Starter Problem

[Khufu]

My 92 Taurus won't start anymore. I think that there's a problem with the starter because when i try to start the car there is no sound at all. A friend of mine is studying mechanics and could try to clean the starter if i can take it off.

I want to know if it's hard to remove and what tools do i need to do it?

Is it really hard to do even for a beginner like me?

Thanks for your help!

[Khufu]

I took a picture of what I think could be the starter. Could you tell me if i'm looking at the right thing because i don't want to attempt to remove the wrong thing.

http://khufu_pat.tripod.com/starter.jpg

This may not be the best picture but i don't have anything to lift the car at this time.

Tank you for your help!

[Tercel GTS]

The part circled is the solenoid ( sounds like sill in noid) and it is on the starter. The may also be a starter relay near the battery. Remove the 2 wires from the solenoid and remove the 2 or 3 bolts that hold the starter on. From my experience I'd say you got good life from that part. If there is an LKQ salvage yard in your area I'd go there and get the starter that matches yours in all angles. Check gear depth and number of teeth as well as bolt pattern. This sounds kind of troublesome, but truthfully a 3 year old factory starter is better material than a fresh parts store piece.

[Yamahamian]

Also, this may sound stupid, but check all the connections to/from the starter. I had a problem with my '93 when I stalled out once. The jolt shook a wire loose and it wouldn't start anymore, no noise at all. Luckily it was a manual so I could pop it. It took a tow truck driver to tell me about it. (must be somewhat common on Fords).

[Khufu]

Thanks for your help, i'll check that out!

[Khufu]

I heard that there's a way to jump the starter by connecting it directly to the battery.

How does it work? What part of the starter do i connect to the battery?

This way i'll see if the problem comes from the starter or not.

Thanks for your help!

[medicTA]

As TercelGTS mentioned, there may be a starter relay mounted near the battery. Look for an approx. 2" round part that the battery positive lead goes to and it should have another terminal that another large wire goes to the starter.
This is the starter relay, if you cross the large terminals with a large screwdriver the starter should turn over.

FIRST:
Make sure the car is in park or neutral if standard and the emergency is on. Also, I always take an extra minute to mark as to their location and remove the other wires attached to the relay. I have heard of a few incidents where things have fried, so be safe!