Hi everyone. Newbie here. Excuse me if this is repeated but did not find anyone similar. Here it is:

I have a 2007 Mazda 3S. I took it to the dealer because of a CEL. They told me that the thermostat needed to be replaced. I got a $350 estimate but bought the thermostat and did the work myself. After picking the thermostat at the dealer the car just died. The panel went completely dark and the car wont even start when I tried to. I was amazed. After several minutes I put back the key on the switch and it started perfectly. Last night it did the same thing only that on this occasion I was able to start the engine but could not turn the wheels and the panel showed all the warning signs at once before dying. After two or three minutes the car started normally and I was able to drive the car. On both occasions I had the A/C on and was applying the brakes.

I am planning to take it to the dealer to have it checked. I would like any inputs on this. Thank you for your comments.

 

sounds like a bad ground wire or a bad battery. I had a check engine light with no codes on. Changed the battery and all was well. The car had more spunk also.

 

That is exactly right, telltom. The last time it happened was at 11:30 PM and that led me to check the battery. It had a loose positive terminal. Tightened it and the problem has never come back ever since. At the beginning I did not think of the battery because I had it replaced about three months back. It just happened the the guy at Pep Boys forgot to tighten the terminal. Thank you for your reply.