1997 MAZDA MX-5 check engine

STARTER - DIRECT DRIVE
1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Direct Drive
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Direct drive starter is a conventional 12-volt, 4-pole, brush-type starter. The integral solenoid is attached to the
drive housing. The overrunning clutch pinion drive is mounted directly on end of armature shaft drive.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
ON-VEHICLE TESTING
* PLEASE READ FIRST *
CIRCUIT TESTING
If starter does not operate, check voltage at starter "S" terminal with ignition switch in START position (and
clutch depressed on M/T). See Fig. 1
. If voltage is greater than 8 volts, repair or replace starter as required. If
volta
ge is 8 volts or less, check ignition switch, park/neutral switch (A/T), interlock switch (M/T) and wiring. NOTE: See TROUBLE SHOOTING article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
NOTE: On all models with anti-theft system, obtain code number and deactivate audio
anti-theft system before disconnecting battery.
NOTE: Before testing, ensure battery is fully charged, battery cables and terminals are
clean and tight, and engine grounds are good.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STARTER - DIRECT DRIVE 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Direct Drive

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STARTER - DIRECT DRIVE 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Direct Drive
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:56:15 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:56:20 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

FIELD WINDING TEST
1. Connect one ohmmeter lead to field coil lead ("M" terminal wire). Connect other lead of ohmmeter to
soldered portion of brush lead. If continuity does not exist, repair or replace field coil.
2. Check field coil for short to ground by connecting one ohmmeter lead to field coil lead ("M" terminal
wire) and other ohmmeter lead 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 or does not
turn at all, clutch is faulty. Replace clutch. DO NOT clean overrunning clutch with solvent, as it is packed with
grease and sealed by manufacturer.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Removal & Installation
Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise vehicle on hoist. Remove engine undercover (if equipped). Disconnect
wiring from starter. Remove starter mounting bolts and starter. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten
starter mounting bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
OVERHAUL
(1)Information is not available at time of publication.
NOTE: On models with anti-theft system, obtain code number and deactivate audio
anti-theft system before disconnecting battery.
NOTE: Overhaul procedures are not available at time of publication. See illustration for
exploded view of starter. See Fig. 4
.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STARTER - DIRECT DRIVE 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Direct Drive
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:56:16 PMPage 8 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

ON-VEHICLE TESTING
* PLEASE READ FIRST *
CIRCUIT TEST
If starter does not operate, check voltage at starter "S" terminal with ignition switch in START position. See
Fig. 2
. If voltage is greater than 8 volts and vehicle does not crank, repair or replace starter as required. If
volta
ge is 8 volts or less, check ignition switch, park/neutral switch (A/T) and wiring. NOTE: See TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article.
NOTE: On models with anti-theft system, obtain code number and deactivate audio
anti-theft system before disconnecting battery.
NOTE: Before testing, ensure battery is fully charged, battery cables and terminals are
clean and tight, and engine grounds are good.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STARTER - REDUCTION GEAR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Reduction Gear
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:56:43 PMPage 3 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

FIELD WINDING TEST
1. Connect one ohmmeter lead to field coil lead ("M" terminal wire). Connect other lead of ohmmeter to
soldered portion of brush lead. If continuity does not exist, repair or replace field coil.
2. Check field coil for short to ground by connecting one ohmmeter lead to field coil lead ("M" terminal
wire) and other ohmmeter lead 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 or does not
turn at all, clutch is faulty. Replace clutch. DO NOT clean overrunning clutch with solvent, as it is packed with
grease and sealed by manufacturer.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Removal & Installation
Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise vehicle on hoist. Remove engine undercover (if equipped). Disconnect
wiring from starter. Remove starter mounting bolts and starter. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten
starter mounting bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
OVERHAUL
Fig. 4: Exploded View Of Coaxial Planetary Gear Type Starter
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. NOTE: On models with anti-theft system, obtain code number and deactivate audio
anti-theft system before disconnecting battery.
NOTE: Overhaul procedures are not available at time of publication. See illustrations
for exploded views of starters. See Fig. 4
.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
STARTER - REDUCTION GEAR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Reduction Gear
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 1:56:43 PMPage 9 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.