid part only. Total bill was $821.67 parts & labor. Bit of a shocker! Am wondering if I was taken!?

Let me put my 2 cents in, I have been dealing with the same problem for about 2 years. My work around is to tilt the sterring wheel up and reach under the column and press up on the solenoid while I turn the key out of the lock. A lot cheaoer than a repair.

~

Session09 Adds:

I just had to deal with a somewhat similar situation. I have an '03 GTP, coming home from work when I would go to use my directional the engine would shut down, every freaking light on the dash would begin to flash like a bad Las Vegas sign. The key wouldn't come out as well.

I got the car home and started checking the harnes for breaks. Everything was fine, good continuity on all the wires (combination switch, ignition switch, series II and leads to keyed tumbler). After doing some reading and talking with a fantastic non-GM mechanic I replaced the ignition switch itself.

Everything previously mentioned goes through the ignition switch and reports to the security system and, as far as my experience goes, grabs your key and holds it. Also, the book says you don't have to have power on to reset the ignition tumblers - BALOGNEY! If the battery isn't connected, the ignition won't cycle properly allowing the tumblers to seat correctly and the plunger to release your key! $94.00 cost for the new ignition switch purchased at an aftermarket parts shop. :)

How much does it typically cost to replace the starter on a 2001 Dodge Stratus?

i just had one replaced last week in a 96 model explorer, the starter was 160 and with labor it was about 250.00. or if you do it yourself you can get a good used starter or maybe a new starter off eBay for 50.00 maybe a little more or less, Jesse

Where is a starter relay location for a 96 Pontiac sunfire?

Attached to the starter. behind the instrument cluster. go under the dash and look to the left sided of the steering column. you will see a junction block with a 7mm screw head in the middle. it will be right above that. it is called a starter enable relay.

Where is the starter in a 93 Mercury Cougar and how do you change it?

Follow the cable from the solonlid to the starter and simply take the bolts out and remove it. once you find the starter there will be 3 bolts one on the passenger side 15mm one on the driver side 13 mm and on the driver side there will be a 13 mm nut holding on a ground wire remove the nut and then remove the 13mm stud disconnect the 2 wires connected to the solenoid 1 spade connector and 1 10 mm i think pull the starter to the left and slide it over the front crossmember.

Where is the starter located on a 1989 Nissan Sentra?

I do believe, after just locating myself, that the starter for a 1989 Nissan Sentra is located on the back, lower-half of the engine itself. It's a small, inconspicuous part. To find it easier on this, and all other vehicles, just follow the positive cable line that comes off of your car's battery. It will eventually lead to the starter. (Be careful, there are other cables delivering electric to other areas of the vehicle, i.e. headlights, turn signals, etc. The starter cable will be one main bundle and will lead to an auto part, not an accessory.) Once you find the starter, and before any repairs are made, try light-to-medium tapping on the starter with a heavy metal tool (wrench, hammer, etc.) The fact that you have to do this indicates you need a new starter but, hey, 9 times out of 10 it'll get the car started. -Anonymous

What are the signs of a bad starter on a Chevy S10?

1. engine won't start. 2. All you get is a click when you turn the key. (make sure that you have a good battery) 3. You hear a whirring sound but the engine does not crank. (the starter motor turns but the bendix does not engauge. 4. You hear this gosh awful screaming sound. (the starter spins but does not engauge the flywheel completely.) Probably a lot more but these have happened to me over the years. You can take the starter off (if you are mechanically inclined) and some auto parts stores will test them for you. Auto Zone does where I live.

How do you replace the ignition cylinder on a 1995 Ford Crown Victoria?

you have to have a small chisel or a screw driver and a hammer to take off the two bolts that is holding down the key cylinder. those bolts does not have a head like ordinary bolts have. angle the chisel so that it would bite a little of the head. gently tap the chisel going counter clockwise. be careful on the chisel not to take the whole head of the bolt, because you will need them to put the new key cylinder back on. good luck.

Where is the starter located on a 1999 Ford Explorer?

For safety reasons remove the positive cable from the 1998 Ford Aerostar battery. Remove the cables from the front of the starter. Remove the starter retaining bolts. Reverse the process to install the new starter.

How do I Replace the ignition switch in a Volvo 240?

Trunk LH side behind the trunk panel liner. You will find the Rear Electrical module there. Part number on the brake light relay should be 9441161. You will need some sort of wiring diagram as there are a couple of relays used there with that same part number.

How do you change a starter for a 2004 Mercury Sable?

Remove both leads to the battery. There are two bolts holding the starter to the transmission. One, the bolt closer to the radiator has a ground on it and has a nut on the bolt fastening the ground lead to the bolt.

After removing the ground a deep socket will be needed to remove the bolt. The rear bolt comes out and you have a starter in your hands.

You have a positive cable attached to the starter and an ignition bypass still attached that must be removed before you can drop the starter.

I have changed brushes in the 3.8 starter and found the starter will go another 100,000 miles. This is a gear reduction starter that should be checked to draw about 80 amps without a load. Some will draw more than 130 amps which is definitely over spec.

The cost of brushes lists for $50 but can be purchased for $15 from a starter rebuilder.

A little grease on the bearing surfaces, and a little polishing of the communtator, and the starter will work well for years.

AnswerHey Russell==Disconnect the battery. Raise the car up and remove the wires from the starter. Then remove the bolts and work it out among the exhaust pipes. GoodluckJoe

---The reason so many look at this topic may be the chilton manual which shows a diagram of the 3.0L starter shrunk down to unreadable. What looks like the top bolt is not connected to the starter at all. The bolt labled "stud" which holds the cable routing bracket has to be removed after the bracket and nut are removed.

Also unless you have an air rachet, no normal length tool can be used to break the top bolt loose without removing the fan and shroud, and the stud that holds cable managment bracket. Also the relays and controllers mounted to the rail above the radiator.

After that the exhaust pipes are not really in the way of removal.

AnswerThat top bolt is a real challenge - I assembled about 2 feet worth of socket driver extensions and fed it to the bolt from straight out and to the far right side. This provided lots of swing-room for the ratchet wrench. AnswerDisconnect - side of batteryFollow + battery cable for starter locationLift and secure vehicle if needed for accessRemove 2 bolts securing starterDisconnect wiresSlide starter out of housing Reverse to install

The start is located on the lower part of the 'front' of the engine - the side literally facing the front of the vehicle.

It is located below the front exhaust manifold.

The starter is lower front of engine at the transmission close to the radiator.

AnswerBefore removing the starter for repair or replacement, check the condition of all circuit wiring for damage. Inspect all connections to the starter motor, relay, ignition switch, and battery, including all ground connections. Clean and tighten all connections as seen fit.

Also keep in mind that the heavy gague input lead to the starter solenoid is hot at all times. Be careful to ensure the protective cap is installed over the terminal and replaced after service.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Note: When the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal driveablilty symptoms may occur while the PCM relearns its adaptive strategy. It usually take about 10 miles of driving to relearn it, so take it easy.

2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.

3. Disengage the starter cable and the push-on connector from the starter solenoid.

4. Remove the upper and lower retaining bolts, then remove the starter motor from the vehicle.

5. Position the starter motor to the engine , then install the upper and lower retaining bolts finger tight.

6. Tighten the retaining bolts to 15-20 ft. pounds.

7. Engage the starter solenoid connector, making sure to push straight on until it locks into position, you will hear it click.

8. Install the starter calbe nut to the starter solenoid B terminal. Tighten the nut to 80-120 in. pounds, then install the red starter solenoid safety cap.

9. Lower the vehicle, then connect the negative battery cable.

Good Luck - D. Gavel

AnswerBefore removing the starter for repair or replacement, check the condition of all circuit wiring for damage. Inspect all connections to the starter motor, relay, ignition switch, and battery, including all ground connections. Clean and tighten all connections as seen fit.

Also keep in mind that the heavy gague input lead to the starter solenoid is hot at all times. Be careful to ensure the protective cap is installed over the terminal and replaced after service.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Note: When the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal driveablilty symptoms may occur while the PCM relearns its adaptive strategy. It usually take about 10 miles of driving to relearn it, so take it easy.

2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.

3. Disengage the starter cable and the push-on connector from the starter solenoid.

4. Remove the upper and lower retaining bolts, then remove the starter motor from the vehicle.

5. Position the starter motor to the engine , then install the upper and lower retaining bolts finger tight.

6. Tighten the retaining bolts to 15-20 ft. pounds.

7. Engage the starter solenoid connector, making sure to push straight on until it locks into position, you will hear it click.

8. Install the starter calbe nut to the starter solenoid B terminal. Tighten the nut to 80-120 in. pounds, then install the red starter solenoid safety cap.

9. Lower the vehicle, then connect the negative battery cable.

Good Luck - D. Gavel

AnswerBefore removing the starter for repair or replacement, check the condition of all circuit wiring for damage. Inspect all connections to the starter motor, relay, ignition switch, and battery, including all ground connections. Clean and tighten all connections as seen fit.

Also keep in mind that the heavy gague input lead to the starter solenoid is hot at all times. Be careful to ensure the protective cap is installed over the terminal and replaced after service.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Note: When the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal driveablilty symptoms may occur while the PCM relearns its adaptive strategy. It usually take about 10 miles of driving to relearn it, so take it easy.

2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.

3. Disengage the starter cable and the push-on connector from the starter solenoid.

4. Remove the upper and lower retaining bolts, then remove the starter motor from the vehicle.

5. Position the starter motor to the engine , then install the upper and lower retaining bolts finger tight.

6. Tighten the retaining bolts to 15-20 ft. pounds.

7. Engage the starter solenoid connector, making sure to push straight on until it locks into position, you will hear it click.

8. Install the starter calbe nut to the starter solenoid B terminal. Tighten the nut to 80-120 in. pounds, then install the red starter solenoid safety cap.

9. Lower the vehicle, then connect the negative battery cable.

Good Luck - D. Gavel

AnswerDisconnect one battery cable. You can disconnect the positive instead of the negative just for fun if you like, but don't arc out.

Jack up the front of the car (and yadda set it on stands, yadda set parking yadda brake.)

The starter is bolted to the engine near the bottom on the side closer to the radiator. This is a very easy one to get to. You may need 13mm and 15mm sockets, both deep and short as well as wrenches of those sizes to remove it. On some cars a 17mm deep may also be required Be careful not to damage the ground strap on the lower mounting stud. This will be the easiest starter you ever replace unless you're using a Pep Boys guaranteed defective prostart brand unit that you'll replace within a few days.

If your transaxle has been replaced by a dimwit or slacktard, the nut on the lower mounting stud may not be removable in place any you may break the ground strap at that stud. If so, DO NOT forget to repair this ground strap.

Wear high quality thick latex gloves that fit well. Keep a few extra gloves and rags handy. If this is a 3.0L engine (not a 3.8L which has blown it's third head gasket by now) the starter will be covered in nasty partially burned oil because every time the filter is removed it drains onto the starter. Keep a few spare gloves handy.

AnswerLook for your oil filter.The starter should be just by where the filter is mounted.I'm looking at a close up picture so I have no idea where this is.

- Disconnect the large cable from the terminal on the starter moter.- Remove the 2 bolts attaching the rear support bracket to remove bracket.- Remove the 2 bolts connecting the starter to the bellhousing.There should be a ground wire attached to the upper bolt.- transmission type: - automatic - remove starter between the radiator and subframe. - manual - remove starter between the subframe and engine.

Answerwhile your answer was good,may i suggest that folks always disconnect the battery first.This is always a good practice to follow anyway in order to prevent an aciccident or blown computer. AnswerStarter id almost dead center (from side to side) just benind the radiator, in the hardest possible location to reach, and it is right next to the oil filter. Ford was kind enough to leave no way to easily remove it, much less install a replacement. Be prepared to remove the fan, etc., and bring lights, extensions, floppy sockets, mirors, or a small child. Good luck.

Why won't the key to a Ford Expediton turn the ignition?

check the starter what year is it , if the key has a transponder chip and you are using a dup made at a wallamrt it won't work.

What is a magneto ignition system?

On things like cars you usually have a belt driven alternator to provide electricity to the ignition and all electric functions. But if you have something simpler, like a chain saw or a small outboard engine, then you can have magnets in/on the flywheel that pass by coils to generate electricity for the spark plugs. And that's a magneto ignition system.

On a 1996 Chevrolet Pick-up 1500 series how do you replace the ignition switch?

if tis like a 1995 you need to remove the lower dash panel below the column, the culoumn sleeve that is held on by 2 torx scres from the bottom, then you need a inverted torx sicket to remove to that hold the top sleeve on the column then you can get to the ignition switch

Where is the ignition module located on a 1995 Ford Ranger 2.3L?

Hi,

I thought it's attached to the side of the distributor. I may be wrong but I think that's where it is. I have a '94 with the 3.8 because I've considered buying the high performance one bout it's about $55.00 so I don't know, I haven't decided yet because it's still a bit too cold for doing most outside work here in MA.If I'm wrong please correct me. Thanks Steve H.

What is a starter Ignition Neutral switch?

Neutral switch? If you mean the neutral-safety switch, it's a switch that opens (prevents current from flowing) when your car is not in park or neutral. Without this switch, you would be able to turn the key and actuate the starter when your transmission is in reverse, drive and low range.

How do you fix a ignition switch stuck in the running position in a 1994 Chevy silverado?

its a pain. pull the steering wheel, you will need a wheel puller. the u must take off the turn signal parts and the retaining plate. then there is a release for the tumbler unit, push the release then slide out the old ignition switch. -thorr On the 83 model chev halfton the ignition switch is down on the coloumn closer to the fire wall thers is 4 bolts holding it to the coloumn, remove them and then rotate the switch to remove the rod coming from the ignition lock(where the key goes) and then unplug the wiring harness from it.

Why is it difficult to start your car when it is cold?

If the car cranks but will not start except in a cold only start situation (consistent), the condition could be caused by a failure in the fuel injection system, most FI equipped cars have a separate cold start circuit allowing the engine to start using the fuel supplied during this circuits operation which can last between 1.5 through 5 minuets depending upon make model and temperature both engine and ambient. This type of failure could be caused by the ECM (electronic control module) or a bad temp sensor, it could not be caused by a clogged fuel filter because this type of system generally shares the same supply system (i.e.: fuel pump, filters and lines.)

If the car cranks and starts cold and then after driving and stopping the engine will not crank (intermittent or constant) you may have a heat soak condition which will require the replacement of the starter / solenoid assembly. This is generally cause by armature windings and the magnets that surround the binding due to bearing ware and heat and is not caused by the solenoid.

Solenoid replacement tip - Most cars after 1970 except for the erroneous ford or Chrysler product do not have a separate solenoid - though in most cases the separate service of a solenoid is possible by the time you remove a starter that has the same or more run time as the solenoid why would you?

Generally a battery failure becomes more evident during a cold start so the likelihood of the condition being caused by a battery is slim.

More Information:

Check the solenoid and the starter. The battery charges itself through the alternator while you're driving. If the battery were the culprit you wouldn't be able to start the car no matter how long you waited until you had it jump started. If the radio, headlights, windshield wipers etc work but the engine doesn't even try to turn over (silence when you turn the key) it's probably the starter or solenoid. the solenoid uses low current from the ignition switch (keys) to complete a higher amperage circuit for the starter. If it isn't the starter or solenoid check for loose or burned wires from the battery to the starter, and check all fuses and fuesable links in the starting system. A good wiring diagram can be found in the proper chiltens repair manual for your vehicle.

How do you unlock the steering wheel?

hopefully your not stealing the vehicle. but you will have to remove the steering wheel and then remove the key switch itself, purchase a new key switch and replace. However if its only to move the vehicle, after you remove the key switch you can take a screw driver and turn the mechanism in the column to unlock.