Hello.
I have a 1988 Mazda 626. The car intermittently doesn't turn over the starter (at all) when the key is turned to the START position. I don't hear the solenoid clicking when this happens so the problem must be either at the ignition switch, the inhibitor switch (what's that for?), or the connection to one of these items, the battery or starter.
My present problem is just locating the damn starter. I'm assuming it's on the driver's (left) side, adjacent to, and left of, the flywheel. I think I see the flywheel and see something cylindrical-looking attached to it but I see no solenoid-looking device on top of what-I-think-is-the- starter.
Does the solenoid cylinder sit on top of the starter motor on the 1988 Mazda
626?They've really hidden the starter well on this model - so well, I just may have to take the car to a mechanic to get this problem resolved even though I really don't want to since I need the money. Has anybody here had this problem with a Mazda 626 (or similar car) before?
I did a search of newsgroups using google for this particular problem. One person said it was the ignition switch while another said a wire that's part of the "neutral inhibit circuit" (whatever that is) had a plug at the end that was making intermittent contact with whatever it plugs into.
This same person said it also could be "the switch mounted to the side of the transmission on the gear selector shaft which seems to last about 5 years." He said he lived in Ottawa, Canada and experienced problems with this switch on very cold days.
If it's the ignition switch, is that a bitch to replace? My level of expertise on this car is fixing the front brakes, changing the oil and filter, and changing the alternator.
Any help in answering my question on if the solenoid is indeed on top of the starter motor and/or what is the probable cause of it (in your opinion) or any other help would be greatly appreciated by me. Thanks a lot for your help. Please post replies here.
Bill