Starter Drive/Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection

1. Remove the starter motor. See STARTER MOTOR REMOVAL / INSTALLATION - 3.0L  or STARTER MOTOR REMOVAL / INSTALLATION - 4.0L  .
2. Check the wear patterns on the starter drive gear and the flywheel ring gear. If the wear pattern is normal, install the starter motor. See STARTER MOTOR REMOVAL / INSTALLATION - 3.0L  or STARTER MOTOR REMOVAL / INSTALLATION - 4.0L  .
3. If the starter drive gear and the flywheel ring gear are not fully meshing and both of the gears are scored or damaged, replace the starter motor. See STARTER MOTOR REMOVAL / INSTALLATION - 3.0L  or STARTER MOTOR REMOVAL / INSTALLATION - 4.0L  .
   • If necessary, replace the flywheel. See FLYWHEEL REMOVAL / INSTALLATION - 4.0L for 4.0L engines.

Fig 1: Checking Starter Drive Gear And Flywheel Ring Gear

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.