Starter solenoid wiring diagram needed

Tiny
JOSHUATREE503
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 MERCURY SABLE
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 61,800 MILES
So, I was replacing the positive battery cable and for some reason I took apart the entire starter solenoid without paying attention to where the wires go, when I put it back together, I had the negative battery cable on and no key in ignition, but the engine started cranking, I realize that I did the wiring wrong. Now I can't figure out how to correct it, the car won't start, and I'm pretty sure now I will need to replace the starter solenoid also. I don't want to put a new one on and do the same thing to it though, can someone please help me? I've been looking online for the wiring diagram but it's really confusing, and I've been trying to get it right. Also, sometimes when I try to put it together, it starts sparking up and cranking and I realize that this is bad and it's dangerous and possibly could cause a fire? I don't want to destroy it anymore. The car only had 61,780 ish miles when I bought it and it started having symptoms of needing a fuel filter but also the battery cables are super corroded and cracking that's why I wanted to replace them. I only got to drive the car like 30 or 40 miles.
Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 AT 10:01 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,781 POSTS
Hello, here is the wiring diagram for the starter circuit. I'm not sure how you wired it to start on its own, but the sparks are not a good sign. This car does have an Electronic Engine Control Module on the right side of the firewall, so hopefully you didn't fry the engine computer. Usually, that's what happens when power is hooked up to negative ground wires. I'm not sure where you would find and ECM for a car this old. There are barely any wiring diagrams for this vehicle. But I do hope it works out ok for you.
I found another diagram of the starting circuit. If you get a no crank, try checking the Fusible Links circled in yellow. In pink highlighted is the starting circuit,
If you get a crank but no start, check for spark at a spark plug.
There are some guides below if you need additional help. If it doesn't start at all, and there's no spark, let us know and we will try to help.

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

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system
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Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 AT 6:14 PM

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