Questions and Answers

Mazda 323 Starter Runs, Won't Engage Q. Dear Vincent, My 1979 Mazda 323 1.4 liter automatic transmission won't crank. I hear the spinning noise of the starter. I think the starter is not getting engaged. Is it the problem? If so, have I to replace the solenoid? Or can I add more shims to increase the lever movement to fix the problem? Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you, Sundar

A. It sounds like the bendex drive (2) or the starter solenoid in the starter is shot. You may be able to replace it separately, but I would recommend replacing the starter and starter solenoid as an assembly.