I got everything put together got in turned the key got nothing... that was to be expected. I thought i might have had the cables swtiched so i did that and as soon as i hook them up i can hear the starter spinning. so i checked connections and tighted and it still does the same thing. Then i took it out to bench test the starter and it snaps out but doesn't spin.

also i have the instrument panel out and the dash all torn appart... so maybe a connection through something else? And the cables on the battery are on with the black and yellow one to neg. and the other to pos.

any ideas for a newbie?

 

Check the voltage on the starter when you turn the key. The FSM gives specific voltage cut offs that point to either the starter or the ignition wiring (I want to say > 9v is starter problem). I wasnt getting enough voltage to the starter and found a break in my key --> ignition wiring. good luck!

 

thanks dude anything is worth a try if it might fix it

 

If you had the starter on the motor and just hooked up the wires and the starter just spun.
You have hooked up the wires incorrectly. If it spins and does not engage on the car then you have bypassed the wire that is supposed to be on the start side to go thru the solenoid to engage it. You have put direct power somehow on the starter with the way you hooked up your wires.
As far as bench testing goes. Did you just put some cables to the starter or take it to a auto parts store to be tested?