How to Replace a Starter on a 1998 Mustang

by John Stevens J.D.

Whether equipped with the 3.6-liter, six-cylinder engine or with the 4.6-liter, eight-cylinder engine, the 1998 Mustang was equipped with a single starter motor. The sole purpose of the starter is to turn the engine fast enough for the engine's ignition system to start the engine. A defective starter motor is indicative of a worn starter clutch. Although it may be impractical to rebuild the starter, replacing the starter with a new unit is fairly straightforward, and the process is the same regardless of the type of engine.

Step 1

Raise the front of the Mustang with a jack. Position the vehicle on jack stands placed underneath the frame.

Step 2

Locate the starter motor on the passenger's side of the engine, where the engine attaches to the transmission.

Step 3

Tag the wiring with masking tape to avoid incorrectly installing the wires upon reassembly.

Step 4

Disconnect the wiring at the starter by using a deep-set socket wrench to remove the nuts that secure the wires against the starter motor.

Step 5

Unfasten the starter's two mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Lower the starter out of the transmission's bellhousing.

Step 6

Position the new starter motor against the transmission's bellhousing, ensuring the mounting bolts on the starter align with the holes on the bellhousing.