Starter relay

FIGHTINGBEE

MEMBER
2003 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
131,000 MILES

I disconnected the battery to clean it, after I reconnected the battery, I turned the key and it just clicked. I have lights and the bell dings when I insert the key.
I was told it might be a starter relay. The cables come from the engine to a fuse box on the driver side by the air filter.

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,883 POSTS

It sounds like the connection is still dirty or the battery is dead, here are a couple of guides that will help you get the problem fixed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Please let us know happens so it will help others.

Best, Ken

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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 3:39 PM

GREG MARION

MEMBER
1 POST
1998 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

Removal of starter on a 1998 windstar van 3.8 motor

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Tuesday, June 18th, 2019 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

REMOVAL

WARNING: WHEN SERVICING STARTER MOTOR OR PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE IN THE AREA OF THE STARTER MOTOR, NOTE THE HEAVY GAUGE INPUT LEAD CONNECTED TO THE STARTER SOLENOID IS HOT AT ALL TIMES. MAKE SURE THE PROTECTIVE CAP IS INSTALLED OVER THE TERMINAL AND IS REPLACED AFTER SERVICE.

Disconnect battery ground cable.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
Disconnect starter cable and push-on connector from starter solenoid.
CAUTION: When disconnecting hardshell connector at S terminal, grasp the plastic shell and pull off. Do not pull on wire. Be careful to pull straight off to prevent damage to the connector and S terminal. If any part of the connection is damaged, replace the damaged components.

Remove upper bolt.
Remove lower bolt and starter motor.

INSTALLATION

Position starter motor to engine and install upper and lower bolts finger-tight.
Tighten the upper mounting bolt to 20-27 N.M (15-20 lb-ft).
Tighten the lower mounting bolt to 20-27 N.M (15-20 lb-ft).
Connect starter solenoid connector. Be careful to push straight on and make sure connector locks in position with a notable click or detent.
Install starter cable nut to starter solenoid B-terminal. Tighten to 9-14 N.M (80-123 lb-in).
Replace red starter solenoid safety cap.
Lower vehicle to floor.
Connect battery ground cable.

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Tuesday, June 18th, 2019 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)