# 2006 Mazda 3 Starting Problem

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-mazda-3-starting-problem/35386>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** mazda3, mazda\
**Created:** [August 21, 2009, 8:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-mazda-3-starting-problem/35386 "2009-08-21T20:10:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![hockeyheather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/67e7ee/32.png) [@hockeyheather](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hockeyheather)\
**Post date:** [August 21, 2009, 8:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-mazda-3-starting-problem/35386/1 "2009-08-21T20:10:35Z")

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I have a 2006 Mazda 3, standard transmission. About once a month, randomly, my car will not start. Usually within a few hours or a few days, the car will start again. I’ve had the battery checked out and its okay. I’ve had the clutch switch replaced. Every time I take it to a mechanic the car starts again so they can’t seem to diagnose the problem. Any ideas?

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**Author:** ![vtcodger2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/e68b1a/32.png) [@vtcodger2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/vtcodger2)\
**Post date:** [August 21, 2009, 9:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-mazda-3-starting-problem/35386/2 "2009-08-21T21:05:57Z")

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“Can’t start” isn’t enough information:

1. Nothing whatsoever happens – Probably an ignition switch problem or maybe a safety interlock
2. Single distinct click from under the hood then nothing happens – Battery, cables, connections, dead starter.
3. Starter grinds unenthusiastically. Engine tries to turn over. Maybe makes it a few times – Battery, cables, connections, dying starter.
4. Starter turns engine over but it doesn’t fire – Probably the fuel pump or ignition system.
5. Starter turns over, engine fires sometimes but doesn’t stay started – Most likely ignition system, but could be fuel pump, or maybe something else.

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**Author:** ![hockeyheather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/67e7ee/32.png) [@hockeyheather](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hockeyheather)\
**Post date:** [August 21, 2009, 9:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-mazda-3-starting-problem/35386/3 "2009-08-21T21:19:19Z")

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Nothing whatsoever happens. My dashboard lights come on and my headlights and radio work, but no sounds from the car.