04MazdaMan

I have an 05 GT and lately its been having a hard time starting. I think the cold weather may have something to do with this since it starts fine after running a while and starting back up. The starter and turn over weakly and gradually get stronger until it starts. Ive never not been able to get it started though it just takes about a 15 second crank. Is my starter going bad? battery need replacing? Coils? This could be an obvious one since im not much of a mechanic. Tell me what ya think please.

04MazdaMan

Also right after it starts it spudders for a few seconds and then runs fine.

Stuart Forrest

Hi there, I would definitely start with checking the battery! Where are you located? I'm in the UK, Kwik Fit and National Tyres Centres will check your battery for free, I replaced mine on Monday after I had similar issues to what you're having. You certainly want to get it checked sooner rather than later because the last thing you want is for A) it to fail and leave you stranded or B) to fail and you flood your engine.

Regarding the spluttering after start-up - mine done that until i replaced the coils and battery, it now starts perfectly every time, hot and cold!

Let us know how you get on.

7andan8

As mentioned, check the battery first. Especially if it's old. Check for a date on top of the battery itself. A local auto parts store should be able to do that free.

Coils will need replacing in the 30,000-50,000 mile range. How many miles are on your '05? Have you ever had coils done? I haven't heard of many starters going bad prematurely.

04MazdaMan

Im near Somerset in the lake cumberland area so thatd be a good little drive just to have a battory checked but thanks anyway. Im gonna run it by advanced auto and have them check it for me today. The cars got 52,000 (rebuild) and i bought it at 32,000 about a year ago. I plan on doing the coils, sparks, wires, and a maybe a carb clean after christmas when my pocketbook isnt so fragile.

04MazdaMan

So I took her to advanced auto yesterday and they told me i needed to change the battery and i replied with "I have no time or money today" went to the car wash where she finally refused to start. After a jump, $118, and 15 minutes the 8s running great again. Thanks guys.

Stuart Forrest

Glad to hear it, chap! At least it's one less thing to worry about!