starting problem

[Justin2129]

I've been having an intermittent starting problem for awhile now. sometimes the car will start right up, sometimes i have to turn the key back and forth several times before it will even try to start. when it does start, it sounds sluggish when it's turning over (if that makes any sense). Once it starts, it runs fine. When i turn the key, all the lights and everything come on, radio and headlights work, etc, which says it's not the battery. Recommendations on what to do? it's an 02 p5 with 220,000 miles

 

[tweety2300]

Multiple things, ignition switch, clutch switch, wire issue, or the starter

 

[Justin2129]

also, it makes the "clicking" sound from the engine bay when i turn the key

 

[pcb]

I'm guessing starter going bad or bad connection from the battery to the starter.

If you hear a click, it's probably not the ignition or clutch switch.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...n-t-work-when-installed&p=6181543#post6181543

 

[tweety2300]

Actually when my switch died it would do the whole clicking thing...

 

[pcb]

Actually when my switch died it would do the whole clicking thing...

Good to know,... I assumed the clutch switch would kill the entire starting circuit.

 

[pcb]

Good to know,... I assumed the clutch switch would kill the entire starting circuit.

I just went out and checked my car,... The clicking sound (behind the glovebox area) is still there when I try to start the car without the clutch in.

The starter doesn't kick in, but there is a click.

 

[3P5]

Im getting a click behind the glovebox area and my car is not starting now either. When i turn the key over like im trying to start it all the lights dim. So i believe the igntion switch is working.Good battery,all connections checked and double checked,new starter less than 200 miles ago(has worked great up until now). Still clicking from the glovebox. Before i jack the car up and start messing with the starter again i would rather replace whatever is clicking in the glovebox area. Where is said relay?

 

[Justin2129]

mine ended up being the starter. my lights werent dimming though (i assume you mean all the lights). alternator maybe?

 

[kms1990]

check the connections, 3p5 maybe the relay however those are cheap and easy enough to replace so good starting point, maybe get it jumped and see if it starts after the relay if not fixed, if it starts under jump then battery or starter solenoid would be my guess.

 

[tweety2300]

If it's clicking it's bad connection or starter

 

[3P5]

Tried to jump start no difference. The clicking sounds like it's behind the kick panel on the pass side. I'm gonna check the connection on the solenoid next. Thanks for the replies.

 

[kms1990]

try to have someone tap the starter with a hammer while you try to start it, if the connections look good. if that gets it cranked then you need a new starter, since you just bought 1 it should have a warranty. you may have just got the one that got by final inspection with a bad part

 

[3P5]

Finally got underneath it and the small wire that attaches to the solonoid popped off. I decided to cut the end off and use some heat shrink tubing and put a new female spade connector on. Hit the key and she has been perfect since. Thanks for all the advice guys!!