Hi all,

Looking for some help. I've seen similar issues to this posted here/elsewhere - looking for thoughts on right way to go.

I have an intermittent issue with starting on my 2008 manual 2.0 Petrol Sport - this is in the UK.

Symptom - turn key to start and nothing - security light on dash flashes rapidly. Eventually the car will start, sit there locking/unlocking, sometimes for a looooooooooooooooong time. Did it while filling up last week, what a fool I felt, after 20-30 mins, started. It only seems to do this if it's been driven for a period of time and I get back into it within an hour or so. Never happens in the morning, starts first time every time. Occasionally seems to do it if been sat on a hot day (insufficient evidence to support this in the UK, obviously!).

Did it at the weekend when I took it to a garage to look at another car (new model 3!) - did it at work today, only a 20 mins drive this morning - lunchtime, 3 hours later wouldn't start.

Dealer looked at it - no faults stored, nothing they can suggest. They sent it to Mazda UK and got the reply "have seen a few instances of Mazda 3 non-start that start intermittently. This is either the PCM or more commonly the IC. To prove you need to see the problem, (etc)"

Not been able to get it to happen at the dealer for it to be diagnosed fully. So, PCM, v expensive, me thinks I'll buy IC (Instrument Cluster in this instance apparently). Get this - doesn't exist as a part number so can't be ordered?! When going back to Mazda UK their recommendation was PCM in this instance. Cynics would suggest this is because of the PITA to get IC registered as a part so can be ordered.

Anyone any thoughts? Heat related, for it to be after its been driven? Dodgy connection? Is it possibly the starter motor connection issue I've seen referred to?

Any help appreciated - needs sorting, making me very unhappy now, even if its only so I can get it to a garage to part ex and know that it will start when they get into it....!

Many thanks in advance,

Kevin.

 

Update - resolved.... (that'll test it!)

Took it back to the dealer, it hadn't failed while there previously, but did this time. Generated a generic immobiliser fault code, they followed the diagnostic flow chart and voila, faulty antenna coil in the key housing (communicates with the key as part of security).

£300 later, sorted. Get in car, starts, amazing how you take that for granted!

 

Interesting! Glad your issue is resolved and appreciate the update. Haha it sure is nice to have a reliable car.

- JohnO.