GEM problems/Starter problems
I recently found a web site for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stating that there has been a recall for these GEMs.
While troubleshooting this problem I found that the rubber boots for the steering column are worn out due to weather(the ones on the firewall by your feet) this allows water to enter while under raining conditions and driving. Water travels up toward the GEM and other misc. electrical systems. I now have a problem with my starter not working. I checked my relay and am getting sparks when shorting out the 2 terminals , now I need to know how the starter is wired to check for the volts at the terminal on the solenoid. Can someone please help me with the diagram.

"A" in the diagram is the trigger wire from the ignition switch.
It turns on the starter relay on the firewall which sends power to the small terminal on the starter motor. It's not unusual for the starter wiring to be corroded or broken at the starter. If you have power at both the terminals on the starter motor when someone turns the key to the start position you probably need a new starter.
I wonder why Ford went to the starter solenoid style starter? They always said this style was better(GM always used it) because the starter wouldn't turn until the gear was engaged in the flywheel, but the old Ford starters and flywheels lasted for years and years with no problems.







