Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1990 Mazda 323 Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Commutator Testing
- Clean surface and polish with No. 400 sandpaper if required. If surface is scored, out of round or pitted, turn commutator in a lathe.
- Maximum commutator runout and minimum diameter of commutator must not exceed specification after turning. See COMMUTATOR SPECIFICATIONS table.
- Commutator mica undercut depth should be .02 -.03" (.5 -.8 mm). Minimum mica undercut depth is .008" (.20 mm). If not within specification, undercut to standard depth.
COMMUTATOR SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | Maximum Runout In. (mm) | Minimum Diameter In. (mm) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| B2200 (M/T) | |||
| Protege (M/T) & 323 | .004 (.10) | 1.22 (31) | |
| Miata | .001 (.03) | 1.22 (31) | |
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.