How to Replace a Lincoln Town Car Solenoid

by Zyon Silket

The solenoid in a Lincoln Town Car is responsible for sending an electronic signal to the starter motor. The signal forces a small gear inside the starter motor to turn. This turning motion causes the engine to turn over and start. Without the starter solenoid, the engine on your Lincoln Town Car will not start. The solenoid is located on top of the starter motor. To remove the solenoid from the motor, you must first remove the starter motor.

Step 1

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal, using a socket and ratchet. This removes power from the starter motor and solenoid and prevents electrical shock.

Step 2

Locate the starter motor under the vehicle, between the transmission and transmission cross member. The starter motor is silver, approximately eight-inches long and cylindrical in shape. It bolts to the side of the transmission casing. The starter solenoid rests on top of the starter motor.

Step 3

Locate the two metal lugs on the back of the starter solenoid. The wire bolted to the lug on the left goes to the ignition switch. Remove the wire from the solenoid, by unbolting it with a socket and ratchet. The wire that bolts to the lug on the right goes to the starter motor. Follow the wire to the starter motor, and unbolt the wire from the starter motor, using a socket and wrench.

Step 4

Remove the two bolts that secure the starter motor to the transmission housing, using a socket and ratchet. Pull the starter away from the motor, and rotate it, so you can see the solenoid.

Step 5

Unplug the wiring harness from the solenoid. The harness has a small tab in the center of it. Pull in on the tab, and pull out on the harness.

Step 6

Remove the two bolts that secure the starter solenoid to the side of the starter motor, using a socket and ratchet. Place the new solenoid onto the side of the starter, and bolt it into place.

Step 7

Secure the wire connected to the right lug on the new solenoid to the starter motor, using a socket and ratchet.

Step 8

Place the starter motor under the Town Car, and plug in the wiring harness.

Step 9

Rotate the starter motor against the transmission housing, until the bolt holes are in line. Thread the bolts into the transmission housing with your fingers, and tighten them with the socket and ratchet.