Car keeps eating starters!

Asked by Maximus Nov 13, 2020 at 05:13 PM about the 2000 Ford Windstar Cargo Base

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hi everyone, minivan keeps eating starters. Upon key
turn either a semi loud clunk noise or no engagement.
All connections seem good, deep charged top CAA 850
battery only a year old. Pretty competent just can't figure
out what is causing this. Additional clue: must start in
neutral so I know I've got a neutral safety switch issue.
What is the possible cause here? Any help is greatly
appreciated! Thanks!

2 Answers
157,465

James answered 3 years ago

A clunk is usually an indication of broken teeth on the flywheel. Remove the flywheel cover and inspect the flywheel. Also make sure you have the correct starter drive to flywheel ring gear clearance. You might have to shim the starter to get the correct clearance. Hope that helps! Jim

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
40

homewrecker71968 answered 3 years ago

Having to start your rig in neutral is a dead give away that neut safety switch is trash, there is a backing plate on engine back if it wasn't reinstalled saying after a rear mainseal it will allow the bendix to insert to far into ring gear a failing ignition switch or solenoid (pre 2000) could be a secondary issue

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Car keeps eating starters! 2 Answers

    Hi everyone, minivan keeps eating starters. Upon key turn either a semi loud clunk noise or no engagement. All connections seem good, deep charged top CAA 850 battery only a year old. Pretty compet...

    2000 Ford Windstar Cargo Base

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Car cranks but wont start 3 Answers

    I've replaced the fuel pump. The o2 sensor. Starter wire. Still won't start. It just keeps cranking. What else could it be?

    2002 Ford Windstar Cargo

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1999 ford windstar check engine light keeps blinking, what could be wrong? 1 Answer

    1999 Ford Windstar Cargo 3 Dr STD Cargo Van

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Diagnosing help 4 Answers

    Car was running fine then all of the sudden I lost power and engine just revs but won't move.. I've tried every gear and engine will just rev when i give it gas

    2003 Ford Windstar Cargo

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • mass airflow sensor 4 Answers

    Computer check revealed rich fuel and oreillys tol me the mass airflow sensor was the oroblem. I first tried to clean it but the same problem arose which was car dying while driving with no other ...

    1999 Ford Windstar Cargo

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Looking for a Used Windstar Cargo in your area?

CarGurus has thousands of nationwide listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Ford Windstar Cargo Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    lalvear1217
    Reputation
    130
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    90
  • #3
    Paul
    Reputation
    70
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.