Car will not start

HENRY JOHNSON2

MEMBER
1994 MAZDA PROTEGE
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
240,000 MILES

The car starts and runs like a new car- perfect. However, when I turn it off and wait a few minutes, it will crank but not start. After a few hours, or so, it starts with no issues and runs like a new car again- it is maddening.

I have replaced the plugs, wires, coil, igniter, distributor, injectors, cap, rotor, fuel-pressure regulator, water-temp sensor, fuel-injector relay, fuel-pump relay, computer, fuel pump, strainer, mass air-flow meter, fuel filter, air filter and gone through three mechanics, one a Mazda dealer.

It has spark and fuel when it won't start, but it runs great so what can cause this change from great to no-start.

I hate to throw away a car that runs great, but that's the way it looks.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

I need you to check something for me. Since you have fuel and spark, there is no reason why it shouldn't start, unless the fuel isn't getting into the engine.

When it refuses to start, check to see if it starts for a few seconds and then stalls using starting fluid. If it does, then we know it is fuel related.

If that is the case, I need you to check the fuel injectors for power and ground. Each injector has a white wire with a red tracer. That is the power supply that should be present when the key is in the run or start positions.

If they all have power, the PCM is what provides the ground path for them to energize, so that could be an issue. If there is no power when this happens, check the main relay and the fuel injection fuse in the under-hood fuse box. Also, check the engine fuse in the joint box.

When checking the fuses, make sure there is power to them and make sure they are tight and not corroded. Note: These tests need to be done when the vehicle refuses to start.

Here are two links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

The pic below shows the fuse box in the vehicle (left side under dash). I have no pic for the under-hood box.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)