Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual — part 170

Fig. 3: Identifying Starter Insulator

2. Degrease the insulator attachment area.

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

2008 ENGINE Starting System - MX-5 Miata

Fig. 4: Identifying Insulator Attachment Area

3. Attach a new insulator to the starter.

Fig. 5: Identifying New Starter Insulator

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

2008 ENGINE Starting System - MX-5 Miata

STARTER INSPECTION [LF]

ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

1. Verify that the battery is fully charged.

2. The starter is normal if it rotates smoothly and without any noise when the engine is cranked.



If the starter does not operate, inspect the following:



Remove the starter, and inspect the starter unit.



Inspect the related wiring harnesses, the ignition switch, and the transmission range switch
(AT).

NO-LOAD TEST

1. Verify that the battery is fully charged.

2. Connect the starter, battery and a tester as shown in Fig. 6 .

3. Operate the starter and verify that it rotates smoothly.



If the starter does not rotate smoothly, inspect the starter unit.

4. Measure the voltage and current while the starter is operating.



If not within the specification, replace the starter.

Starter no load test voltage

11 V

Starter no load test current

90 A or less

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

2008 ENGINE Starting System - MX-5 Miata

Fig. 6: No - Load Test - Circuit Diagram
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

MAGNETIC SWITCH OPERATION INSPECTION

Pull-out Test

1. Verify that the starter motor pinion is extended while battery positive voltage is connected to terminal S

and the starter body is grounded.



If the starter motor pinion is not extended, repair or replace the starter.

NOTE:



Depending on the battery charge condition, the starter motor pinion may
rotate while in an extended state. This is due to current flowing to the
starter motor through the pull-in coil to turn the starter motor, and does
not indicate an abnormality.

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

2008 ENGINE Starting System - MX-5 Miata