SOLENOID PULL-IN TEST
Connect positive battery lead to solenoid "S" terminal and negative battery lead to solenoid case. Starter pinion
drive gear should extend quickly and maintain this position. If starter pinion drive gear does not extend, replace
solenoid. See Fig. 2
.
SOLENOID RETURN TEST
Connect positive battery lead to solenoid "M" terminal and ground negative battery lead to starter body. Using
screwdriver, pry overrunning clutch pinion drive outward. Release screwdriver and ensure overrunning clutch
pinion drive returns to original position. See Fig. 2 .
SOLENOID
1. Disconnect all wires to solenoid. Using ohmmeter, ensure continuity between "S" and "M" terminals, and
between "S" terminal and solenoid body. See Fig. 1
. If continuity does not exist between these terminals,
solenoid must be replaced.
2. Next ensure continuity does not exist between "M" and "B" terminals. If continuity exists between these
terminals, solenoid is shorted and must be replaced.
PINION GAP ADJUSTMENT
1. Ensure field wire is disconnected from solenoid "M" terminal. Connect positive battery lead to "S"
terminal and negative battery lead to starter case. Starter pinion drive gear will extend outward and stop.
2. Quickly measure pinion gap clearance between end of pinion drive and circlip retainer. See Fig. 3
. DO
NOT operate starter solenoid for more than 10 seconds. Pinion gap clearance should be .02-.08" (0.5-2.0
mm).
3. If pinion gap clearance is not within specification, adjust by increasing or decreasing thickness of
solenoid shims located between solenoid and drive housin
g. NOTE: Solenoid tests must be performed with starter assembled and field lead ("M"
terminal wire) disconnected at the solenoid.
CAUTION: Do not engage starter solenoid for more than 10 seconds during testing or
damage to coil winding may result.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STARTER - DIRECT DRIVE 1990-92 ELECTRICAL Mazda Starters - Direct Drive
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:13:20 PMPage 5 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
to field coil housing. If continuity exists, repair or replace field coil.
OVERRUNNING CLUTCH PINION DRIVE
Hold overrunning clutch housing and turn pinion gear by hand. If pinion turns in both directions, clutch is faulty
and must be replaced. DO NOT clean overrunning clutch with solvent, as it is packed with grease and sealed by
manufacturer.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise vehicle on hoist. Remove undercover. Disconnect wiring from
starter. Remove differential lock assembly (4WD models). On Protege (M/T) and 323 models, remove
support brace from under intake manifold. Remove starter mounting bolts. Remove lowest mounting bolt
last. Remove starter from under side of vehicle.
2. To install starter, reverse removal procedure. Tighten mounting bolts to 23-24 ft. lbs. (31-46 N.m).
Tighten battery terminal nut to 87-104 INCH lbs. (9.8-12 N.m).
OVERHAUL
DISASSEMBLY & ASSEMBLY
1. Mark rear cover, field coil housing and front drive housing for reassembly reference. Remove solenoid
and shims, rear cover and brush plate. Remove field coil housing and pull armature and yoke lever from
front drive housing. See Fig. 4
& Fig. 5. Use arbor press to remove circlip, stopper and pinion drive from
armature shaft. See Fig. 6
.
2. To assemble, reverse removal procedures. Lubricate solenoid plunger, yoke lever and armature bushings.
Use arbor press and pinion drive to install stopper and circlip on armature shaft. See Fig. 6
. Ensure brush
plate, rear cover and field coil housin
g are aligned when installing through bolts.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STARTER - DIRECT DRIVE 1990-92 ELECTRICAL Mazda Starters - Direct Drive
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:13:20 PMPage 8 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
