I wasnt paying attention when I took out the starter and forgot which wires were attached to which terminals. I assume that the ground connects to the terminal with the little strap that runs from from one terminal into the solenoid? Could someone clarify that for me? Or if someone could just say which wire from where goes to the left or right terminal.

Secondly, there is this plastic piece that was underneath one of the terminals on the old starter, the new starter didnt come with it, should I swap it over to the new one or leave it? I was thinking it might insulate the positive from the chassis of the starter if the chassis is grounded? Finally, any idea why my old starter had two signal terminals, I dont believe the new one did?

 

Are you sure you got the right starter?

The plastic piece isn't just a spacer. It should definitely go on the solenoid of the new starter. The battery cable wire should go on the bolt to the left (also on the solenoid). And there's the small wire from the solenoid to the starter body.

I'll help you if you help me. I'll attach a picture but tell me how you got the starter out. That's where I'm at/stuck.

97 Audi A4 Quattro

 

There should be 2 thick cables, one from the battery and one from the alt that also has a small wire with a plastic plug. The 2 big wires go to the top bolt/nut. The small wire with the plastic plug go to the terminal that is toward the passenger wheel.

The starter is grounded to the motor when you bolt it up, so it doesn't need an actual ground wire to it.