My 1990 Mazda 626 2.2L manual won't start. When I turn the key, I can only hear some quiet humming sound. This problem has occured before but went away mysteriously. Any suggestion on what could go wrong?

I would like to exam the starter before I get it towed. However, I had a hard time to locate the starter. It is probably under the distributor or fuel injector, so I need to take out something first before I can check it. Anyone can give me a hint?

Thanks in advance!

starter is under the intake manifold on that vehicle. Have to get under the vehicle and take out intake bracket to get to it. Mark

There are two possible locations for the starter motor; one is the lower right-hand side of the engine and the other is on the upper right-hand side.

If you can hear a humming sound the problem can be the MAGNETIC SWITCH (SOLENOID)on the starter

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Disconnect the starter wiring.
Raise the front of the vehicle and support it safely.


Unbolt and remove the intake manifold bracket.
Remove the upper starter bolts and loosen, but do not yet remove the lower bolt.
Remove the lower bolt and withdraw the starter from the lower side of the vehicle.

To install:

Position the starter onto the flywheel housing and install the lower bolt for support. Install the remaining bolts and torque all bolts to 27-38 ft. lbs. (37-51 Nm).
Install the intake manifold bracket. Torque the bracket bolt to 27-38 ft. lbs. (37-51 Nm) and the nut to 14-19 ft. lbs. (19-26 Nm).
Lower the vehicle.
Connect the starter wiring.
Connect the negative battery cable.