1998 Zx2 starting problem
 

So I have a 1998 Ford ZX2 Sport, recently my dad and I replaced the transmission. We now are encountering a problem of it not starting, I turn the key and all electronics work but the starter only clicks. We had the started bench tested at autozone and whirred away but it only clicks when its installed in the car. We cleaned up all the grounds and it actually started twice, But when it started these 2 times it was revving at 2000 rpm and there was aloud squealing noise, we think the noise was the starter. the car has not started since, could we have fried the starter? or is there something else wrong?

any help would be useful, thanks!

Sometimes in spite of all good intentions something is overlooked.
Are you sure the torque converter was properly indexed to the flywheel?
Did you use your old MLPS (manual lever position switch) or the one that came with the replacement trans?
It sounds like you may have more than one problem. Why did you need to replace the original trans? Did you check if the replacement trans was compatible with your vehicle? Don't go by what the salvage yard says if that's where you got it. Take the info off the spec plate on the trans and check with a Ford parts dept. The days of easy swap are long gone.

yes we're sure the torque conv. sits fine. The replacement came with a MLPS but to see if it did anything different we swapped in the old one. The original trans died and the replacement came from another zx2 *these zx2's are very famous for crappy tranny's* we know the replacement works, we had it tested when we bought it. The "spec plates" on both tranny's were paper... seriously not joking.. paper, so that is out of the question.

Because specs change in between model years , I have learned to not take anything for granted. When you say the trans was tested , please explain.
Did the trans come from the same year vehicle?
I believe the starter had to be removed to swap the trans. Are you sure the wires are connected to the proper terminals? If you didn't remove the flywheel and are using the original starter and the vehicle had no problem before changing the trans , the wiring to the starter may be incorrect . Is something holding the starter drive engaged with the flywheel?