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.
Raise the front of the Mustang with a jack. Position the vehicle on jack stands placed underneath the frame.
Locate the starter motor on the passenger's side of the engine, where the engine attaches to the transmission.
Tag the wiring with masking tape to avoid incorrectly installing the wires upon reassembly.
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.
Unfasten the starter's two mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Lower the starter out of the transmission's bellhousing.
Position the new starter motor against the transmission's bellhousing, ensuring the mounting bolts on the starter align with the holes on the bellhousing.
Install and tighten the starter's two mounting bolts with a socket wrench.
Position the starter's wires onto their threaded rods. Install and tighten the nuts with a socket wrench.
Peel the tape pieces off the wires. Lower the car to the ground.