car starting problems!!! [Archive]

uturi2001

10-30-2004, 12:52 PM

i have almost 10,000 km on it

its automatic.

i just called the dealer he said it may be a fuel pump issue and that if i turn the key to on for about 5 seconds then to start it should start...as an interim messaure until i can get into the shop..

i just tried it and it started on the first crank...so hopefully i won\'t get stuck anywhere..

sam

Jay3

10-31-2004, 01:45 PM

Sounds like it\'s definitely the fuel pump, if you read the TSB it describes the hard starting etc. as signs of the problem. It\'s an easy fix from what people have said on the boards.

Xenon

10-31-2004, 02:21 PM

I had problems with my car starting, but only after re-fueling the tank. My CEL was on at the time too.

My Problem was with the purge solnoid. It is a part of the fuel system that re-pressurizes the fuel system after it has been de-pressurized by the opening of the gas cap.

My Purge Solnoid was stuck. It was replaced under warrenty. Now my car is perfect.

If your car only has trouble starting after you refuel, than that might be the problem, but if it\'s having trouble starting every time.... I don\'t know exactly what it could be.

Is your CEL on?

uturi2001

10-31-2004, 07:39 PM

i can\'t remember if my cell was on...but i would assume it was.

i have been doing what the dealer suggested and it has been working all weekend

i am going to the shop on wed.

sam

Xenon

10-31-2004, 07:43 PM

Originally posted by uturi2001

i can\'t remember if my cell was on...but i would assume it was.

i have been doing what the dealer suggested and it has been working all weekend

i am going to the shop on wed.

sam

CEL = Check Engine Light... not cell as in Cell phone

uturi2001

10-31-2004, 07:47 PM

oops...lol

no lights come on once the car starts...it runs ok..

so hopefully i can get til wednesday.

sam

majic

10-31-2004, 07:51 PM

Originally posted by uturi2001

i can\'t remember if my cell was on...but i would assume it was.

sam

lol.. omg.. lmao..

just fell off the chair.. thanks.. :D i was getting a bit annoyed by all the ding dongs from trick-or-treaters and now i\'ve forgotten that they\'ve been pestering me :p

uturi2001

10-31-2004, 07:55 PM

i am glad i can provide some entertainment for my fellow tm3 members!!

LOL

Newlook

10-31-2004, 11:44 PM

I gotta see if I\'ve problem starting my car after fueling up, with my cell phone on :D

kyfe

11-03-2004, 03:59 PM

I had the same problem to along with theCEL coming on and the airbag light issue
I\'m taking it in for an oil change next week, I\'m gonna ask them to upgrade the firmware in the computer and look at the fuel system along with the brakes.

They should be pretty happy to see me.

Kyfe

blabla98

11-08-2004, 07:09 PM

Question for \'xenon\' regarding the first post above.

I have the same problem. Stalling after refuelling.
I also have erratic idle when waiting at the light for example. Rpms would drop so low that the car almost stalls (it did once) and then it wakes up on it\'s own to about 1200 rpms.

Did you experience the same/similar problem?

Xenon

11-09-2004, 06:48 PM

Originally posted by blabla98

Question for \'xenon\' regarding the first post above.

I have the same problem. Stalling after refuelling.
I also have erratic idle when waiting at the light for example. Rpms would drop so low that the car almost stalls (it did once) and then it wakes up on it\'s own to about 1200 rpms.

Did you experience the same/similar problem?

I just had the stalling after refueling problem. After the car was started, there wasn\'t really a problem.

I found that as soon as the engine did start, I\'d step on the accelerator and rev the engine up to about 5000 RPM... if it stayed alive, it was fine. I never had to re-start the engine more than twice.

blabla98

11-09-2004, 11:13 PM

Thanks for the response \'xenon\'.
I guess I have more than one problem here.

Xenon

11-11-2004, 10:46 PM

So are you saying you have a stalling problem with your car and rough idling...

But there\'s no Check Engine Light?

blabla98

11-14-2004, 08:26 PM

The CEL was ON.

The first time I went to the dealer (CEL was ON), they read P2187 code and replaced the fuel pump.
That didn\'t solve the problem (still rough idle and stalling after refueling).
I went to the dealer the second time (CEL was ON again), they read P0455 code, and replaced purge solenoid valve. This appears to have solved the problem, since the car is running fine for three days now.
I haven\'t refueled since, but I think the problem is gone now.
Will post here if I still have the problem after refueling.

wtom

12-02-2004, 01:44 AM

From what I gather from this forum plus M3F, I too have a bad fuel pump. Started last night and until now, approx 8 to 10 starts of the car (different times of course) after a long period of being parked (ie. more than half hour), every single time it has been a failed first attempt at starting the engine and the second or possibly third attempt to start would be success.

I\'ve made an appt with Avante TO to take my car in Friday early a.m., they shuttle me to work, then pick me up after work and shuttle me back to get my car. I\'m expecting the new parts NOT be in stock meaning my car wouldn\'t be fixed. Hopefully I am wrong about this.

FLIPSPEED, possibly see you Friday either 8:15am or 5:30pm! :)

EDIT: Older post here; http://torontomazda3.com/forum/read.php?TID=149

Melenium

12-02-2004, 03:04 AM

Hmm.. I think its time for me to add my issue to this tread too.

Car always starts, no problem, but I usually have to crank for about half a second to a second for it to grab (as opposed to my MX-3 where I literally flicked the key and it started right away). This doesn\'t bug me usually, except when I stall (yes, it does still happen every so often). After a stall it seems like it needs a good second or two to start which is really cruddy when sitting in traffic. Anyone else notice this?

Illmatic

12-02-2004, 08:23 AM

Originally posted by Melenium

Hmm.. I think its time for me to add my issue to this tread too.

Car always starts, no problem, but I usually have to crank for about half a second to a second for it to grab (as opposed to my MX-3 where I literally flicked the key and it started right away). This doesn\'t bug me usually, except when I stall (yes, it does still happen every so often). After a stall it seems like it needs a good second or two to start which is really cruddy when sitting in traffic. Anyone else notice this?

Funny you mention that because I noticed it too but thought nothing of it! It started shortly after I got the car (around July / August) and sometimes I notice I have to crank it a little longer than normal in order to start it. I have an appointment scheduled for 16K service at Morningside Mazda on Saturday (I know bad dealership but they are close and I make sure that I keep on them until I\'m happy). I\'m going to ask them about this as well as that rear caliper notice I keep hearing about.

FLIPDADY

12-02-2004, 10:06 AM

I had the same problem a month ago on my 05. I had the fuel pump replaced and what do you know it\'s fixed!

Hey Xenon, I\'ll make sure I have a pump in stock for you just in case.;)

Melenium

12-02-2004, 12:30 PM

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED

I had the same problem a month ago on my 05. I had the fuel pump replaced and what do you know it\'s fixed!

Hey Xenon, I\'ll make sure I have a pump in stock for you just in case.;)

Are you referring to my beef, or someone elses? I would have thought that the fuel pump would have been fixed by now since it seems to have been a long term, ongoing sort of thing.

Could a symptom of a bad fuel pump be the noise that it makes when you turn the car to \'on\', or do good pumps also make quite the hum (its very noticeable)?

FLIPDADY

12-02-2004, 01:49 PM

When you turn the car to the on position you will hear that noise. The problem with the pumps is suppose to be on the 04 3\'s but on my 05 it was really bad.

billyfo

12-02-2004, 05:45 PM

it seems some cars are affected, but not me ==touch wood==

I have a Nov/03 built car, so far only the airbag light on instrutment dash (not the passenger airbag light) come out for a while, and Avante RH fixed it.

Melenium

12-02-2004, 11:19 PM

After class today I tried to get it started and this is the worst its ever been. I cranked it for about 2 seconds, it grabbed, then stalled right away. I try again, this time it took 3 seconds, grabs for half a second, then stalled. Finally after about 4 seconds of cranking it started and no problems since.

On a side note, on the way home I put in the first tank of gas (for anyone interested: 405km, 40L), and no problem with stalling like wtom mentioned (I think it was wtom?).

If the starting problem gets worse I\'ll mention it at my oil change in a few months time.

FLIPDADY

12-03-2004, 07:57 AM

Originally posted by Melenium

After class today I tried to get it started and this is the worst its ever been. I cranked it for about 2 seconds, it grabbed, then stalled right away. I try again, this time it took 3 seconds, grabs for half a second, then stalled. Finally after about 4 seconds of cranking it started and no problems since.

On a side note, on the way home I put in the first tank of gas (for anyone interested: 405km, 40L), and no problem with stalling like wtom mentioned (I think it was wtom?).

If the starting problem gets worse I\'ll mention it at my oil change in a few months time.
Just monitor it every morning when you start the car. Mine got to the point where I just couldn\'t stand it anymore.

My 88 Integra started on the first crank!:sarc

wtom

12-03-2004, 09:05 AM

I think FLIPSPEED meant me (not Xenon) with regards to holding a fuel pump in stock? Nice to meet you today man! Much much younger looking than I thought!!! hahaha

Melenium, I think that stalling after filling up is Xenon ...

man you guys getting Xenon and me mixed up already? Just one meet where I was taking his place and already getting us mixed up ... that or cuz we both drive practically the same exact car... ? hehehe j/k j/k

FLIPDADY

12-03-2004, 09:17 AM

I still get carded when buying alcohol and smokes.:D Did I mention that I have 2 kids?

Not to worry Warren I\'ll make sure your car is well taken care of.;)

Melenium

12-03-2004, 11:42 AM

Originally posted by wtom

I think FLIPSPEED meant me (not Xenon) with regards to holding a fuel pump in stock? Nice to meet you today man! Much much younger looking than I thought!!! hahaha

Melenium, I think that stalling after filling up is Xenon ...

man you guys getting Xenon and me mixed up already? Just one meet where I was taking his place and already getting us mixed up ... that or cuz we both drive practically the same exact car... ? hehehe j/k j/k

Well I\'ve never actually met Xenon. As for mixing you guys up, you guys both have WB Sports and similar signature banners. When reading stuff I don\'t ususally commit to memory who it was by, but just have a rough idea.. in this case I think \"WB Sport, high post count, funky signature\", and you both fit the bill ;)

wtom

12-03-2004, 04:09 PM

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED

Not to worry Warren I\'ll make sure your car is well taken care of.;)

JoMo... so Anthony says no \"lock ring\" in stock? Possible you guys can call around other local parts depts to hopefully get one? I really feel the car is hurting when the starts get violent... thanks man.

EDIT: Violent as in the car starts shaking if I leave the key turned to ignition for too long... not violent as in me hitting the car. :)

FLIPDADY

12-04-2004, 12:58 PM

No one had the damn lock ring in stock! Sorry Warren for wasting your time man. I just checked my backorder list and the rings are arriving on Monday.

wtom

12-04-2004, 07:13 PM

Sweet, thanks Joe!!! No waste of time at all man. Is the car wash always done after servicing???? Hehehe Thank You!!!! :)

---

I took my car into Avante TO this past Friday to hopefully have them fix my fuel pump problem. No go as I returned since they didn\'t have a \"ring lock\" in stock to complete the fuel pump replacement. No probs. So they\'ll call me next week to update me on the status. I walk out to my car and as I get closer, I noticed it was cleaner than what I remember in the morning dropping it off? So they only did a quick clean of the car even though no actual service was performed? Holy crap... Thank You Avante Mazda Toronto!!!! :)

wtom

12-14-2004, 09:53 AM

Problem fixed (http://www.torontomazda3.com/forum/read.php?TID=591&page=6). Thank You Avante Mazda service dept.!!!!!!

FLIPDADY

12-14-2004, 10:29 AM

Two blue 05\'s two fuel pumps done! No more hard starts!

bluntman

12-14-2004, 10:45 AM

Good thing I didn\'t get a blue hatch.

Dr Butcher

12-14-2004, 11:09 AM

Originally posted by bluntman

Good thing I didn\'t get a blue hatch.

Man, this seems to be a pretty common issue.

/me knocks on wood and prays to the fuel pump gods that his is good to go.

rbart4506

12-14-2004, 11:40 AM

Why is this still a problem?? You\'d think this issue would be taken care of by now...Is there a flaw in the fuel delivery system with these vehicles??

I\'ve got an 04 the had it\'s fuel pump replaced and so far it\'s been fine, but will it go again??

Rich

Xenon

12-14-2004, 12:28 PM

at the risk of jinxing myself, I\'m going to say:

My fuel pump is fine. The only problem I have had was with the purge solinoid which was fixed months ago.

Since then my car has been flawless. Coming to life withing a second of turning the key. I have not noticed anything abnormal about the starting of my car.

wtom

12-14-2004, 02:07 PM

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED

Two blue 05\'s two fuel pumps done! No more hard starts!

My Blue Beast is an \'04 model. ;)

bluntman

12-14-2004, 02:10 PM

The problem can be attributed to the chemicals used to create the Winning Blue Mica paint colour. The higher concentration of it, due to the larger surface area in the hatchback than the sedan, makes the hatchback more succeptible to these \"car starting problems\".

Xenon

12-14-2004, 03:17 PM

Originally posted by bluntman

The problem can be attributed to the chemicals used to create the Winning Blue Mica paint colour. The higher concentration of it, due to the larger surface area in the hatchback than the sedan, makes the hatchback more succeptible to these \"car starting problems\".

It\'s a good trade off for having the sexiest colour in the lineup tho. :p It\'s covered under warrenty, so there\'s no cost to us anyways.

bluntman

12-14-2004, 03:55 PM

http://www.strykersgirls.com/disagree.jpg

ken

01-24-2005, 05:06 PM

I am also experiecing car staring problems in the past few days. However I never had such problem last winter (I have had the car since Jan 01, 2004). I suppose if it is a fuel pump problem then I should be getting the hard starting problem from day one?

triplezoom

01-24-2005, 05:28 PM

Originally posted by ken

I am also experiecing car staring problems in the past few days. However I never had such problem last winter (I have had the car since Jan 01, 2004). I suppose if it is a fuel pump problem then I should be getting the hard starting problem from day one?

Same here. Its been almost sounding like my engine wont start up. Hafta hold the key down for quite a while. :(

melemel

07-12-2005, 09:50 AM

Sooo....thanks to this great forum I had gotten my car fixed (GT/GFX 2005/Red and auto trans) The car wouldn\'t start on the inital turn..I took the advice from the two threads on this exact issue until I got my car in to turn it and sit for 5secs then turn all the way and then it would start with no potential flooding in the gas tank??? I am sooo guessing at what could have happened. So I left mazda a nice note stating that I did my research and learned that this problem requires the replacement of a new fuel pump. They finally got it replaced and I picked it up on Saturday. NOW bw saturday and this morning (the only driving I have done since Saturday was home and a return trip to the GO station yesterday) This morning I start and the engine light won\'t turn off. ARGH!!! why oh why? This car is exactly 2months and 3weeks old? Over the phone the service guy said it\'s bc I didn\'t screw the gas cap on tight enough....I haven\'t put any gas in since Saturday and the light didn\'t come on until Tuesday??? And just to add to my frustration...I found out that when I asked them to check the calipers and rotors bc of the super high pitched squeeling sound when I backed up and as well to put the plastic license plate covers on (bc they were out of stock when I picked up the car for the first time) they didn\'t!
Honestly.....do the dealerships need work to do so they just don\'t do everything so you have to keep coming back? I used to have a Miata when they first came out and never had troubles.....nothing seems to be made or serviced with the right kind of quality these days.
:(
Now they can\'t take me until Friday? do i need to worry? a girl\'s got to get to work! i am worried I\'ll break down somewhere.
Thanks for any advice

Cosmo77

07-12-2005, 05:31 PM

99% of the time your engine light has to do with an emmission problem and will not cause it to quit or no-start....IF you engine light is flashing while you are driving, then you should get to a dealership asap...I wouldn\'t worry bout it letting you down if the light is on solid.

Cosmo

melemel

07-13-2005, 10:54 AM

Thanks Cosmo! Feelin\' a bit more relief knowing that.
Chao!

Optimzer

07-13-2005, 08:19 PM

Originally posted by ken

I am also experiecing car staring problems in the past few days. However I never had such problem last winter (I have had the car since Jan 01, 2004). I suppose if it is a fuel pump problem then I should be getting the hard starting problem from day one?

Our protege had starting problems (sounded like it would just barely start) and it was a fuel pump problem (replaced under warranty or something...). But it wasn\'t there from day 1 - we started noticing it after about 1.5 years of ownership.

zoomzoomboom

07-17-2005, 12:01 PM

hey blabla 98 what dealer did you go to replace the fuel pump cause im haveing the same problem with mine and the dealership is saying its all in my head lol do u belive that its all in my head anyhow please let me know .................................

wtom

11-11-2005, 11:12 AM

Cold mornings are back and my car, with already replaced fuel pump, is hard-starting again in the cold mornings. :(

ds2chan

11-14-2005, 05:45 PM

so far my car seems fine.. hopefully it stays that way.. or maybe I just haven\'t noticed anything yet.. I\'ll check next time I start my car..

mazda3boss

11-14-2005, 11:09 PM

i was downtown on saturday and i left my car outside for about 3 hrs or whatever, had starting probs due to being so cold, we\'ll see what happens in those -40 windchill nights lol, but pisses me off when also people say \"isnt ur car new?? why is it not starting right away\"

Zaku_4

11-15-2005, 07:34 AM

Originally posted by wtom

Cold mornings are back and my car, with already replaced fuel pump, is hard-starting again in the cold mornings. :(

same here, except i still have original fuel pump.

a little while ago iw as at an esso and i just fueled up, closed the cap tight (always have a habit of waiting till it clicks), and tried ot start and i SWEAR TO GOD it didnt start...

lol i sat there trying to start the car for atleast 3 mins. then i just stepped on the gas and started and it started up but it was like not steady at all, all shaky and shit, after i ran it a bit it was ok..

oh well as long as it works... lol

MAZDA Kitten

11-15-2005, 03:11 PM

Uh oh... I am having issues with this.
Car is just over a year old with 44,000km on it. It only happens in the mornings; it really struggles to start. Im already on the phone with my dealership

ds2chan

11-16-2005, 03:49 PM

Originally posted by MAZDA Kitten

Uh oh... I am having issues with this.
Car is just over a year old with 44,000km on it. It only happens in the mornings; it really struggles to start. Im already on the phone with my dealership

damn.. keep us uptodate.. this sounds pretty serious and I hope I don\'t have to go thru crap like this with my car..