Car tries to start

BATMANS BUTLER

MEMBER
2003 MAZDA PROTEGE
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
174,000 MILES

Oops, it is an automatic.

We replaced the battery and when it tries to turn over the battery starts smoking.(Positive side). So I changed the wire to the starter with a replacement kit and all connections tested well. So I tried starting again, tries to turn over (getting a couple of rotations on belts and starter moving) and this time negative post is smoking and if continued cranking continues the starter stops and the starter connections starts to smoke. I am leaning towards replacing the starter it is just a pain to get to and I would hate to replace it and have it do the same thing. Any suggestions?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com.

It does sound like the starter is drawing too many amps. Be careful. It can cause a fire. Here are the directions for removing and replacing the starter. The attached picture correlates with these directions.

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STARTER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

WARNING: When the battery cables are connected, touching the vehicle body with starter terminal B will generate sparks. This can cause personal injury, fire, and damage to the electrical components. Always disconnect the battery before performing the following operation.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Remove the intake manifold bracket.
4. Remove in the order indicated in the table.
5. Install in the reverse order of removal.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions. Also, make sure the negative battery terminal is clean and tight on both ends.

Take care,
Joe

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