Pinion Gap Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Pull out the drive pinion with battery positive voltage connected to terminal S and the starter body grounded.
CAUTION:
- Applying power for more than 10 s can damage the starter. Do not apply power for more than the aforementioned time.
  
  Fig 1: Pinion Gap Inspection
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Measure the pinion gap while the drive pinion is pulled.
- If not as specified, adjust with an adjustment washer (between drive housing front cover and magnetic switch).
  Specification
  
  L3: 0.5-2.0 mm {0.02-0.08 in}
  
  AJ: 0 mm {0 in}
  
  Fig 2: Measuring Pinion Gap
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.