Trying to replace the Starter

[jciarella]

I have a 99 Explorer and my starter motor is bad and I'm trying to replace it. I can easily get it unbolted, but I can't figure out how to disconnect the small solenoid wire attached on top. I think it unclips somewhere, but I can't figure out where. If anyone knows please help. Thanks.

 

[410Fortune]

the small wire unclips from the starter, it is a press on fitting
Male on female, just like the back of the speaker

For the larger wire you remove the cover and unbolt the 1/2" nut

The big red one is LIVE unless you have disconnected the - terminal on the battery like you are should hahaha
So dont let it touch ground, ir better yet disco the battery.
Make sure you clean the terminals real good on teh wires and you should put a bit of die electric grease on there

good luck

 

[jciarella]

Does it disconnect from the starter motor cylinder where it goes into the flat rubber thing? Or does it stay connected to the motor and disconnect from the other end?

 

[EMG7895]

Both of the wires disconnect from the starter solenoid, which is the smaller cylindrical thing above starter motor, it come off all in one piece when you remove the 2 13mm bolts. If your replacement starter has a post style terminal for the tripper wire instead of the factory push on, be very carefull about the pigtail that comes with it the indexing tab can short out against the engine block.