Starter ground wire?

Welcome to the world of Nippondenso starters.

It's the solenoid contacts, I'll bet large...a common ND failure mode for over 30 years.

Yup, that has a probability factor of about 95%.

If you (the O.P.) are mechanically inclined, you could fix this yourself for less than $10. I did mine on a '94 eagle 3.3L. About an hour an half total time (removal, repair, and install,) and less than $5 in parts from the local "Auto Electric" rebuild shop...

Starter solenoid contacts. Classic failure mode on the Nippondenso gear-reduction starter.

Very typical failure on Nippondenso solenoid contacts. Check out this web site for replacements if you can't find a local rebuilder that will sell them to you. Very easy to replace them. Make sure you clean up the plunger contact ring with a stiff wire brush and electrical contact cleaner. The site provides clear pictures and lists which parts you will need. Note these are the same starters used in Nissan vehicles.

Good luck.

Bob

Nice site... Very pricy compared to what I paid at the local rebuilders, however. Contacts cost me $1.30-something for both, and a new plunger ran $3-something. Total cost was $5.03 including 6% tax...

Definitely look locally first...

My closest "local" alternator/starter rebuilder was 40 miles away and the prices for the contacts were higher than what this guy wanted at the web site. Yes, do check locally first, but not every rebuilder encourages the sale of parts. Sounds like you found a nice guy.

I own 3 Chryslers and a Mitsubishi, all of which use the Nippondenso starter. Family members also have the same and nearly all have required contacts about every 5-7 years depending on the frequency of starting. I bought the volume package from the guy on the web for a lot less than a single rebuilt starter.

Bob