Hello everyone

Just wanted to start out saying that I'm new around here and I appreciate the amount of info floating around the boards. I have solved many issues ( flooding probs, trunk being open causing the lights to not flash just to name a couple) just by searching around and not having to post.

I have searched around and have gotten some information but not all which is why I am posting.

I own a 05 RX-8 AT with 74,XXX miles on it. I have found the DIY thread on the starter and I know that my year 8 has a weak starter. I went to start my car the other day and instead of it starting, it just made a clicking sound. It only clicks once with each turn of the key. I just replaced the battery 2 months ago and I know it has plenty of juice in it to turn the starter over. The battery has 800 cca so I know it's plenty strong enough. I jacked up the driver's side to get a good look at the starter to make sure all the connections were tight. All wires seem to be on and tight. I also checked the batt terminals to make sure they were good and tight which they were. I know that when starters go bad, you can bang on them to get the car started. I did just that and it fired right up. I know you can only do this a couple times before the starter finally goes bad. Well I was at the bank today and when I came out to start my car again, the same problem occured. The starter only clicked with each key turn. I had to bang on it again to get it to turn the engine over.

So, my question is, is my old style weak starter finally at the end of it's rope? Does this happen when the weak style starters are starting to die out?

I did some looking around, and I found a used starter for a good price. I want to make sure that when I replace the starter, I get one that's upgraded. The part number on it is N3H2 B. Is this the right part number for the upgraded starter for a AT?

Also, if there's anything else you guys think I should know/try I'm all ears.

Thanks in advance for any help. I appreciate the information you guys provide to newbies. This is the first serious problem I've had with my 8 since buying it in 05. I love this car and allthough it's a high maintenence car, it really is a blast to drive and I really enjoy owning it.

 

bump

Anyone? Can anyone at least confirm the part number for me so I know for sure I'm getting the upgraded starter?

 

According to the TSB, that one should work. here's the TSB.

 

Sounds like the starters brushes are getting dirty/old and starting to stick.. Time for a new starter.


“N3H2 B”, “N3Z2” or later are upgraded starters.

“N3H2 A”, is the one you want to replace.

 

Thank you for the help! I'll be sure to keep this TSB handy for future reference.

EDIT: Thanks rotaryfan. I pulled the starter from my 8 and it indeed is a N3H2 A. I'll order the new one and get it in asap. I hate not having my car!

Thanks to both of you for your help.

 

Just FYI, but the new starter was implemented mid-2005 build year. So be sure to check the part number suffix per the TSB of your currently installed unit. Any starter can ultimately fail tho', the older or newer unit.

Edit: I now see that you did check and you in fact have the older oem starter (so early 2005 build). Too bad the original owner didn't take advantage of the free replacement when it was available.

 

Well Huey I'm the original owner. My gf and I bought the car new. I brought the car in when the recal on the starter came out, but I was told by Mazda that my starter wasn't a candidate for a replacement. I guess they lied to me?? Funny thing too because I always thought the starter seemed a little week for the motor. It always seemed like it barely had enough juice to turn the motor over.

 

Unfortunate the dealer wasn't straight with you at the time royson. But then, you may not have known to use the precise complaint verbiage cited in the TSB and they took advantage of same. Now you know to keep track of TSB's, cite the complaint and even bring the TSB with you. And also to call Mazda No. American Operations if you don't feel you're being well served.

 

Well the whole reason I even knew about the starter problem was when I had my car at the dealer for a routine oil change and tire rotation. At the time it was still free so I took advantage of it. Now I do all my own maintenence. But anyway the tech their was a really cool guy and he told me about the starter issue and I should have my car brought in to see if it was a candidate. Well I brought the car back in, but the same guy who warned me about it wasn't there at the time. I guess maybe they read the vin/part number wrong and decided I didn't need the upgraded starter motor. Looks like I got shafted on that one. No matter, I found a new one for a pretty reasonable price and it looks like it's easy enough to take care of. I know the AT starter is a little different from the MT one, but I'm sure I can figure it out. I really wanted the MT when we bought the car, but my gf and I share this car so she refused to learn how to drive a standard. I really wish I had the 6 speed now. This 4 speed auto just doesn't do it for me. I know it has the manual option but it jut doesnt have the gearing that I like. Maybe we'll trade it in for a newer one and go for the 6 speed. Or just buy another one alltoghether. I really really like this car. If you take care of it and service it regularly, it will run nice for ya. Like I said I bought this car new and it had 38 miles on it. This is the first problem I've had with it and it seems to be easy enough to fix. I've had the flooding/non startig issues but this forum helped me clear that up no problem. Here's to 74,xxx more miles with no probs! (knocks wood.)