The Mazda starter is a 4-brush, 4-field, 4-pole wound unit. Engine cranking occurs when the starter solenoid (mounted on the starter) in energized through the ignition switch. The solenoid shifts the starter pinion into mesh with the flywheel ring gear. At the same time, the main contacts of the solenoid are closed and the battery current is directed to the starter causing the armature to rotate. After the engine starts, the starter is disengaged when the ignition switch is returned to the RUN position. This opens the circuit to the starter solenoid and the solenoid return spring causes the shift lever to disengage the starter drive from the flywheel ring gear.
The diesel and the Mistubishi-built engines use gear reduction starters. They are similarly constructed, but feature a gearing function which allows them greater cranking torque.