The Mazda 2300 pickup is a combination of Japanese and American engineering. The 2300 owes a lot of its design and styling to the Ford Ranger; in fact, many of the two trucks' parts are interchangeable. Both run on Ford engines, started by Ford starter motors. If you need to change the starter motor on your Mazda 2300 pickup truck, and you have basic automotive-repair experience, you can complete this task in less than an hour.
Unbolt the negative cable from the battery terminal using the battery wrench.
Raise the right front corner of the Mazda 2300 with the jack. Lower the front onto the jack stand, placed under the frame. Make sure to position the jack stand where it won’t interfere with access to the starter motor.
Unbolt the starter wiring with the socket set. The starter is located on the side of the engine next to the transmission bell housing.
Hold the body of the starter with your strongest hand while you unbolt the two starter-mounting bolts with the socket set using your other hand. Never let the starter hang down on the loose bolts. Move the old starter out from under the 2300 and put the new starter in its place.
Thread the mounting bolts through the starter flange and into the engine by hand. Tighten the mounting bolts using the socket set.
Reconnect the starter wiring with the socket set and then reconnect the negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal with the battery wrench.
Take the 2300 off the jack stands, using the jack.
