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

 

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!

 

Is the solenoid separate from the actual starter itself, or is it all one piece? Could I just buy a new solenoid?

 

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.

 

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.

 

Ok, where do I order these brushes?

 

nm

 

Your local Mazda dealer.

 

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.

 

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.

 

The brushes are like 10 bucks

 

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).

 

Yeah, just replace the starter.