1989 Mazda 323

KNOXVILLE1

MEMBER
1989 MAZDA 323

Engine Performance problem
1989 Mazda 323 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

we replaced the battery and the terminals in our car and it worked great for about a week, now it won't even start, when we start the engine all the lights come on inside the car but the engine won't kick in, could it be the starter or the alternator, we changed the alternator a few months ago, any help would be appreciated. Thanks

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

But the engine won't kick in,

If you mean its not cranking over-test the ignition switch/relay/park and neutral switch and the starter

Refusing to start while cranking over do below

Do you have a check engine light On or flashing prior to this problem?

If the engine's condition is in tip top shape-do below to determine if its fuel or spark problem that's if its cranking over and refuses to start

Get a carb cleaner and spray into the carb or the throttle body on an EFI. Did it start and die? If not disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors-

If both fuel and spark is present-check the valve and ignition timing, this will lead you to problems with compression and valves opening and closing at the wrong time