New member.

[psychotic madman]

Hi all, just joined after being told this forum existed. Looks good upto now. The names Chriss from Preston Lancs. Bought myself a mk2.5 nbfl last november with the intention of getting it ready for this summer so that i can take the wife out on sundays and visit some nice country pubs, then she can drive me home. Did some work on her over xmas, new rear discs, calipers and pads, refurbed the wheels and had them painted black at work. All 4 arches are beginning to bubble a bit, so that will be my next job. She has been sitting on the drive since i got her and i have been firing her up every sunday for a good half hour, just to air her out. She has been firing up nicely and running sweet, until yesterday, when she just refused to start, not turning over, nothing but a few clicks under the bonnet. Fully charged battery, but still nothing. I am leaning towards the idea that it could be a sticky starter motor, but i dont really know what i am doing with engines, especially the electrical bits, so i am hoping someone can give me a bit of advice on here. Thanks for having me. Chris.

[blackyb]

Welcome to the world of menders. Your in the right area for help and advice.
From what you say it does sound like the starter could be the problem. Have you tried the old put her in gear and give her a good old rock backwards and forwards to disengage the starter.

[Mazda Mender]

Are you 100% sure that the battery is good?.
M-m

[psychotic madman]

Well now!!!. First of all thanks for the replies. Yes i tried to rock it in gear with noe luck at all, yes the battery is good, took it off the car and put it on the tester, all full lights, but just to make sure, i charged it for 3 hours. Put the lights on and turned the key, no dimming of the lights. Came home tonight, connected my autolink a319 to the car, no bloody idea what it all means, but i like little gadgets. Went through everything, no codes, dont know what the rest of it means, but thought i would try the engine, WHOOMPH, we have life. It sounds so sweet and responsive, and if some pillock hadnt parked my Lexus behind it, i would have been off down the road in it. The mrs thinks i am a genius now and has said she will treat me to a few pints later. So now i have fixed my car, gained some browny points and am allowed to go to the pub tonight. What a good days work. I am now looking forward to browsing the forums and hopefully, maybe help someone else out. Cheers. Chris.

[psychotic madman]

Update. Finished work early today, wanted to get her out for a spin. Turned key, nothing again. Plugged diagnostic in, went through god knows what, she fired up, switched off, fired up, switched off, fired up. Key out, key back in, nothing, diagnostic in again, fired up. Went for a spin round block, switched off, fired up, switched off, fired up, key out, key in, nothing, but at least i am getting somewhere. The key is just a push and turn type key, no fob, no electrics.

[Mazda Mender]

When it happens again ? try wiggling the key in the ignition and see if that makes a difference?, there is a reason for asking buddy.
M-m

[psychotic madman]

Will try that tonight. Thx

[psychotic madman]

Just a bit of info i forgot to mention. When i open the doors with the key, the lock feels very stiff and sometimes i have to ease it open, could i have twistd or bent the key, and could this be the problem?

[Mazda Mender]

No.
M-m

[psychotic madman]

Ok, thx for that. Tried wiggling the key about in all positions, nothing changed.

[Mazda Mender]

That was to check that it was not a worn barrel from heavy keys.
M-m

[psychotic madman]

I will be taking the key in today to get it checked at a locksmiths. Find out if the transponder is ok.

[psychotic madman]

Well, it turns out that it was the battery not holding enough charge to turn her over. New battery on and she fired up right away. I must get a new tester/charger. Funny how the first thing i should have checked was the cause of the problem. Well thanks for all the help and there is a pint behind the bar of my local for everyone. Cheers, Chris.

[Mazda Mender]

M-m

[psychotic madman]

Not so fast with the thumbs up. Went out this morning and back to square 1. Disconnect battery, reconnect without doing anything and she fired up, 3/4 times, then remove key, put key back in, nothing again.