Safety First!
* Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting any work. This prevents accidental shorts and shocks.
* Use jack stands if you need to work underneath the car. Never rely solely on a jack.
* Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
* Use gloves to protect your hands from grease and grime.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Socket wrench set (metric)
* Ratchet and extensions
* Wrenches (metric)
* Pry bar (possibly)
* Battery wrench
* Wire brush (to clean battery terminals)
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster)
* Jack and jack stands (if needed)
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for specifics):
1. Locate the starter: It's usually on the bottom of the engine, near the transmission bell housing. Your repair manual will show its precise location.
2. Disconnect the starter wiring: There will be at least two large cables attached to the starter—one positive (+) and one negative (-). Carefully disconnect them, taking note of where they connect. You may need to use a wrench or socket to loosen the nuts securing these cables. Take pictures to help with reassembly if needed.
3. Remove the starter mounting bolts: The starter is typically held in place by two or three bolts. These can be difficult to access, and penetrating oil might be necessary to loosen them if they are rusted or stuck. Use the appropriate sockets and wrenches.
4. Remove the starter: Once the bolts are removed, the starter should be free to come out. Sometimes it's a tight fit and may require some gentle prying. Be careful not to damage anything around the starter.
5. Install the new starter: Position the new starter in place and carefully align the mounting holes. Install the mounting bolts and tighten them securely.
6. Reconnect the wiring: Attach the positive (+) and negative (-) cables to the new starter, ensuring they are firmly secured.
7. Reconnect the battery cable: Reconnect the negative battery cable.
8. Test the starter: Try to start the engine.
Important Considerations:
* Accessibility: Accessing the starter on a Probe can be cramped. You might need to remove other components to get better access, such as parts of the intake manifold or exhaust. Your repair manual will guide you on this.
* Bolts: The starter bolts can be notoriously stubborn due to rust and corrosion. Use penetrating oil liberally and allow time for it to work before attempting to loosen them. A breaker bar might be helpful if the bolts are extremely tight.
* Torque Specifications: Always tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. This information is found in your repair manual. Over-tightening can damage the starter or its mounting points.
Again, I strongly recommend obtaining a repair manual specific to your 1995 Ford Probe before attempting this repair. A Haynes or Chilton manual will provide detailed diagrams and instructions, significantly increasing your chances of success and preventing damage to your vehicle. If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take it to a qualified mechanic.
