2002 Mazda Protege 2.0L 2000CC Engine - won't start

[bealer]

2002 Mazda Protege 2.0L 2000CC Engine - won't start

It's my son's car. He's had it since February and its been running just great for him. But then all of a sudden it died while he was driving it. It cranks over but will not even attempt to start. I've cleaned battery terminals and ground cables. Any suggestions as to what I can try next would be deeply appreciated.

 

[concept]

It could be the timing belt. Have you checked it?

Also, "if the engine cranks but does not start, and diagnosis shows no fuel pressure, the fuel pump relay is frequently the problem. If the fuel pump relay is defective, the fuel pump will not energize and therefore, not generate fuel pressure so the engine can run."

 

[bealer]

I noticed that there are two slits on the side of the timing belt cover, so I checked it while the engine is cranking and it looks like its OK - At least its not broken, and the ridges seemed to be intact.

The Haynes manual walked me through a fuel pump test. I could hear the fuel pump running when it should, so I'm pretty sure that it's OK. I'm going to borrow a fuel pressure tester today and check out the pressure.

I just noticed that the manual has a test for the fuel pump relay and also for the fuel pressure regulator. I'll check those out while I'm at it.

Thank you for your input! It's appreciated.

 

[Installshield 2]

First...turn the key to the on position, but don't crank it...now look at the water temp gauge. what does it read? If its spiked all the way to max heat (don't worry, this doesn't mean it overheated)...your son blew one of multiple different fuses related to engine operation...

very easy to replace a fuse, but annoying tracking down the short that caused it.

If that gauge is parked on cold, its probably not a fuse...so start narrowing it down with ignition and fuel systems physical items, not just the wiring...can you verify the fuel pump is running? do you notice a strong smell of gasoline in the exhaust system (that will occur when cranking an engine that IS getting fuel but NOT getting spark)...meaning the fuel pump itself may have failed, or the coils (both at the same time is unlikely though)...I'm guessing on whats mentioned though; a blown fuse or failed relay...not starting all is easy haha...starting and barely running...thats harder to figure out...

but start with the gauge, and tell us what you see...and we can go from there.

 

[Mazdacoy]

I have a 2002 protege 5 hatchback automatic/auto manual(triptronic) and it has been an awesome car running awesome and has been maintained thoroughly I have a book of receipts. Most recently a new head&gasket, header gasket, radiator, waterpump&thermostat transmission safety switch, battery and starter, etc.... And yesterday after it was running off and on all day I came out and the engine will not turn over at all. I do hear clicking coming from around the shifter area (P,D,R,1,2) everything electronically works radio, lights, blinkers high beams etc... Just will not turn over, only get clicking sound from that area. I did try and jump the car although the battery is brand new and same thing happened....nothing. Starter has a little more than 8 volts going to it with the key in the on position. All fuses are perfectly fine including those on the drivers side engine compartment. As you can see I have exhausted all options and I'm at a complete loss here I thought I understood cars pretty good as I was a mechanic 12 years ago but things have changed drastically since then and I am stumped!! It seems like some on this site are very knowledgable in these cars and so I decided to post this here. Any help is appreciated.

 

[ffspeed3]

I would pull the starter and take it into a local part store and have them check it. Just because its getting power doesn't mean its not worn out and it just wont turn the engine over. I would start there since you already clarified that all your fuses are good and you do have a new battery.