My dependable daily driver needs a new starter. Sometimes my Mazda 3 won’t crank when hot. Even cold it has been cranking slow. The battery and alternator charging system test ok, so its time to replace the starter. I don’t think the pinion gear is supposed to wobble around like that.
Now back to your regularly scheduled Porsche content…Sorry guys.
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I can't do this myself. I'm a victim of going to the dealership. Local garages always seem to f things up for people i know (they don't realize this until later). So either you are skilled and have the aptitude or you have to pay the stealership.
How did you get the hardline over the top bolt?
@8:50 Replacement part and Original parts side by side
Where did you get that car lift!!!???
Glad I came across this. I have a 2012 Mazda 3 with 138K that is new to me, as I got it a month ago. Twice the car would not start after a day of driving with a hot engine. Turn key and click. Came out the next morning and it fired right up. I think I’ll put in an order for a new starter ASAP! Any idea why our starters work fine cold, but die when they the engine is hot?
Thanks for this. The mechanics in NYC are all foreign and lazy. My mazda 3 2015 has had starting issues for about a year. Cold start no problem. Once it's warm, I usually take 2 to 3 attempts to get it started. It always cranks
just won't turn over. I notice when the gas tank is full, it starts easier. Any thoughts? Battery is fine.
Very good step by step instruction with clear video view of the area repaired. Thanks for providing this for us to learn how to perform this repair.
Cool- 12yrs- that starter had a good run. I always liked Mazda’s build quality. Had a Miata for a while- really liked the feel of the controls.
I would have blamed the battery. That tester looks real handy. Nicely diagnosed and fixed. I bet you wish you could unsee the ripped boot.
Tom , I just wanted to add to your diagnostic arsenal two things I learned working in a shop is test the old starter by using and amp clamp record amp draw on the old starter and do the same with the new starter and one thing I got burned by is always check the battery ground cable were it bolts to the block .
Call a dealership and see how much money you just saved yourself. Sure, working on a Mazda is mundane, but I'm pretty sure I've saved thousands of dollars for these types of easy repairs. Working on the Porsche (or the Triumph) is fun, but it's work like this that gives you the extra money to buy parts for those!
Mazda's are great cars. My 1990 Miata was fantastic. Had it for 26 years and barely had to do anything to it. The brand doesn't get the attention it deserves.