2006 Mazda won't start - Pls Help

[ZAX-3]

I know there was already a thread here for a guys mazda that wouldnt start, but my issue is different.

The car will sporadically not start, even after driving it around for a while. There is no turn over, only the sound of the fuses clicking and a low hum noise that lasts about 1.5 seconds. All of the lights, accessories, AC, everything comes on but no start. We tried jumping it at one of the times it failed to start -with two different trucks no less- to no avail. After about 30minutes it randomly started. We've had this happen about 8 times since we bought the car 1 month ago this past Saturday.

Firstly, we took it back to the Ford dealership from which we bought the car. It finally started up so we drove it there. They ran diagnostic tests and could not duplicate anything. They said the car started fine. We took the car back thinking maybe some moisture had put a temporary damper on things.

It happened again - we could not get it started at all this time so we had it towed directly to a Mazda dealership here in the States. They ran their diagnostic test and could not duplicate anything as well, however they said the battery checked out as no good. The service guy said that should fix our problem. So they replaced the battery - in addition to the diagnostic test ended up costing me $175.00 after taxes.

We drove the car back home thinking the problem was solved.

It happened yet again (more than once). We were going to take it back to Mazda but our salesman at the Ford dealership said to bring it to them instead. My wife after being stranded in a parking lot finally got it started and drove it to the Ford dealership. Ford took it for the 2nd time and they said it started at least 90 times just fine and they, yet again, could not duplicate any problems with their diag. tests.

So they took it to Auto Electric...Auto Electric could also not duplicate any problems.

So now my Ford guy is telling me that he spoke to the Mazda dealership we took it to, and the same guy at mazda that I talked to told my Ford guy that they couldn't figure out what the problem was unless it was again not starting...WHICH was the case when we took it to that Mazda dealership the first time.

So now I basically have to go pick up the car and wait until it stops starting again and immediately have it towed to the Mazda dealership...Also my Ford guy said he had been looking up online things that may cause the car not to start. He mentioned the corroded starter wire, and said it wasn't that.

I don't know what to do. I can't risk my wife getting stranded gain, God forbid somewhere that could pose danger. And even still if she or I were to get stranded we would have to take OURS and SOMEONE ELSE'S time waiting to get us picked up.

Is there ANYthing I can do? The car over the length of the loan is going to cost me around 10,500$.

Also, whether it's coincidental or not, my keyless entry remote will work for a several usages, and then not work...and then work..and then not work. I even tried reprogramming it a few times..still the same problem.

Any help will be GREATLY appreciated!

Zach

[ZAX-3]

It is a Mazda3 sedan by the way. My apologies for accidentally omitting this in the above title and post.

[JonsMazda]

I ain't no expert in this field, but I do recommend bringing it to Jimmy down at Street Performance to take a look at the issue.

[Noisy Crow]

Automatic or manual? Do you have any aftermarket stuff on it (even OEM remote start.......)?

[MistaChin]

I ain't no expert in this field, but I do recommend bringing it to Jimmy down at Street Performance to take a look at the issue.

OP is in the states?

[ZAX-3]

I can't. I live in Virginia Beach, Va, USA. lol

I've read all the stuff other places about it possibly being a corroded starter wire - in that regard 1.) I was told by Ford that they checked that after I brought it up 2.) i've read a couple cases at least of this not permanently resolving the issue - after 3-5 months their cars would fail to start again

I've also read about it possibly being the neutral safety switch - however my 3 would not start in neutral or in park after several attempts.

Also the possibility of it being a poor signal from the transponder chip in the key. I was only given ONE key when I bought the car so I am unable to test this myself. I don't know if the Mazda place will or even how much they would charge if they could test it.

I dont know what to do. My only option right now is to wait until the car doesnt start again and have it towed immediately. I've already had it looked at 4 times...by Mazda, Ford (twice), and Auto Electric. They're diagnostic tests aren't duplicating any problems.

[Noisy Crow]

If the car runs fine once it has started, and sometimes starts okay, given that you have replaced the battery and hear a hum which is probably the fuel system pressurizing, it would have to be one of: faulty starter solenoid, faulty starter relay, faulty starter wiring, faulty starter, faulty netural/park switch (auto) or faulty clutch interlock (manual). Possibly faulty ignition switch. Possibly the wiring through the PJB (loose connector?). Given that is pretty much the entire list of parts between the battery and the starter motor it's probably one of those.

[TheMAN]

I'd get them to replace the starter wire anyway... it's a known problem with these cars.... a service bulletin was issued for it
if the key isn't working, you'll just see a rapidly blinking light that's shaped like a key.... you should also make the dealer buy you another key.. they can program it themselves also because they use the same system as a mazda dealer does... it annoys me to no end that retarded salesmen lose key sets to cars and always do used car buyers only get one key... these keys are expensive to replace should you need another one

[ZAX-3]

Thanks very much, y'all! I have the car currently and basically I'm just waiting for it to screw up again. None of the dealerships will do anything unless it's not starting while they have it because "they can't diagnose it". I see their point because it could be any one of a host of different issues; but as I said earlier..God forbid my wife gets stranded somewhere and danger occurs. I would like to give Kimnach Ford in Norfolk, Virginia, USA some kudos for really sticking with me through this. While they haven't been able to pin point the problem (and they had it for DAYS) they have done everything else right i.e. letting me use one of their other used vehicles as a loaner, full re-embursment of any money spent due to this problem, and the used salesmen who sold me the car actually spending a good bit of his time researching himself to help find out what it may be. He even gave me his personal cell phone number in case something happens after-hours.

Oh well. I guess we'll see what happens. This is a shame because apart from whatever problem this is...this car is amazing for it's class. The 2007 Ford Focus they loaned me was crap period much less compared to my 06 Mazda 3. Total differences in ride, handling, etc..Can't wait to get this issue resolved.

Thanks again for the help!

[Kevin@nextmod]

i have had this problem before on my car. I remember the cause was that my MAF sensor harness was being stretched by my CAI. I had a shop extend the wires and after that it was all fine.

[notoriousb]

I had the same problem when I did the big 3 mod. I replaced the wire coming from the alternator and starter (instead of adding to the wire). The fuse housing for the 4awg wire melted, and there was intermittent power going to the starter. Slamming the hood down or leaving the car for a while would help start it.

Try adding another wire from the starter to the + end of the battery. If that doesn't help, it most definitely is the starter motor. I'm selling one if you like, goto the for sale section lol.

[notoriousb]

I can't. I live in Virginia Beach, Va, USA. lol

I've read all the stuff other places about it possibly being a corroded starter wire - in that regard 1.) I was told by Ford that they checked that after I brought it up 2.) i've read a couple cases at least of this not permanently resolving the issue - after 3-5 months their cars would fail to start again

I've also read about it possibly being the neutral safety switch - however my 3 would not start in neutral or in park after several attempts.

Also the possibility of it being a poor signal from the transponder chip in the key. I was only given ONE key when I bought the car so I am unable to test this myself. I don't know if the Mazda place will or even how much they would charge if they could test it.

I dont know what to do. My only option right now is to wait until the car doesnt start again and have it towed immediately. I've already had it looked at 4 times...by Mazda, Ford (twice), and Auto Electric. They're diagnostic tests aren't duplicating any problems.

If the antenna for the transponder chip failed, you would not get it to crank at all. A security light will flash and that's it. I also had this problem lol, you just have to jiggle the antenna. It's right next to the key hole.

[mazdaagain]

I had this exact problem and had to do research myself and had to order the part myself and instruct the dealership what to repair. Since then I have had no issues at all.

Check it out here

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...Start-no-start

[ZAX-3]

I had this exact problem and had to do research myself and had to order the part myself and instruct the dealership what to repair. Since then I have had no issues at all.

Check it out here

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...Start-no-start

Thanks for the link, but it's missing something. Comes up as a page not found. I would love to check it out when/if you get a chance to re-do the link.

So far it's been fine since I got it back from the dealership yesterday..they said they were able to start it at least 100 times with no issues...figures...regardless I'm sure within the next few days it will most likely act up again. We'll see.

Thanks again everybody for the help, suggestions, and ideas thus far!

[McGuyver_3]

I had spent 3 days on a car at work for no start. A coworker came to help me because I was losing my mind. I explained everything I had done. He checked the ignition switch which I had already done. He checked it a different way though and found the contact inside the ignition cylinder to be defective causing the car to act normal but the start contact was cooked. Fortunatly the ignition had a seperate electronic part from the mechanical part so the customer did not need new keys.

[DualSoul]

I had this exact problem and had to do research myself and had to order the part myself and instruct the dealership what to repair. Since then I have had no issues at all.

Check it out here

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...Start-no-startThanks for the link, but it's missing something. Comes up as a page not found. I would love to check it out when/if you get a chance to re-do the link.

So far it's been fine since I got it back from the dealership yesterday..they said they were able to start it at least 100 times with no issues...figures...regardless I'm sure within the next few days it will most likely act up again. We'll see.

Thanks again everybody for the help, suggestions, and ideas thus far!

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?36313-Start-no-start

[mazdaagain]

Link is working fine for me. Here is the TSB

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/mazda3/bulletin/01-037-08-1960a.pdf

My car has been fine ever since I got this done. Cost me about $100 including parts

[mazdaagain]

Order the part and take the TSB with you so they know how to do the fix

[McGuyver_3]

I know there was already a thread here for a guys mazda that wouldnt start, but my issue is different.

The car will sporadically not start, even after driving it around for a while. There is no turn over, only the sound of the fuses clicking and a low hum noise that lasts about 1.5 seconds. All of the lights, accessories, AC, everything comes on but no start. We tried jumping it at one of the times it failed to start -with two different trucks no less- to no avail. After about 30minutes it randomly started. We've had this happen about 8 times since we bought the car 1 month ago this past Saturday.

Firstly, we took it back to the Ford dealership from which we bought the car. It finally started up so we drove it there. They ran diagnostic tests and could not duplicate anything. They said the car started fine. We took the car back thinking maybe some moisture had put a temporary damper on things.

It happened again - we could not get it started at all this time so we had it towed directly to a Mazda dealership here in the States. They ran their diagnostic test and could not duplicate anything as well, however they said the battery checked out as no good. The service guy said that should fix our problem. So they replaced the battery - in addition to the diagnostic test ended up costing me $175.00 after taxes.

We drove the car back home thinking the problem was solved.

It happened yet again (more than once). We were going to take it back to Mazda but our salesman at the Ford dealership said to bring it to them instead. My wife after being stranded in a parking lot finally got it started and drove it to the Ford dealership. Ford took it for the 2nd time and they said it started at least 90 times just fine and they, yet again, could not duplicate any problems with their diag. tests.

So they took it to Auto Electric...Auto Electric could also not duplicate any problems.

So now my Ford guy is telling me that he spoke to the Mazda dealership we took it to, and the same guy at mazda that I talked to told my Ford guy that they couldn't figure out what the problem was unless it was again not starting...WHICH was the case when we took it to that Mazda dealership the first time.

So now I basically have to go pick up the car and wait until it stops starting again and immediately have it towed to the Mazda dealership...Also my Ford guy said he had been looking up online things that may cause the car not to start. He mentioned the corroded starter wire, and said it wasn't that.

I don't know what to do. I can't risk my wife getting stranded gain, God forbid somewhere that could pose danger. And even still if she or I were to get stranded we would have to take OURS and SOMEONE ELSE'S time waiting to get us picked up.

Is there ANYthing I can do? The car over the length of the loan is going to cost me around 10,500$.

Also, whether it's coincidental or not, my keyless entry remote will work for a several usages, and then not work...and then work..and then not work. I even tried reprogramming it a few times..still the same problem.

Any help will be GREATLY appreciated!

Zach


Order the part and take the TSB with you so they know how to do the fix


he has already had this confirmed that this is not his issue as OP posted

He mentioned the corroded starter wire, and said it wasn't that.

It does not hurt to recheck it and do the fix anyways but I am just saying that they already had a peek at it

[Distilled1]

I have a US 2005 SP23 doing the same thing and it NEVER has the issue at the shop. I was really thinking it was the security but alas it is not as the light does normal blinking until the on position then stays lit solid for 3-4 seconds and goes out.

not the starter / or cable to the starter (per shop and dealer mechanic - the TSB was done on it) Battery new , charging at 14volts. I just went to do some TS and it didn't start then did the second try and as well about 20 more times, and now no start again.

we have had the car since new right off the boat.
car has 110,000Miles on it and needs a new Engine anyway have a bad rod bearing/crank bearing, actually have a new long block for it including a new starter but not wanting to pay to have it done with this issue going on ( was all fine until the clutch went out this was replaced for the first time at 109,500... this makes me think it has to be related to the clutch safety sensor anyone know where it is? and if there is a way to disable it? put a jumper in so it thinks the thing is engaged? My SAAB 9000T is set up like this because that sensor went out, but I can't find it on this thing and am thinking it may be connected to the computer and cause more issues.

could it be the key chip sensor ? where is it I read near the key hole there is an antenna ??

[sudz]

Hey,
These cars have Chips in the keys for security. If you have a bunch of other keys with your Mazda Key, that could be causing the ignition system to be unable to read the key. Try JUST using your Mazda Key - No big keychain full of other stuff. Is the security light on or flashing when you try and turn over your car?

[sudz]

Bah - Sorry for double post.
Mods delete me?

[Default User]

when it doesnt fire up - do the brake lights work?

I'm thinking a loose ground wire, faulty starter, faulty brake light switch, or a pooched MAF

[Scottobot]

Possibly faulty ignition switch.

This was the culprit in my wife's Tiburon when she experienced similar random issues.

[Cosmo77]

hmmmm corroded fuse box wiring to pcm KAM fuse....

[sudz]

Hey OP - Any updates?

[iouzip]

I think i may have been having the same problem with my 2005 mazda 3. For me, it seems to be a problem with the transmission. Occasionally, i'll park the car and the parking gear light wont turn on. if i shut the car off and attempt to start it again, the car wont start. If i depress the brake pedal, put the car in neutral (which it does detect, and lights up on the console) and attempt to start the vehicle, it normally turns over. Otherwise, if the parking gear light does light up, the car turns over normally in park. This could possibly be the issue? I still haven't really found a solution to the problem other than to engage the hand brake when parking, and it usually helps. this could be completely different from your problem as well, but just by the description of the frequency and nature of the failure to start, seems to be somewhat similar.

[1nmhbacky]

My car just died,
I might need a new starter can you PM you contacts.





I had the same problem when I did the big 3 mod. I replaced the wire coming from the alternator and starter (instead of adding to the wire). The fuse housing for the 4awg wire melted, and there was intermittent power going to the starter. Slamming the hood down or leaving the car for a while would help start it.

Try adding another wire from the starter to the + end of the battery. If that doesn't help, it most definitely is the starter motor. I'm selling one if you like, goto the for sale section lol.

[mackie]

I had the same problem over a year ago, i send it to the dealer ship and they told me it was only corrosion on the connectors of the starter and now start like a brand new 2006 !

[1nmhbacky]

I had the same problem over a year ago, i send it to the dealer ship and they told me it was only corrosion on the connectors of the starter and now start like a brand new 2006 !

Same here, it was just corrosion on the starter wire, got it replaced. Saved a lot of $$$$ didnt need to buy a new starter. My mechanic says it sometimes cud be the neutral switch that is disconnected. But turns out it was just a rust wire

[pinoy_eh]

This happened to me last year. I found the problem, it was the neutral safety switch. Once the can won't start in the "Park" position, leave the ignition to "ON" and shift to "Neutral" and start the car. I replaced the Neutral Safety Switch by myself and the part cost $ 68.00 plus taxes.

[yally]

Had an issue similar with a Honda Civic. Turned out to me faulty wiring attached to the thermostat. Rusted wire would short out system when bolt expanded from heat. Hope this helps!

[jdownie]

Hey,
These cars have Chips in the keys for security. If you have a bunch of other keys with your Mazda Key, that could be causing the ignition system to be unable to read the key. Try JUST using your Mazda Key - No big keychain full of other stuff. Is the security light on or flashing when you try and turn over your car?

im looking for some help as my 2005 mazda 3 wont start. when i go to start it, the radio, all the lights on the dashboard everything works fine, but there is a small red car with a key in the middle of it that is flashing and it will not let me start my car. it has happened a few times but if i just remove my keys let it sit for 15-20 mins and try again it started. today it wont start at all i have waited 3 hrs and tries 3 times and nothing. i called the mazda dealer ship and they couldnt help me at all. really looking for some help!! thank you all in advance!

[MarkWB]

im looking for some help as my 2005 mazda 3 wont start. when i go to start it, the radio, all the lights on the dashboard everything works fine, but there is a small red car with a key in the middle of it that is flashing and it will not let me start my car. it has happened a few times but if i just remove my keys let it sit for 15-20 mins and try again it started. today it wont start at all i have waited 3 hrs and tries 3 times and nothing. i called the mazda dealer ship and they couldnt help me at all. really looking for some help!! thank you all in advance!

Did you call the dealership you bought your car from, or is this another place?

[mazda3ftw]

Most Mazda vehicles do not want to start when it is cold out, i experience this when I'm at work and i have to start an RX8 and it did not want to start. i pushed it inside and about half an hour later it ran good. Same with my Mazda 3 GX i doesn't want to start in the winter it takes longer than usual... My advice is keep your car in the garage or underground parking where snow and water cant get to it.

[cwp_sedan]

Most Mazda vehicles do not want to start when it is cold out, i experience this when I'm at work and i have to start an RX8 and it did not want to start. i pushed it inside and about half an hour later it ran good. Same with my Mazda 3 GX i doesn't want to start in the winter it takes longer than usual... My advice is keep your car in the garage or underground parking where snow and water cant get to it.

That's because you own an RX-8. 3s and other Mazdas do not have the same problem so please don't generalize. I didn't have a problem starting mine even at -20.

Also, if you keep reviving old threads for the purpose of wasting time, you will be banned. Have a nice day and enjoy posting. :)

[midnightfxgt]

Most Mazda vehicles do not want to start when it is cold out, i experience this when I'm at work and i have to start an RX8 and it did not want to start. i pushed it inside and about half an hour later it ran good. Same with my Mazda 3 GX i doesn't want to start in the winter it takes longer than usual... My advice is keep your car in the garage or underground parking where snow and water cant get to it.

They start perfectly fine. I will say they have a pretty weak OEM battery (380CCA) rings a bell. When they get older they turn over a bit longer in VERY cold temps, but never left me stranded, and we have 3 Mazda3s in the fam lol.

-John

[judaho]

i Have the same issues it works in neutral always but its iffy on the park position!

[Bobby10]

Hey,
These cars have Chips in the keys for security. If you have a bunch of other keys with your Mazda Key, that could be causing the ignition system to be unable to read the key. Try JUST using your Mazda Key - No big keychain full of other stuff. Is the security light on or flashing when you try and turn over your car?

I tried with just the key unattached to anything. Same problem- car won't turn over in PARK but will in NEUTRAL. The red car symbol with key inside flashes. even when the key is out of the ignition.

[midnightfxgt]

I tried with just the key unattached to anything. Same problem- car won't turn over in PARK but will in NEUTRAL. The red car symbol with key inside flashes. even when the key is out of the ignition.

Google "Mazda3 Neutral Safety Switch"... fairly common and easy fix.

-John

[Zotaga]

Move your shifter from neutral and slam it into park. For some stupid reason, if the green box around the "P" isn't lit up, the car won't start. Sometimes I have to move my car forward an inch and then put it into park again before I can get that green light to turn on. If it's not on when the key is turned, the car won't start.


I tried with just the key unattached to anything. Same problem- car won't turn over in PARK but will in NEUTRAL. The red car symbol with key inside flashes. even when the key is out of the ignition.

[Zotaga]

I bought the best battery CT had and now my car starts in cold weather.. the factory battery (Panasonic) is a piece of shit. Upgrade the battery and your cold starts will be a thing of the past. You also need to upgrade the battery if you have any type of subwoofer in your car, HID's, etc. Any load you add will make that shitty battery even worse.


Most Mazda vehicles do not want to start when it is cold out, i experience this when I'm at work and i have to start an RX8 and it did not want to start. i pushed it inside and about half an hour later it ran good. Same with my Mazda 3 GX i doesn't want to start in the winter it takes longer than usual... My advice is keep your car in the garage or underground parking where snow and water cant get to it.

[Noisy Crow]

For some stupid reason, if the green box around the "P" isn't lit up, the car won't start.

Yup, interlocks that ensure the car isn't actually in gear when you start it make no sense at all. Really, if someone is stupid enough to leave something that gets crushed when your car leaps forward it's their own dumb fault.

[Zotaga]

You can leave the car w/o the [P] and it won't move.. if you rock the car forward or back after, the [P] will engage on it's own.


Yup, interlocks that ensure the car isn't actually in gear when you start it make no sense at all. Really, if someone is stupid enough to leave something that gets crushed when your car leaps forward it's their own dumb fault.

[MazdaMike02]

This is caused by the Transaxle Range Switch Lever becoming corroded. This is the part that the shift cable connects to to shift gears. There is a TSB on the issue, replace the lever, nut and washer. Your car will start fine afterwards. The reason why it doesnt start is because the range switch thinks the cars between gears, because the rust doesnt allow it to return to the proper park position.

The car will start fine in neutral by the way. Ive changed hundreds of these for the same problem.

[terrytek]

2006 Mazda 3i 2.0. wont start sometimes. OK, here's the specifics . Battery is new and good. 13.5 volts. turn key, all lights come on. with hood open and fuse relay box cover off, feel start relay click in the relay cluster. even swapped it with heat relay. noticed that while holding key in the extreme start position, the headlights don't even dim, which tells me it is not loading the battery. could the ignition switch not be making it all the way to start? why do I feel the start relay click then. could it be the starter solenoid? while holding the key in the start position, (I didn't notice if the security light flashed while trying to start indicating a lack of RFID) I rapped on the bottom of the steering column and it started right up... Thoughts?