New engine, new starter, will not start

Tiny
ARMANDOGARCIA91
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 3,000 MILES
I can’t get my vehicle to start! I checked the battery, it’s new! Installed a new engine starter and still nothing. So I was wondering how many cables are supposed to connect to the starter? I know there is a power cables and a trigger cable. Is there a ground cable?
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 AT 10:17 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

There is a main power wire from the starter (hot all the time) and a smaller wire on the starter solenoid that only gets 12v when the key is in the start position. As far as ground, the main ground wire from the battery goes to the engine block. Therefore, the starter is grounded by bolting it to the engine. Make sure that is tight and clean.

Now, the first thing I need you to check is if the smaller wire to the starter is getting power when the key is in the start position. Here is a link that explains the process:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Check that and let me know the results. Also, check the starter relay switch. See pic 1. Also, pic 2 shows the two wires at the starter. The smaller one is hot only when the key is in the start position. See if there is power there.

Here are a few links you may find helpful when checking electrical components:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know if this helps.

Take care and happy 4th.

Joe
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Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 AT 7:41 PM

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