Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Inspection and Verification

WARNING: When servicing starter motor or carrying out other underhood work in the vicinity of the starter motor, be aware that the heavy gauge battery input lead at the starter solenoid is "electrically hot" at all times. A protective cap or boot is provided over this terminal that must be installed after servicing. Be sure to disconnect the battery negative cable before servicing the starter. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

WARNING: When working in area of the starter motor, be careful to avoid touching hot exhaust components. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

WARNING: When using a remote starter switch or jumper wire, be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF position and the transmission is in PARK (A/T) or Neutral (M/T) with the parking brake control fully applied.

1. Verify the customers concern by operating the starting system to duplicate the conditions.

2. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply.

Visual Inspection Chart

Mechanical

Electrical

  • Starter motor

  • Brackets
  • Battery
  • Battery junction box (BJB) fuse ignition switch (40A)
  • Central junction box (CJB) Fuse 6 (20A)
  • Fuse 24 (10A)
  • Damaged wiring harness
  • Starter Relay
  • Loose or corroded connections

3. If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair as necessary.

4. If the concern remains after the inspection, determine the symptom. GO to Symptom Chart .

Symptom Chart

Condition Possible Sources Action
  • The engine does not crank and the relay does click
  • Battery.
  • Fuse.
  • Starter motor/solenoid.
  • Ignition switch.
  • Circuit.
  • Go To Pinpoint Test A .
  • The engine does not crank and the relay does not click
  • Fuse.
  • Battery.
  • Starter relay.
  • Ignition switch.
  • Digital transmission range (TR) sensor.
  • Starter solenoid.
  • Clutch pedal position (CPP) switch.
  • Circuit.
  • Go To Pinpoint Test B .
  • The engine cranks slowly
  • Battery.
  • Starter motor/solenoid.
  • Circuit.
  • Go To Pinpoint Test C .
  • Unusual starter noise
  • Starter motor mounting.
  • Starter motor.
  • Incorrect starter drive engagement.
  • Go To Pinpoint Test D .
  • The starter spins but the engine does not crank
  • Starter Motor
  • Damaged flywheel/ring gear teeth.
  • INSPECT the starter motor mounting and engagement.

    REPAIR as necessary

  • INSPECT the flywheel/ring gear for damaged, missing or worn teeth. REPAIR as necessary.
    Starting System (Diagnosis and Testing)
    Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 20 , Starting System for schematic and connector information. Special Tool(s) Digital Multimeter 105-R0051 or equivalent ...

    Pinpoint Tests
    PINPOINT TEST A: THE ENGINE DOES NOT CRANK AND THE RELAY DOES CLICK Test Step Result / Action to Take A1 CHECK THE VOLTAGE TO THE STARTER RELAY YesGO to A2 . No REPAIR circuit 1050 ...

    Other materials:

    Battery Tray
    Removal and Installation WARNING: Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted substances to come near the battery. When charging or working near a battery, always sh ...

    Interior luggage compartment release
    WARNING: Keep vehicle doors and luggage compartment locked and keep keys and remote transmitters out of a child’s reach. Unsupervised children could lock themselves in the trunk and risk injury. Children should be taught not to play in vehicles. WARNING: Do ...

    Pinpoint Tests
    The pinpoint tests are a step-by-step diagnostic process designed to determine the cause of a condition. It may not always be necessary to follow a pinpoint test to its conclusion. Carry out only the steps necessary to correct the condition. Then, test the s ...