There is a lead wire attached (held with a nut) to the new starter that says not to remove?

HIRRA1037

MEMBER
2003 FORD ESCAPE
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
200,000 MILES

It gives instructions to crimp to existing lead. Which there is no existing lead present. The wires coming from the positive battery wires are on eye hooks(2 separate) attached to plastic that fits onto the solenoid. I've put it on and now taken it off, not sure if this lead is causing it not to start. It turns over/cranks it just doesn't have the ump to start. It sounds like it might but it doesn't. Before I parked it, I had to push start it to get it running (most of the time). Please, where am I to do with the lead wire.

Monday, October 16th, 2023 AT 12:58 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,052 POSTS

Hi,

I'm not sure which wire you are referring to as far as crimping it. At the starter motor, there should be a heavy gauge red wire. That comes directly from the battery and has a B+ voltage at all times. Also, there should be a smaller gauge white wire with a pink tracer at the starter. That wire is called the trigger wire. It only has power when the key is in the start position.

(See schematic below)

Will the vehicle start if you catch it in gear? Is it possible for you to record it cranking and upload it for me to hear?

Additionally, what color is the wire you are questioning? You have me confused when you indicate it shouldn't be removed and should be crimped. Please explain.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below. Note: I attached the wiring schematic for the starter circuit below. I had to cut it in half to make it readable for you. I overlapped the two pics so you can follow from one to the next. Also, I highlighted the path the power takes to actuate the starter motor.

Images (Click to make bigger)