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Home Blog How To Replace A Mazda Starter Motor

How To Replace A Mazda Starter Motor

The starter is a small electric motor that turns your engine over when you turn on the ignition. An OEM part should last for many years and up to 100,000 miles or more. However, if it fails, your car won’t start. To ensure that your starter motor works like the original, always replace it with an OEM part.

You can save money by buying your starter from REALMazdaParts.com. We sell genuine Mazda parts at wholesale prices. In this article, we describe how to replace your Mazda starter motor, saving you even more in labor costs.

Where Is Your Starter Motor?

Image Credit: WorldMechanics

Your starter motor is always located in the engine bay. It's typically near the flywheel, which can be either low down in the front of the engine or to the side. The exact location depends on whether your model is front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive.

Look for a cylindrical metal device with a small oval part attached that is bolted to the side of the engine block. Consult your owner’s manual to find out exactly where it is.

Before you start the replacement process, make sure to read our guide on how to diagnose your starter motor to ensure that it is the part that is failing.

How To Replace A Starter Motor

Most Mazda models have a similar starter motor replacement procedure. The steps below apply to many common Mazda models. You can expect that replacing a starter motor will take around two hours. This will vary based on your skill level, the location of the starter, and whether you are using a car lift or not. Tools required are:

  • Socket Set
  • Screwdriver
  • Gloves
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Car lift – this is optional but can help access the starter motor
  • Jack (if not using a car lift)
  • OEM replacement starter motor. (Learn why OEM starters are better here.)

Replacement Steps

  1. Drive your car up on a car lift or jack up the front. If you are jacking the car up, you may only need to lift the side closest to where the starter motor is.
  2. Open the hood and disconnect one of the battery terminals. This will prevent you getting shocked when working on the vehicle. Wait until the engine has cooled down before continuing.
  3. Find your starter motor. On most Mazda models, it should be close to the front of the engine block next to the flywheel. It may be easier to access the starter from underneath the car.
  4. Note the location of the wires connected to the starter motor and remove them. Using bits of colored tape can help with reconnection later. You can also take a photo of the wiring. You may also want to remove any plastic cladding or cabling that is in the way. If you do, remember to reconnect everything when the new starter is in.
  5. Loosen the mounting bolts with a socket wrench. There are usually two bolts holding a Mazda starter onto the engine block, but check the new starter motor to make sure.
  6. Remove the old starter. Clean the mounting area on the engine, and check that the wiring is not frayed or damaged.
  7. Install the replacement OEM starter motor and tighten the bolts.
  8. Connect the electrical wiring exactly as it was on the old unit. Remember to consult your photo from earlier or match up the colored tapes. If you get it wrong, it could damage the starter.  
  9. Replace any plastic cladding that you removed and reconnect the battery terminal.
  10. Lower the car back down and turn the ignition key.

If the replacement process was a success (and the starter motor was indeed the failing part), your Mazda should burst into life.

REALMazdaParts.com Has An OEM Starter Motor For Your Mazda

Your Mazda’s starter motor is a very important component. Always choose a genuine replacement part to keep your vehicle running as the manufacturer intended. That’s why OEM starter motors and solenoids are the best choice.

Buying an aftermarket component may damage your vehicle, and it won’t get you a manufacturer warranty like you get with every part we sell. At REAL Mazda Parts we sell genuine Mazda components at wholesale prices. Saving you money and ensuring that everything works and fits perfectly. Use our VIN decoder to find the right Mazda starter motor the first time. You can also contact our team to help you find the right part at the best price for your Mazda.