Atrain

My 8 has been acting funny lately and hasn't been starting like it use to.

Sometimes when I turn the key it doesn't do anything. Doesn't try to turn over but I occationally hear a click(possibly a pop from the spark plugs?). I'll release the key and all the power will come on. At this point sometimes it'll turn over and start from a 2nd try or I'll completely turn off the car and try again. There are times where I start it right up with no problems.

It's always started for me eventually when I do this.

Also, it has been taking a bit longer to start but it may just due to the cold.

Anyone have an idea what may be going on with this?

mazdaverx7

iTrader: (6)

is the power coming on when you initially turn the key to the accessory poistion? it kind of sounds like wither you dont have the clutch pedal fully depressed or you may have a bad starter interlock switch on the clutch pedal.

04RX8man

POssibly could b a neutral safety switch

AAChaoshand

at first when I read his post I thought battery till I read further in. If there isn't any power at all then it might be a bad battery. Not likely since you said everything comes on tho.

AAChaoshand

Cold does have an effect on the engine, from someone posting earlier a few days ago if your having that problem try reving it to 4k RPMs then shutting it off and letting the engine to the job.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

no,

you really need to stop giving info.

beers

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

is it possible that it has a broken gasket and coolant is leaking into the engine?

Silver06

LOL... (no offense meant, Kersh!)


+1 for an interlock problem. Possibly also a problem with the security module not recognizing the key.

I think this could take a while of unplugging and re-seating connectors.....

Obviously, start with the connections between the battery and the starter. Make sure they are tight and clean. Test the battery with a voltmeter (use clips for constant readings) prior to starting; and then have an assistant crank the car over, and then running. Voltage should be +12v prior; not less than +11 cranking; and +13.5 running.

Then, jump the connections on the clutch pedal switch switch with a paperclip. Then, take off the steering column plastic and uplug and re-seat all the connectors that you can find near the key switch.

Intermittent problems are a bitch. Good luck & keep posting as you eliminate variables.

EDIT: When you hear hoofbeats... don't expect zebras.... I'm forgetting the obvious: Your starter solenoid / starter is going bad. This will show as a massive voltage drop when you do the battery voltage test above, and the car doesn't turn over. No voltage drop = wiring /switch/module problem, as above.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

clutch switch yes. neutral switch no..

btw, i would vote cold has an effect on battery posts. check them.

beers

Atrain

Saturday night it finally quit on me. Turned the key and just heard a click. Figured that maybe the battery was just to low to get it to crank even tho everything was powering up so I came back with my buddy and jumper cables the next morning. Before we did anything I tried to start it and it started by itself without a problem...

Went to the auto parts place and had them test the battery. They told me the voltage was fine but the amps were about half of what it should be. Bought a new battery, installed it and it started up great. This moring it didn't try to crank on the first attempt again... 2nd try worked.

mazdaverx7

iTrader: (6)

have you inspected the connections at the starter for clenliness and made sure that all connections were tight and all grounds were also clean and secure?

Silver06

Starter.

Atrain

The battery connections are clean, i'll check the starter tonight.

One thing I didn't mention. Went its been reluctant to start, I've had to hold the key in the cranking position for up to 3 seconds before it begins to crank.

That makes me believe that its not the clutch sensor since I'm holding the clutch in the same position the entire time.

mazdaverx7

iTrader: (6)

for good measure i would test the clutch start switch to rule that out.

Atrain

Thanks a lot for your help guys!

It wouldn't start on me again so we push started it and got it to a garage. It ended up being the connections to the starter. They were corroded very badly. Cleaned them up and it started right up.