Here's a breakdown of how to check the starter:
1. Visual Inspection:
* Look for obvious damage: Check the starter for any loose wires, corrosion, physical damage, or anything out of the ordinary. Pay close attention to the battery cables and their connections at both the battery and the starter. Clean any corrosion you find with a wire brush and baking soda paste.
* Inspect the solenoid: The solenoid is the part on top of the starter with the large terminal and smaller terminals. Look for any signs of burning or damage.
2. Voltage Test (Solenoid and Battery):
* Check battery voltage: With the multimeter set to DC volts, test the battery voltage. It should read around 12.6 volts when fully charged. A lower voltage indicates a weak battery, which can prevent the starter from working.
* Check voltage at the battery cables: Connect the multimeter to the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the battery. Have someone turn the ignition key to the "start" position. The voltage should drop significantly (but not to zero) while cranking. A significant voltage drop indicates a problem in the wiring or with the starter's internal resistance. If the voltage stays high, the starter may be the problem or there may be a problem in the circuit leading to it.
* Check voltage at the solenoid: With the key turned to "start", check the voltage across the large terminal on the solenoid. You should see battery voltage. If you don't, the problem is in the wiring leading to the solenoid.
3. Continuity Test (Solenoid and Starter Motor):
* Solenoid continuity: Use your multimeter in the continuity mode (often shown by a diode symbol). Test the continuity of the small terminals on the solenoid. They should show continuity. If not, the solenoid itself is likely bad.
* Starter motor continuity (more advanced): This requires disconnecting the starter motor (not recommended for novices). Once disconnected, you can test the continuity between the positive terminal on the starter motor and the ground terminal. You should have continuity. If not, the starter motor is likely bad. *This step requires some mechanical knowledge and understanding of the risks involved.*
4. Grounding:
* Check the starter's ground connection: A poor ground connection is a common cause of starting problems. Trace the ground wire from the starter to the engine block and ensure it is clean, tight, and making good contact.
Important Considerations:
* Safety first: Always disconnect the negative battery cable before working on the electrical system.
* Professional help: If you're not comfortable performing these tests or don't have the necessary tools, take your Lincoln LS to a qualified mechanic. Improper testing could lead to injury or damage to your vehicle.
* Wiring diagrams: A wiring diagram for your 2000 Lincoln LS V8 will be extremely helpful in tracing wires and identifying components. These are often available online or through repair manuals.
This process helps narrow down the cause of your starting problem. Remember that a faulty starter can be caused by several things, including a bad battery, faulty ignition switch, or problems in the wiring. The tests above help isolate the starter as the culprit.
