How to change starter I am stuck?

Is it some kind of cover to protect the starter from shorting out?

Yes. It appears to be some kind of protector of the wires.

There has to be a way to remove it. Make sure there are no retaining screws.

The problem is I can't see what is holding it on. If there was a screw, I don't think that I could remove it. The Chilton repair manual doesn't give any extra instructions to remove the connectors. There were the usual nuts holding the wire connectors on. To update, this is on a 1996 contour GL, automatic with a 4 cyl. Engine. This should be a 30 min. Job tops!
The battery wire going into the black thing makes a 90 degree turn to the wire connector attached to the back of the solenoid. This black thing has two wires going into it and making the turn. The black thing seems to be hard plastic. I need some advice here, I and my son are getting frustrated. Thanks. Jim.

Hi. Update on my 1996 ford contour wiring problem. The nut that holds the wiring between the starter and the solenoid also holds the black wiring sheild on. I was able to remove. Thanks. Now I can't get the starter in. I got the old starter out with difficulty. Can you reccomend something to give me more room? What is in the way is a pipe connected to the intake. I have tried to move the bracket that holds the exhaust on but I can only move this bracket a little. Thanks in advance.
Jim.