2 weeks ago I put the Mazda5 up on ramps to replace the water pump b/c I thought it was weeping and was about to fail. It was not the pump, but the thermostat housing, which I took care of after removing the alternator and the tensioner and tightening the WP back down after failing to pull it out due to clearance issues (see my WP post from 2 weeks ago) Because the WP doesn't touch electrical, I never disco the batt, so when I began removing the alternator, I made a ground connection with the block for 1/2 sec. So I pulled the neg post of the batt, and did the tstat housing, and put it all back together. I also drained the FL22 from the system while I was at it since its been 11 years. Top off the coolant as per manual and went to start it, but only got a loud click from the starter solenoid and no start. Got it running with a push start and took care of the coolant level after running up to op temps to get the tstat open. It HAS NOT started from the starter since. I have been able to push start it, and the 3rd run around the block proved the batt was bad because I started getting idiot lights all over the dash then the elec steering pump failed to produce pressure. Replaced the batt, still no start. You can then cruise back to my DIY starter removal post to see that this was the biggest PITA I have ever experienced with a starter. Not the starter. The OE unit tested good at the store and I put the reman in just in case. Nope, not the starter. Not the clutch position sensor as far as I can tell b/c trying to start w/o pushing the pedal yields nothing, but pushing in the clutch gets the starter click. Don't think it would be the immobilizer or ignition b/c I get a solid click not a no spark situation since I can push start it and it runs fine.
I am at the end of this rope. Any direction someone can point me in would be greatly appreciated!!!
I am at the end of this rope. Any direction someone can point me in would be greatly appreciated!!!