It seems that the base around the negative terminal is very loose on the rear my starter solenoid?

Question

I have an 1993 lincoln town car 187 thousand miles

Is this a sign of it bein bad or can this be fixed?

Answer 1

just replace it, it's not a big job and it shouldn't be to expensive.

Answer 2

That isn't a negative terminal. The front terminal goes to the battery. The rear terminal goes to the starter. When you turn the key to "Start" the solenoid is activated and connects the two terminals together to provide battery voltage to the starter so it will crank the engine. Electrolisis, over the years, has probably eaten the housing up. Get the solenoid replaced. Buy the solenoid from Ford. The ones the parts stores carry are mostly made in China and are real poor quality. The Motorcraft solenoids from Ford are only around $25 and are top quality. If you want to replace it yourself just remember to remove the Negative (Minus) cable from the battery first.