Starting System: Diagnosis Mazda Tribute I

Starter Motor - Ground Circuit Test

Note. Make all multimeter connections at the component terminal rather than the cable or wiring terminal.

Scheme 2

1. Disconnect the ignition coil connector.
2. Connect a remote starter switch between the starter solenoid S-terminal and the battery positive (+) terminal.
3. Connect the positive (+) lead of digital multimeter to the starter motor housing. The connection must be clean and free of rust or grease. Connect the negative (-) lead to the negative (-) battery terminal.
4. Engage the remote starter switch and read the voltage. The reading should be 0.2 volt or less.
5. If the voltage drop is greater than 0.2 volt, clean the negative (-) battery cable connections at the battery, the body ground connections, and the starter ground connections. Retest.
6. If the voltage is still more than 0.2 volt, install a new cable. If the reading is less than 0.2 volt and the engine still cranks slowly, install a new starter motor.

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

STARTER DRIVE AND FLYWHEEL RING GEAR INSPECTION

1. Remove the starter motor.
2. Check the wear patterns on the starter drive gear and the flywheel ring gear. (Scheme 10) If the wear pattern is normal, install the starter motor.
3. If the starter drive gear and the flywheel ring gear are not full meshing and both of the gears are scored or damaged, install a new motor. (Scheme 11) If necessary, install a new flywheel.

Scheme 10

Scheme 11