Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 98

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 
voltage 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

  

Fig. 2: Testing Reduction Gear Starter Circuits 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

BENCH TESTING 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

STARTER - REDUCTION GEAR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Reduction Gear

  

NO-LOAD TEST 

Connect fully-charged 12-volt battery, voltmeter and ammeter to starter. See Fig. 2 . Using remote starter wires 
or jumper, engage solenoid. Starter should spin smoothly. Compare readings with specifications. See NO-
LOAD TEST SPECIFICATIONS table. If voltage is less than specified, amperage is more than specified or 
shaft speed is less than specified, disassemble and inspect starter components. 

NO-LOAD TEST SPECIFICATIONS 

SOLENOID TESTS 

Solenoid Pull-In Test 

Connect positive battery lead to solenoid "S" terminal and negative battery lead to starter body. See Fig. 2 . 
Starter pinion drive gear should extend outward and stop. If starter pinion drive gear does not extend, replace 
solenoid. 

Solenoid Hold-In Test 

After performing solenoid pull-in test, with positive battery lead connected to solenoid "S" terminal and 
negative battery lead connected to starter body, disconnect field lead ("M" terminal wire) at solenoid. Starter 
pinion drive gear should remain extended. If starter pinion drive gear returns, replace solenoid. 

Solenoid Return Test 

Disconnect field lead ("M" terminal wire) at solenoid. Connect positive battery lead to solenoid "M" terminal 
and negative battery lead to starter body. See Fig. 2 . Using screwdriver, pry overrunning clutch pinion drive 
outward. Release screwdriver and ensure overrunning clutch pinion drive returns to original position. 

Solenoid 

1. Disconnect all wires from solenoid, including "M" terminal wire between solenoid and starter. Using 

ohmmeter, ensure continuity exists between "S" and "M" terminals, and between "S" terminal and 
solenoid body. See Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 . If continuity does not exist between specified terminals, replace 
solenoid.  

2. Using ohmmeter, ensure continuity does not exist between "M" and "B" terminals. If continuity exists, 

replace solenoid.  

Application

Specification

Voltage (Minimum)

11

Amperage (Maximum)

90

Shaft Speed (Minimum RPM)

3000

CAUTION: Perform solenoid tests with starter and solenoid assembled. DO NOT 

engage starter solenoid for more than 10 seconds during testing or 
damage to coil winding may result.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

STARTER - REDUCTION GEAR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Reduction Gear

  

PINION GAP ADJUSTMENT 

1. Disconnect field lead ("M" terminal wire) at solenoid. See Fig. 2 . Connect positive battery lead to 

solenoid "S" terminal and negative battery lead to starter body. Starter pinion drive gear should extend 
outward and stop.  

2. Quickly measure pinion gap between end of pinion drive and circlip retainer. See Fig. 3 . DO NOT 

operate starter solenoid for more than 10 seconds. Pinion gap should be as specified. See PINION GAP 
SPECIFICATIONS table.  

3. If pinion gap is not within specification, adjust by increasing or decreasing thickness of solenoid shims 

located between solenoid and drive housing.  

PINION GAP SPECIFICATIONS 

Application

In. (mm)

Miata A/T

.02-.08 (0.5-2.0)

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

STARTER - REDUCTION GEAR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Starters - Reduction Gear