Checking, removing and installing the traction relay (Mondeo 1)

If the traction relay fails, the gear in the starter is not attracted to the toothed rim of the flywheel. Because of this, the starter cannot turn the engine shaft. This defect occurs more often than the starter motor itself fails.

Check in installed state

Disengage the transmission and set the gear shift lever to neutral.

Briefly shunt the starter terminal 30 (thick positive wire) and terminal 50 (thin wire going to the ignition and instrument switch) with an auxiliary wire, the starter drive pinion should move forward quickly and operate the starter. If this does not happen, unscrew the starter and replace the relay.

Removal

Remove the starter and retest it in the removed position using the battery. The starter auxiliary battery lead (outside the car) is suitable as a feed line to terminal 50 of the starter. If the pinion moves forward quickly without engaging the starter, have the starter repaired at a car repair shop.

If the gear does not move forward quickly, unscrew and replace the traction relay.

Installation

Seal the separation joint "F" with a suitable sealant.



Hang the solenoid switch on the fork arm in the starter, then screw the solenoid switch in place.

Screw the wire going to the traction relay.

Check the starter again as described above.

Install the starter.