Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 99

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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

  

Fig. 3: Checking & Adjusting Pinion Gap
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

ARMATURE TEST 

1. Place armature in growler. Turn on growler and hold a piece of hacksaw blade over armature. Slowly 

rotate armature. If hacksaw blade is attracted to core or if it vibrates, replace armature.  

2. Remove armature from growler. Using an ohmmeter, check continuity between commutator and core. If 

continuity exists, replace armature. Check continuity between commutator and shaft. If continuity exists, 
replace armature.  

3. Check continuity between each commutator segment. If an open exists between any 2 segments, replace 

armature.  

COMMUTATOR TEST 

1. Clean surface and polish with No. 400 sandpaper if required. If surface is scored, out of round or pitted, 

turn commutator in a lathe.  

2. Maximum commutator runout and minimum diameter of commutator must not exceed specification after 

turning. See COMMUTATOR SPECIFICATIONS table.  

3. Commutator mica undercut depth should be .020 -.030" (.50 -.80 mm). Minimum mica undercut depth 

is .008" (.20 mm). If not within specification, undercut to standard depth.  

COMMUTATOR SPECIFICATIONS 

BRUSH TEST 

1. Connect one ohmmeter lead to positive brush holder and other lead to negative brush holder. If continuity 

exists, replace brush holder assembly.  

2. Check brush length. See BRUSH LENGTH SPECIFICATIONS table. If brush length is less than 

specified, replace brushes.  

3. Using brush spring scale, measure spring tension. See BRUSH TENSION SPECIFICATIONS table. If 

tension is less than specified, replace brush holder assembly. Ensure brushes move freely in holders.  

BRUSH LENGTH SPECIFICATIONS 

BRUSH TENSION SPECIFICATIONS 

Application

Maximum Runout In. (mm)

Minimum Diameter In. (mm)

Miata A/T

.001 (.03)

1.21 (30.8)

Application

Standard In. (mm)

Minimum In. (mm)

Miata A/T

.69 (17.5)

.47 (12.0)

Application

Standard Lbs. (Kg)

Minimum Lbs. (Kg)

Miata A/T

(1)

 

(1)

(1)

Information is not available at time of publication.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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

  

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

  

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS 

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS 

WIRING DIAGRAMS 

Application

Ft. Lbs. (N.m)

Starter Mounting Bolts

28-38 (38-51)

Starter-To-Bracket Bolt

12-16 (16-22)

INCH Lbs. (N.m)

Battery Cable Nut (Solenoid Terminal "B")

80-115 (9-13)

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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