Help. I am trying to remove the starter on my 96 Mystique (2.0 Auto) and it just won't squeeze through the small opening behind the oil pan. Am I doing something wrong or do I have to take something else off to make room. I've been at this for 3 days now trying to get the #*%& thing out!

For the Zetec, you need to access from the bottom,

Autozone.
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1b/c3/4b/0900823d801bc34b.jsp

1996 Ford CD
Starter Motor
WARNING:
WHEN SERVICING THE STARTER MOTOR (11002) OR PERFORMING OTHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT WORK NEAR THE STARTER MOTOR, BE AWARE THAT THE HEAVY GAUGE BATTERY INPUT LEAD AT THE STARTER SOLENOID IS "ELECTRICALLY HOT" AT ALL TIMES. BE SURE TO DISCONNECT BATTERY GROUND CABLE (14301) BEFORE SERVICING STARTER MOTOR.

2.0L Engine

Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.

2. Remove engine intake air resonator.

3. Remove upper starter motor retaining bolt.

4. Raise vehicle on hoist.

5. Remove integral connector retaining nuts from starter solenoid.

6. Remove two lower starter motor retaining bolts and remove starter motor from vehicle.


2.0L Engine

Installation

1. Note: When installing lower starter motor retaining bolts, be sure to install ground cable.

Position starter motor to transaxle and install lower retaining bolts. Tighten bolts to 20-27 N-m (15-20 lb-ft).

2. Install integral connector onto starter solenoid.

3. Install integral connector retaining nuts. Tighten B-terminal retaining nut to 11-13 N-m (97-115 lb-in). Tighten S-terminal retaining nut to 5-6 N-m (44-53 lb-in).

4. Lower vehicle to floor.

5. Install upper starter motor retaining bolt. Tighten to 20-27 N-m (15-20 lb-ft).

6. Install engine intake air resonator.

7. Connect battery ground cable.

From the picture in the manual, they have removed the shaft (not sure what it's called) to gain access. How hard is that to remove? Any special tools? Of course the manual didn't bother to mention this....