Intermittent slow/hard start after short trips?

[madseal22]

I have a 2010 Mazda 3 GS Sport with 150,000km. Not a car expert by any means so I apologize in advance. Have been Googling this problem for weeks and can't seem to find a solution.

We began noticing start-up issues even in mild Ontario temperatures (hovering around 0-5C) at the beginning of March. The car would ALWAYS start but would take much longer than usual - it sounded awful. Did some research and our best guess was an issue with the fuel pump/pressure. We started turning the car to "on" and holding for 3-5 seconds before starting. This eliminated the problem for a good few weeks and now I find I am having trouble even when I turn to "on" first. Lately, I've been noticing it happens after a short trip (ie: moving the car from the driveway to the street, driving up .7km the road to the store).

Took the car to a mechanic today who was unable to duplicate the problem. He said he checked the fuel pressure, some hoses (sorry - don't have the specifics on which ones), etc. with no luck. He couldn't bring up a history of the error on the car's computer. I explained how the problem seemed to occur after short trips and still no solutions/suggestions on what might be wrong.

Many of the posts I've read relate to the car not starting at all. My Mazda always starts but this hard, slow start is driving me crazy and is so embarrassing!

[sarujo]

Have you checked your battery and alternator?

[Kiyomi]

not giving the car enough time to reach optimal operating temps imo. let it idle for a min or two before you go for your short trip before you turn off your car. from what you said. it seems like you start your car, drive for a few mins to get to your destination, and turn off the car.

[sarujo]

^ indeed, which is very hard on the battery

[madseal22]

Tested the battery today and it's fine. Will try letting the car run a little longer to see if it helps. Fingers crossed this works.

Thank you!

[Noisy Crow]

Fault in the evap system? Need to allow air into the gas tank in order for fuel to flow out of it......

[sarujo]

Just throwing this out there, but with 150,000 km's, have you ever cleaned the throttle body and MAF sensor, followed by an ECU reset? Also, the factory spark plugs should have been replaced at 120,000km. Was this done?

[madseal22]

Fault in the evap system? Need to allow air into the gas tank in order for fuel to flow out of it......

How would I test for a fault in the evan system?

We recently replaced the spark plugs and air filter (less than three months ago). Will look into the throttle body, MAF sensor, ECU reset - thanks!!

[Noisy Crow]

Evap system has a bunch parts. Plugged vent, bad purge valve are two common evap system issues.

Here, this will show you an evap system:
http://www.diycardoctor.com/automotive_evap_system.htm

[Flagrum_3]

Evap system has a bunch parts. Plugged vent, bad purge valve are two common evap system issues.

Here, this will show you an evap system:
http://www.diycardoctor.com/automotive_evap_system.htm

Most likely the issue. Hard starting after a previous start and run, is a main symptom of a purge valve leak.

[sarujo]

^ Interesting. On our gen2's, is the purge valve located up in the engine compartment near the TB, or in the back?

[Flagrum_3]

^ Interesting. On our gen2's, is the purge valve located up in the engine compartment near the TB, or in the back?

Whatta mean back? I'm not sure about where it is on the gen2, but would assume its near the TB.


_3

[Noisy Crow]

If your mechanic can't find & test a purge valve, I suggest finding another mechanic!

[Flagrum_3]

If your mechanic can't find & test a purge valve, I suggest finding another mechanic!

+1

[sarujo]

In the rear/back of the car near the gas filler pipe.


Whatta mean back? I'm not sure about where it is on the gen2, but would assume its near the TB.


_3

[Flagrum_3]

In the rear/back of the car near the gas filler pipe.

Never heard of dem putting a PSV back there, needs to be near the TB usually.



_3

[Ps3alltheway]

I have a 2010 3gt with 150 000 km also and it is doing the same thing. Even sometimes the starter will crank a lot longer than usual and the car will start but feels like IT's going to stall before starting

[m_bisson]

Just after really short trips?

[BKM]

I have the same issue on the West Coast with my Mazda3 GS Sport '09 (106,000km). It starts perfect after driving it for more then ~10 minutes. Any amount of time less, it's a hit and miss if it's going to have a hard time starting.
With my car the ambient air temperature does not seem to be an issue as it never gets cold here. I have noticed that if I give it a little gas just as I'm turning off the engine, after a short trip, the engine seems to start normally most times.

[madseal22]

Still having this problem. Occurred rarely in the Spring/Summer/Fall but I'm noticing start-up issues and even issues getting up to speed on the highway now that the temps are colder. Wondering if anyone has found a solution? Will be making an appointment with the dealer ASAP.

[bigfoot]

Still having this problem. Occurred rarely in the Spring/Summer/Fall but I'm noticing start-up issues and even issues getting up to speed on the highway now that the temps are colder. Wondering if anyone has found a solution? Will be making an appointment with the dealer ASAP.

Did the dealer diagnose anything? I have the exact same problem on a 2010 mazda 3 gx in Toronto. My mechanic replaced the battery to no effect - I'm going to ask him to just put the old one back in. Been struggling with this for the past year, highly embarrassing and concerning.

[bigfoot]

I actually went to Queensway Mazda last year on this issue and they said that they aren't sure what the problem is and basically not to worry about it too much. Until it starts acting up seriously and they can replicate the problem they seemed to think it was not worth investigating. I am not on warranty so don't have many options.

[sarujo]

I actually went to Queensway Mazda last year on this issue and they said that they aren't sure what the problem is and basically not to worry about it too much. Until it starts acting up seriously and they can replicate the problem they seemed to think it was not worth investigating. I am not on warranty so don't have many options.

Could be the purge solenoid valve as mentioned in this thread. Go and see Jimmy if you are in Toronto/central/north.

[nyexx]

Would love to hear if anyone found a solution to this problem. My 2010 GT has 93,000 miles and has been doing this since I bought it a year ago. I'll be cleaning the Throttle Body this weekend.

[dskymar]

I have a 2010 3gt with 150 000 km also and it is doing the same thing. Even sometimes the starter will crank a lot longer than usual and the car will start but feels like IT's going to stall before starting

yes mine is also doing this now.on short trips and feels like not gonna start

[nyexx]

yes mine is also doing this now.on short trips and feels like not gonna start

Seems like a common problem... but no one has a fix for it??? :bang

[Flagrum_3]

Seems like a common problem... but no one has a fix for it??? :bang

Does it happen only periodically and Never with a cold start?

Will the engine start immediately on the second try?

No cell?

All signs of a PSV mentioned earlier.

Common issue with the 1st gens, not so common with 2nd gens but it happens.


_3

[Milan96]

Does it happen only periodically and Never with a cold start?

Will the engine start immediately on the second try?

No cell?

All signs of a PSV mentioned earlier.

Common issue with the 1st gens, not so common with 2nd gens but it happens.



_3

Just to clarify, this issue can be caused by a faulty PSV (Purse solenoid valve), not a faulty PCV valve (positive crankcase ventilation valve), correct?

[Flagrum_3]

Just to clarify, this issue can be caused by a faulty PSV (Purse solenoid valve), not a faulty PCV valve (positive crankcase ventilation valve), correct?

Yes.

[nyexx]

Does it happen only periodically and Never with a cold start?

Will the engine start immediately on the second try?

No cell?

All signs of a PSV mentioned earlier.

Common issue with the 1st gens, not so common with 2nd gens but it happens.


_3

It always starts on the first try (other than one time, I believe), it just takes a little longer. No CEL.

It's the PSV? How do I replace that?

[MK519]

It always starts on the first try (other than one time, I believe), it just takes a little longer. No CEL.

It's the PSV? How do I replace that?

nyexx http://www.mazda3forums.com/109-powertrain-technical-information-faqs-how-tos/375664-how-replace-purge-solenoid-valve-2.html

[madseal22]

Hi, OP here.

I still have this problem. My car is almost at 200,000K. I took it to the Mazda dealership in Barrie and they suspected it was the fuel pump but recommended I didn't replace it until the problem got worse (similar to what someone posted above.)

I do notice the problem year-round but it's worse in the winter due to the cold temps. That said, with the mild winter this year, it hasn't happened often.