Car started fine this morning, but after a home car-washing, now it does not start.

[RaidenSCC]

Hi folks.

Need some help or advice please. I have a 2005 GT sedan. So this morning I started the car fine and moved it into the driveway to wash. I think I did a pretty thorough job of cleaning. Around 7 PM tried to go for a drive. Pressed the remote unlock and heard and saw the regular horn beep and yellow flashing lights. When I put the key in the ignition and tried to start, it wouldn't. Some lights in the dash flashed and I noticed a red flashing image of a key inside of a car. I went inside and tried my second set of keys and the same thing happened. I also tried locking/unlocking the doors. Last I tried to remote start the car as well, but to no avail. I have locked the doors and from outside I can still see the red key image flashing. Am I screwed? Do I have to tow my car to a dealer or can they come by and fix it?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[MPS]

do u have aftermarket alarm ?

[The Wolf]

did it turn over and not start, or nothing at all?

I've had this issue a couple times lately. There's a known issue with a corroded starter ground wire that causes this to happen intermittently. I would check that first, as it's a common issue and the replacement part is $15.

[RaidenSCC]

Hmmm. I think the kill switch is on because I get lights, but when I turn the ignition I hear a series of clicks and some lights flicker on the dash. The car doesn't start, but I do get lights and maybe the radio...

[RaidenSCC]

I bought the car from a dealer second hand. It came with 2 sets of Mazda keys and 2 starters. I'm not sure if it is aftermarket. This is the first time this has happened since I got the car in 2010.

[zoomahh]

Hmmm. I think the kill switch is on because I get lights, but when I turn the ignition I hear a series of clicks and some lights flicker on the dash. The car doesn't start, but I do get lights and maybe the radio...
A series of clicks sometimes means the alternator might be going/gone. Do you have any aftermarket stuff? ie. stereo/sub? any other stuff that consumes alot of power? Also, since it's used, did you notice if an aftermarket stereo was installed before you bought it? Keep in mind that a "beefy" aftermarket stereo can prematurely "wear down" your alternator. Which might be the case here. Looks like your gonna have to take it to a mechanic to troubleshoot if you don't figure it out...can't afford to have it just sit there...gotta get to work with it right? ;)
Now we wait for McGuyver to chime in here....I'd like to see what he says it is...if HE can't solve it, :popcorn ..I guess then it's off to the mechanic.

As an after thought though, if a garage is warranted, be sure to ask the mechanic what/how he solved the problem and what he did. That's how I "learned" alot of stuff about cars over the years ;)

[SonicBoy]

Possibly just a battery that needs to be replaced.

[MPS]

he has remote starter sounds like the immobilizer lost programing

[gabbygenier]

Hmmm. I think the kill switch is on because I get lights, but when I turn the ignition I hear a series of clicks and some lights flicker on the dash. The car doesn't start, but I do get lights and maybe the radio...

This here points to a dead battery. every time ive had a dead batt it has made those exact symptoms. try boosting it and starting it. see what happens.

for me with the immobilizer activated. either the stock or aftermarket (viper), the car wont turn over at all. no noises nothing. the lights on the car will come on and the radio but thats it.

[Booostin]

Had the exact same issue. Its your security immobilizer like MPS said

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?54474-MS3-Wont-Start/page2

[gabbygenier]

Had the exact same issue. Its your security immobilizer like MPS said

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?54474-MS3-Wont-Start/page2

if you read what he posted on post #4 its not the issue you were having.

he said his tries to turn over (hears click sounds) and lights flash. you said yours didnt even try to turn over and didnt say anything about lights flashing

his battery is dead or there is a bad connection somewhere.

[Booostin]

He said his little red key light on the dash was flashing which to me signals that it would be the immobilizer which is the same thing that happened to me. A clicking doesn't always signify the engine trying to turn over. OP didn't say engine actually cranked, he said it was just a clicking sound.

[gabbygenier]

youre right. the clicking sounds doesnt but the clicking sound with the the lights in the dash flashing does point to a dead battery and not the imobilizer. ive had this happen more then once before. and ive also had the issue with the immobilizer and its exactly as you described it. but not what he described.

[Booostin]

youre right. the clicking sounds doesnt but the clicking sound with the the lights in the dash flashing does point to a dead battery and not the imobilizer. ive had this happen more then once before. and ive also had the issue with the immobilizer and its exactly as you described it. but not what he described.

Fair enough ... lets see if OP lets us know what the issue was :)

[applepeel]

definitely an issue with the wire connection from your starter to your battery.

corrosion on the connector...its a TSB and happened to me.

you have to get under your car and sand the connections till they are free of corrosion.

did that last december and havent had a problem since

[RaidenSCC]

Hey thanks to all for your input and knowledge. I tried disconnecting the battery for 30 secs and the car tried to start, but fails. Kinda sounds like it wants to start, but sputters or coughs once and fails. I will try the boost on Wednesday when I have time.

Thanks again! And I will update with results.

[MPS]

did u get water in the engine bay ?

[RaidenSCC]

I don't think so, looks dry.

[chochobeelai]

Had this happen before when I owned my RSX.

Turns out it the starter went.

I thought it was the battery at first, replaced battery, car ran fine for a day and then wouldn't start and clicking noise. Then thought alternator so replaced that, nope happend again and finally but not least the starter...

Hope it's something simple in your case like battery, etc...

[Lockdown]

I don't think so, looks dry.

Looks dry and is dry are two different things.

Have dealt with a lot of cars that have had enough moisture on parts to prevent starts or stumbles while running.

WD40 or dry and go always work to fix these issues but the root problem needs to be fixed as well. Usually poor sealing in one area or someone turning the hose on their engine without concern for electronics