Progressively hard starting over two months, now no starting

BRYAN OSBON

MEMBER
2002 MAZDA DEMIO
1.3L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
130,000 MILES

Amazing all weather starting from 7,000 miles (purchase mileage) to present 130,000 over ten years. Last September (2016) began to need fifteen to twenty second cranking before starting. Then fine for the rest of the day. Cleaning Idle, control Solenoid improved matters for two to three weeks. Progressively worse over next six weeks finally requiring 'Engine Quickstart' and/or a tow. Changed fuel filter, petrol pump. Not yet. Pressure gauge tested, but okay by 'Thumb Test'. 'Local FI experts suggest "electrical problem", possibly with a relay?

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

May be fuel drain back, try cycling the key 4 or 5 times giving the pump a few sec to run between each cycle, this will get full rail pressure up and try a start, if that works you will have a drain back problem to look at.