2007 Mazda3 Starting Problems

[m3brooke]

I posted on the new member section, but thought this fit better here:

I have a 2007 Mazda3 2.3, I am not sure if any of the rest of you with this model have had this happen but...
For the last few weeks my car has often been turning over for a looooong time before starting. Sometimes it will start, shake, stumble, then stall. Almost always when I turn off and try to start again it starts the second time. It doesn't matter if car is cold or warm. The battery seems strong, it turns over fast not slow and has never died...and the car is only a couple of years old. The miles (75K) put it out of warranty, so I am hesitant to take it to the dealer without more info. There have been no check engine or error codes, ever. Hopefully I can learn from others that have had similar problems if this is a common problem with the model.
Thanks in advance for any advice,
Brooke

 

[vladjan]

Not to scare you.. i had the same exact thing happen within 30k miles of each other. Both times it was the fuel pump. fuel pump runs about 650 just fot the part from the dealer. labor is about another 200 bucks. i hope thats not the case though.
i have a 2004 mazda 3i, fuel pump is known to be problematic on mazda 3's. Go to some mechanic and ask them to check the fuel pressure, my pressure was lower then needed for the fuel to be pumped in. The dealer told me there are two reasons for this problem. its either debree in the fuel tank thats causing the fuel pressure loss or the fuel pump could be malfunctioning.

 

[m3brooke]

Not to scare you.. i had the same exact thing happen within 30k miles of each other. Both times it was the fuel pump. fuel pump runs about 650 just fot the part from the dealer. labor is about another 200 bucks. i hope thats not the case though.
i have a 2004 mazda 3i, fuel pump is known to be problematic on mazda 3's. Go to some mechanic and ask them to check the fuel pressure, my pressure was lower then needed for the fuel to be pumped in. The dealer told me there are two reasons for this problem. its either debree in the fuel tank thats causing the fuel pressure loss or the fuel pump could be malfunctioning.

I hope it's not the pump, I am way out of warranty. Another member suggested carbon or debris as well, and recommended an industrial strength fuel injector cleaner, maybe I will try that first. Did you have any other symptoms besides the hard starting?
Thanks!

 

[vladjan]

no not really, but that problem happened twice within 30k. My mechanic suggested me to change the fuel filter. i didnt cause i had extended warranty so the dealership covered all the charges except a deductible. Yes u can try to put that "industrial injector cleaner" and if that doesnt go away change the fuel filter, if not then i would go for the fuel pump. Dealer told me that sparkplugs were needed to be replaced when i was changing my 2 fuel pumps. so before going for the fuel pump check the sparkplugs as well. Or go to some mechanic that can change the fuel system pressure. What psi it has, i have to look through the papers to find what is the norm.

Good luck.
Im out of warranty too now,, so hopin nothing serious happens.

 

[m3brooke]

no not really, but that problem happened twice within 30k. My mechanic suggested me to change the fuel filter. i didnt cause i had extended warranty so the dealership covered all the charges except a deductible. Yes u can try to put that "industrial injector cleaner" and if that doesnt go away change the fuel filter, if not then i would go for the fuel pump. Dealer told me that sparkplugs were needed to be replaced when i was changing my 2 fuel pumps. so before going for the fuel pump check the sparkplugs as well. Or go to some mechanic that can change the fuel system pressure. What psi it has, i have to look through the papers to find what is the norm.

Good luck.
Im out of warranty too now,, so hopin nothing serious happens.

I hear you!
I think I will start small and work my way up. The plugs may need changing anyways as I am at 78K miles. I could probably research the correct psi and then just go to a regular mechanic (as opposed to the dealer with the non-mechanic commissioned salesmen in disguise of "service advisors") and have it checked.
Thanks again,
Brooke

 

[vladjan]

no problem, ill check my dealer service report i remember it stated the correct PSI, ill let u know once i find out

 

[m3brooke]

no problem, ill check my dealer service report i remember it stated the correct PSI, ill let u know once i find out

Thanks!

 

[crashhard]

I have the same problem and I'm looking for a fix also.

 

[m3brooke]

I have the same problem and I'm looking for a fix also.

Let me know if you find a solution. I will do the same.
I have already had the fuel system/injectors/throttle body cleaned and checked the plugs.
A mechanic suggested the crank position sensor, but was surprised there is not a check engine light on. I may just have to replace it and see.