# $3000 dollars in the hole starting problems still persist!

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/3000-dollars-in-the-hole-starting-problems-still-persist/122519>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** mpv, mazda\
**Created:** [August 8, 2018, 3:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3000-dollars-in-the-hole-starting-problems-still-persist/122519 "2018-08-08T15:30:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Dax210](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8491ac/32.png) [@Dax210](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dax210)\
**Post date:** [August 8, 2018, 3:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3000-dollars-in-the-hole-starting-problems-still-persist/122519/1 "2018-08-08T15:30:22Z")

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My 2005 Mazda MPV Minivan has been having a strange issue that 4 visits to 1 repair shop and 1 visit visit to the dealership plus 3000+ dollars has NOT SOLVED!!! This only happens after the car has been sitting over night or for 10+ hours… I will turn the key and the engine will turn over, I release the key and the engine will sputter and the RPMs will drop to about 0 then kick up for a second and then the engine shuts off. MOST of the time it will start fine on the second try sometimes it can take a couple of shots. The problem however gets a little better with each repair for a time but gradually gets worse and then eventually won’t start at all… REPAIRS DONE:  
1st time - Determined battery and connections - replaced  
2nd time - 3 step fuel induction service kit / fuel pump module assembly  
3rd time - Tune Up (All spark plugs) / Replaced air intake gaskets  
4th time - Replaced Idler Air Control solenoid  
Tested Fuel pressure on each occasion accept 1st time - Good  
Unfortunately all of this has taken a total of 15+ days b/c the car is sitting over night to be tested the next day/ waiting on parts / etc

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**Author:** ![COROLLAGUY1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/corollaguy1/32/7575_2.png) [@COROLLAGUY1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/COROLLAGUY1)\
**Post date:** [August 8, 2018, 4:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3000-dollars-in-the-hole-starting-problems-still-persist/122519/2 "2018-08-08T16:33:47Z")

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Is the Check engine light “on” ?

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [August 8, 2018, 4:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3000-dollars-in-the-hole-starting-problems-still-persist/122519/3 "2018-08-08T16:41:40Z")

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The next time the vehicle has sat for a while, turn the ignition on so the dash lights come on for two seconds, and then turn the ignition off.

Repeat this a half dozen times and then try starting the engine.

If the engine starts right up, it points to a problem with the anti drain-back valve on the fuel pump assembly.

Tester

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**Author:** ![Dax210](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8491ac/32.png) [@Dax210](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dax210)\
**Post date:** [August 8, 2018, 6:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3000-dollars-in-the-hole-starting-problems-still-persist/122519/4 "2018-08-08T18:37:22Z")

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No check engine lights or any others

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**Author:** ![Dax210](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8491ac/32.png) [@Dax210](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dax210)\
**Post date:** [August 8, 2018, 6:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3000-dollars-in-the-hole-starting-problems-still-persist/122519/5 "2018-08-08T18:37:55Z")

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Ok I will give that a shot in the morning… thanks!