What is wrong with my starter?
01-27-03, 03:33 PM
#1
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What is wrong with my starter?
My starter has worked fine up untill a few weeks ago. I started having to turn the key a few times to get it to start. Now it has gotten to the point where it wont even start at all. (No crank or anything) I checked the voltage at the starter....12v, dropped to 11 when trying to start it. All the starter does is make a little click which i assume is the solenoid. When I was under the car checking the voltage, I tapped the starter a few times w/ a flashlight and then it started right up. Is it possible that there is some kind of buildup in the starter that is keeping it from working? Can I take out the starter and just clean it, or do I need to buy a new starter? Thanks,
Chris
Chris
01-27-03, 03:51 PM
#2
Engine, Not Motor
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Bad solenoid. Replace or rebuild the starter. Happens all the time. 
In fact, it happened to me a year ago and I had to carry a hammer to tap the starter every time I went to start the car...Try explaining that to a date!
In fact, it happened to me a year ago and I had to carry a hammer to tap the starter every time I went to start the car...Try explaining that to a date!
01-27-03, 04:22 PM
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I checked the voltage at both of those terminals. At one there is a constant 12v, at the other, 12v only when the key is turned to start position. Does this still mean the solenoid is bad? Just making sure here.
01-27-03, 04:36 PM
#5
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The most likely problem is worn and/or jammed brushes.You can change these yourself quite easily.The Mazda part no is N326-18-X66 for MT car and N327-18-X66 for AT.The cost should be less thann $10.
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01-28-03, 04:15 PM
#9
knowledge junkie
While the service manual wants you to replace parts in the starter, you should just replace the entire starter. Go to autozone/pep boys/etc.. and get a remanufactuered starter.
01-28-03, 07:10 PM
#10
Hooray For Boobies!!!
sixrotors is correct. I think that sounds like worn brushes. You may be better off with a new one, instead of rebuilding the old. Check prices of both and determine if it is worth it to rebuild it.
01-30-03, 04:03 PM
#12
knowledge junkie
yeah, but I look at it like what else is going to go wrong after you replace the bushings. Granted most starters don't just quit & give you plenty of warning (like my 929 is currently doing).
The Remans run $250 with a $50 core charge ($200 total).
The Remans run $250 with a $50 core charge ($200 total).
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