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NC MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual
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2008 - MX-5 - Engine

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 the figure.

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

Magnetic Switch Operation Inspection

Pull‐out test

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.

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.

Return test
1. Disconnect the motor wire from terminal M.
2. Connect battery positive voltage to terminal M and ground the starter body.

3. Pull out the drive pinion with a screwdriver. Verify that it returns to its original position when released.
  • If it does not return, repair or replace the starter.

Pinion Gap Inspection

1. Pull out the drive pinion with the battery positive voltage connected to terminal S and the starter body grounded.

CAUTION:

  • Applying power for more than 10 s can damage the starter. Do not apply power for more than 10 s.

2. Measure the pinion gap while the drive pinion is extended.

  • If not as specified, adjust with an adjustment washer (between drive housing front cover and magnetic switch).

    Starter pinion gap
  • 0.5—2.0 mm {0.02—0.07 in}

Starter Inner Parts Inspection

Armature
1. Verify that there is no continuity between the commutator and the core at each segment using a tester.

  • If there is continuity, replace the armature.

2. Verify that there is no continuity between the commutator and the shaft using a tester.

  • If there is continuity, replace the armature.

3. Place the armature on V‐blocks, and measure the runout using a dial indicator.

    Starter armature runout
  • 0.1 mm {0.004 in} max.

4. Measure the commutator diameter.

  • If not within the minimum specification, replace the armature.

    Starter commutator diameter
  • Standard: 29.4 mm {1.16 in}

  • Minimum: 28.8 mm {1.13 in}

5. Measure the segment groove depth of the commutator.

  • If not within the minimum specification, undercut the grooves to the standard depth.

    Segment groove depth of starter commutator
  • Standard: 0.5 mm {0.02 in}

  • Minimum: 0.2 mm {0.008 in}

Magnetic switch
1. Inspect for continuity between terminals S and M using a tester.
  • If there is no continuity, replace the magnetic switch.

2. Inspect for continuity between terminal S and the body using a tester.
  • If there is no continuity, replace the magnetic switch.

3. Verify that there is no continuity between terminals M and B using a tester.
  • If there is continuity, replace the magnetic switch.

Brush and brush holder
1. Verify that there is no continuity between each insulated brush and plate using a tester.
  • If there is continuity, replace the brush holder.

2. Measure the brush length.
  • If any brush is worn almost to or beyond the minimum specification, replace all of the brushes.

    Starter brush length
  • Standard: 12.3 mm {0.48 in}

  • Minimum: 5.5 mm {0.22 in}

3. Measure the brush spring force using a spring balance.
  • If not within the minimum specification, replace the brush and brush holder component.

    Starter brush spring force
  • Standard: 15.0—20.4 N {1.53—2.08 kgf, 3.38—4.58 lbf}

  • Minimum: 2.75 N {0.28 kgf, 0.62 lbf}



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