1994 Ford Tempo Starter Problem

If you have to bang on it the starter is the problem.

I have repaired lots of escorts and Tempos in my time. There should be a support brace on the rear of the starter that bolts to the engine block. I have worked as a tech at many shops. Back when these cars were more common many techs would simply leave the brace off. Most technicians get paid on commission therefore try to complete the jobs fast.

That little bracket is challenging to get back on so many do it yourselfers leave it off as well. The car will start fine without it but the starter will wear out prematurely almost everytime.

I recommend checking for the bracket. If it is missing replace it. If you cannot find one invest in a rebuilt with a lifetime warranty and some tools. You will probably replace one approx once a year.

i never put that bracket back on. i cant see any reason for it to effect the life of the starter. there are 2 types of starters. the big and the small. the newer starters are small and they suffer easy failure from oil contamination causing early brush failure.

I had your problem with my 93 tempo, you just can't imagine what i changed for parts to figure out what was wrong. Finally it was a wire going i think to the starter motor's selenoid which was loose.

The connection wasn't made tight enought to make a secure contact. It explain why sometimes it was working, sometimes not.

I thought it was the starter itself also because i use a hammer on it and the car would start ( real reason was because when i was hitting the starter, it shake that connector and in luck, it make a somewhat safe connection), so i changed the starter for nothing. Because on the new starter, the contact was new, the issu was gone for some time but couple of months after, same issu.

I ask for that part at an autopart, cut the wire and weld it back, used the shrink rubber isolant with the help of heat and didn't had that Tick, no cranking issu for like 10 months.

Hope that helps,

Dan

ps: if those wire are tight and in good shape, it could be your starter relay or second selenoide under hood, left side, close to battery.