MS3 Won't start

[Russm]

During the winter I tried to start my car once and nothing happened, battery was good, had no other problems, for some reason I pulled the key out and reinserted and pumped the clutch and tried again and it started right up.
Today when I got into the car and tried to start it nothing, tried the key and clutch a number of time, checked all fuses and battery and starter connections, cleaned them all and nothing, shot some electrical cleaner in ignition slot, Roll back and pop the clutch it starts right up.
Has anyone had this experience, is there a relay or something that could go south that activates ignition when clutch is depressed or when key is inserted???
Car has no warranty left (60K) so I hate to be at the dealerships mercy, I can see them recommending new starter etcetera, . Anyone have any ideas please?
Thank You

 

[axisboldaslove]

well did you try a different battery that is what i would do...if it's turning over a little then it's not your starter

 

[bradboyd80]

Not sure if the MS3 has the same thing, but on my civic back in the day had the same problem. Turned out there was a small button on the clutch (not sure of the official term) that tells the computer that the clutch is engaged so that you can start the car. My civic was able to be pop started also; but again, not sure if the MS3 has the same thing.

 

[special--k]

What do you mean by "Nothing"? did it not turn over at all? how did the interior / head lights look, were they DIM? Cant see it being the starter... 60+ is about time for a battery.

 

[meicalnissyen]

Not sure if the MS3 has the same thing, but on my civic back in the day had the same problem. Turned out there was a small button on the clutch (not sure of the official term) that tells the computer that the clutch is engaged so that you can start the car. My civic was able to be pop started also; but again, not sure if the MS3 has the same thing.

button....
yup
this dude has an intermittent clutch switch failure

20 bux to fix yourself......
somewhat more when prelubed by te dealer

 

[Russm]

All electrical functions are fine, Starter dosn't turn over at all, lights are bright, don't dimm when I turn the key, no interior lights fade except the radio function screen where it says hello and you veiw channels ETC. Turned on wipers , lights , radio and fan and all work fine, starte just won't turn over.
So is there a clutch switch on a MS3 and if so where is it located?

 

[bradboyd80]

If none of the lights dim, then I would definitely lean towards the clutch switch. It was a while back when I had the problem with mine....so I'm having a hard time remembering what it looks like. I believe its a small button-like thingy about half way up the clutch. Its kinda hard to notice unless you know what you're looking for.

 

[79535]

Try bypassing the clutch switch next time it happens. If it works, replace the switch.

 

[Russm]

Thanks I will look in AM, looking at the service manual and so far I haven't found a relay

 

[79535]

The clutch switch is a physical switch located around the clutch pedal somewhere.

I haven't actually looked for it on this car, but I assume it isn't any different than my old Corolla was. The clutch switch on that car wouldn't work in the -40C weather so I bypassed it until the spring when I could fix it without freezing to death.

Just found this pic that might help you out

This is not a Mazda picture just so you know.

 

[Russm]

Did find a Starter Interlock Switch , talks about depressing the clutch to check continuity but it doen't tell where its located!!!! Anyone know please?

 

[bradboyd80]

Have you looked up and down the clutch pedal yet? The pic posted by smoke is a pretty good explanation of where it should be.

 

[Russm]

Thanks So Much!!!!!!!! I'll be lookin in the AM!!!

 

[Russm]

Found the Clutch switch and bypassed it and no luck, anyone with any other thoughts on the issue, I think I am going to try and look at the ignition switch if I can get to it and look for a lose wire.

 

[mattj3636]

i dont remember with my MS3, but do they have a "security" light on the dash? my present car, 2001 trans am, does and soemtimes if the key is dirty or if the ignition switch it starting go or other random things, the ignition switch will not let the car start and the "security" light will stay on in the dash... i have to let it sit for a couple mins for the light to go off and then the car will start right up..

this also happened to a chevy malibu at my work, he had to wait roughly 10 minutes before the light went off and then it started right up, everything worked electrically but the car didnt even attempt to turn over.

anything from a dirty key to a bad ignition switch can cause it on these cars.. and im sure others. however im not sure if the mazda has it

 

[Russm]

Thank You
I will try it!

i dont remember with my MS3, but do they have a "security" light on the dash? my present car, 2001 trans am, does and soemtimes if the key is dirty or if the ignition switch it starting go or other random things, the ignition switch will not let the car start and the "security" light will stay on in the dash... i have to let it sit for a couple mins for the light to go off and then the car will start right up..

this also happened to a chevy malibu at my work, he had to wait roughly 10 minutes before the light went off and then it started right up, everything worked electrically but the car didnt even attempt to turn over.

anything from a dirty key to a bad ignition switch can cause it on these cars.. and im sure others. however im not sure if the mazda has it

 

[Sport6]

My guess it still is something to do with the clutch pedal position sensor. It happened to me in my Focus once, my foot slipped off the pedal and kicked the sensor breaking it. I didn't realize and it wouldn't start, until I pieced it back together to be able to push it down and it started.


How did you bypass it? Just unplugging it won't let the car start either, you have to trip the connectors in there for it to think the clutch is being pressed.

 

[Russm]

Light went off but still no start

 

[Russm]

My guess it still is something to do with the clutch pedal position sensor. It happened to me in my Focus once, my foot slipped off the pedal and kicked the sensor breaking it. I didn't realize and it wouldn't start, until I pieced it back together to be able to push it down and it started.


How did you bypass it? Just unplugging it won't let the car start either, you have to trip the connectors in there for it to think the clutch is being pressed.

I unpluged it and ran a test lead from one port on connector to the other, I don't have an Ohm meter so I couldn't check continuity but there was a diffanant closed loop!

 

[79535]

How did you bypass it? Just unplugging it won't let the car start either, you have to trip the connectors in there for it to think the clutch is being pressed.

On my old Corolla, I just messed around with the wires until it worked. I think I just ended up jumpering the wires together.

It was quite a while ago...