starting car
 

when I start my car it seems like it doesnt want to start it takes so long to start it. Need help finding the problem. its all stock 2004

1) Does it take even longer to start when it is warmed-up? If your answer is "yes", proceed to #2.
2) Is the car/engine still under the factory warranty? If your answer is "yes", proceed to #3.
3) Register this "concern" with your dealer's service representative and wait for your new engine to be installed.

^................ and if number 1 is "No"?
You then think it might be just in need of the updated starter? :dunno:

or clogged CAT to a lesser degree.

Still need more info on maintence and situation it occurs.

Hard to start when cold are completely differnent solutions.

How diagnostically/specifically does the only-a-problem-when warm thing point towards a compression issue? Has anyone ever seen that issue point to some other root cause? I'm looking into this issue myself and it might be helpful for people if we can develop a most-likely diagnosis based on presentation....

Typically, hard starting issues are related to outdated coils/plugs, or a weak starter. But if there's a warm/cold issue, then we should starting looking to get a compression test, and assuming engine internals are the most likely issue?

This is good stuff....

The engine warm. If the cat is clogged how do i unclog it?

By getting a new one. :yesnod:

^..............If the CAT is really your problem, it has a 80k mile warranty, so take it in.

Dam you good cause I am at 80k miles.

I have no warranty, got the car used.

its a factory warranty so it doesnt matter how you got the car

Starter
Battery
Coils
Plugs
Plug Wires
Cat
Compression


Pretty much the main culprits. Might as well work on those *in that order?* and see which one it is. Obviously if it's compression, and you're at 80k miles, you are in the engine warranty and can get a new one.

Let's explain since the OP believes he has no warranty.

CAT = Factory Warranty for 80k miles. If you are just over it(80k miles), talk with a dealership and they might let you slide a little bit.................if you need one.

Engine Warranty = Factory Warranty for 8 years or 100k miles.

You have both of these!

So no matter what I have warranty on the CAT?

The Engine and Cat are warranted by the factory and transfers to any owner.

So I can just go to a mazda dealer ship and have the CAT replaced?

If the CAT is the problem yes. The dealership will want to make their own diagnosis before they swap the CAT for free.

It's simple now for you

Take the advice that you have gotten here over the past few days with you to the dealer. Stand your ground and make sure they don't try to put something into the repair order that shouldn't be involved with this repair. Cat is a simple fix-- they will run a diagnostic with percentage past/fail. Put on a happy face and see if they will work with you considering that your just out of warranty. -I did see a cat in the for sale forum- dontknow if it's still available.

However, if it comes to them running a compressor test then make sure you got your service records and again stand your ground. search for threads that talk about fail compression and engine replacement-- worse case scenario