I have a '94 RX-7 with about 62k. All stock, with no recent repairs. Never any issues with starting for 17 years except when battery was weak from non-use.

The starter motor spins when I try to start it, but the pinion does not engage the flywheel. I replaced the starter with a rebuilt unit and the problem was still there. When bench testing both the old and rebuilt starters, the starter will spin with 12V to terminal B and the pinion will move to position with 12V to terminal S. There is little or no sign of wear on the flywheel.

I have the shop manual and wiring diagram, and I figured that the next steps are to look at the clutch switch and the starter cut relay - but if I am reading the wiring diagram correctly, if the starter spins with the ignition switch, then I am getting voltage to terminal S and the pinion should engage.

Does this problem sound familiar? Are there recommendations about what to check next?

Peter

 

Have the same problem but have been too lazy to check it out, 20B is right, first thing is to check the battery, then the battery connection to the starter, then if possible use a known good remote starter switch connected directly to the started. If that works the problem in in the car if not it is the flywheel(not usual) Next stop would be start relay, at this point you need a wiring diagram. But best guess is that the new starter is getting the signal from the switch to engage and is just not getting enough power to slam into the flywheel. also check the battery cable to starter. ( was stranded once by a cable that looked good but was corroded in two about an inch into the insulation)