Help - Problems with car starting/stalling!!

[nejo]

Hi There,

I've drive a 2004 mazda3 2.3 GT (auto) with just under 100K. I just got home after having the car towed again to my house via CAA. Every once in a while the car stalls or just won't start. The battery is fairly new, it was replaced last year, everything turns on and it sounds like it'll fire up but then it just doesn't catch. The pattern and frequency of this happening is also quite unpredictable but it's been happening more frequently lately. The other day it happened while my wife was filling up the gas station, the service guy at the station rattled the fuel tank a bit and it started up again -- does this mean it's the fuel pump? I've been looking up the cost of fuel pumps and it's really $$$ - my car doesn't have very high mileage, does this sound normal. I read another person who had starting issues and posted the following TSB

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/mazda3/bulletin/01-037-08-1960a.pdf

Is it possibly what was listed in this TSB? Does anyone have recommendations on where to go or what to do before buying a fuel pump? The Mazda dealership told me they would have to run two separate tests which would cost almost $200 before they even attempt any work. Would Gilman's be a good choice to go to? Any help you could lend would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Neel

[Default User]

I would just get this one diagnosed properly the first time.

Guessing is going to be expensive

[bluemazda3]

if you still have MAP take it into the dealership.. k your over 6 years.. my bad

[McGuyver_3]

everything turns on and it sounds like it'll fire up but then it just doesn't catch.
Judging by this comment

this this tsb

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/mazda3/bulletin/01-037-08-1960a.pdf

will NOT be your fix. As the symptoms in that tsb are for no crank what so ever.
Take the car to the dealer and have them inspect it.

Continue with these following steps I am not liable for any damages or mishaps that may or may not occur.
IF you want to check if it is your fuel pump on your own pull up and remove the back seat. their will be a black cover with 4 10mm bolts underneath the seat. Remove that cover and inspect the wiring to your electric fuel pump. Will be somewhat difficult to see, somewhat offset. If something is wrong with it then you will need to drop the tank to repair or replace whatever is wrong with it.

[TheMAN]

he needs a fuel pressure gauge to definitively test the pump... he has to check the pressure while the pump is running and watch for how much pressure drop and for how long after it is shut off

[McGuyver_3]

he needs a fuel pressure gauge to definitively test the pump... he has to check the pressure while the pump is running and watch for how much pressure drop and for how long after it is shut off

well all i am saying is that it could be electronically related as to why the pump is stopping. If the wiring is melted or charred then that could be the cause. You could do an even simpler check by listening for the pump whenever the car does not start. that way you could be able to tell if it is even priming or not when you turn on the key. If it is not priming it could be a bad connection at the pump itself, a broken wire somewhere or the pump itself. The absoloute best way to check this ideally would be locate the pump connector and see if it is getting power when the car is malfunctioning. If you are getting power at the plug end when the car is not starting then that means that the pump is more then likely at fault

[nejo]

Thanks all for your tips and suggestions. Would either of these two places be recommended to tackle this issue or should I go to the dealership?

STREET PERFORMANCE
7605 Woodbine Ave, Unit #17 & 18
Markham, ON L3R-5V3
416-450-6161

Gilman Auto
Suite 6, 1940 Ellesmere Road,Scarborough
416.289.1388

[McGuyver_3]

Heard many good things about Jimmy at Street performance. Have never taken my car their personally but if i was out of warranty or had to do a job I didnt feel comfortable doing myself I would take it to Jimmy

Never heard of Gilman Auto.

[Google]

My 3 is starting to do the same. In my case, I usually fill up after my fuel light goes on. I don't drive much. I have only 50K on my car and the warranty has just expired. How likely is the fuel pump is wearing out? Is the pressure test reliable?

[Google]

BTW, I should add that I am noticing a bit of rough idling. It's almost like I have bad gas.