Boostmaniac

Ok, in the past 2 days I have developed 3 problems. If anyone knows how to fix any of these, please let me know.

1) My car will occasionally not start. I don't mean it is flooding, I mean it just won't crank over. If I click it fromm ACC to START about 30 times it will eventually just crank over and start. Is this a possible ignition issue? Could the wiring be bad going to the ignition?

2) I walk out to my car and I can't open the door. I assume that it is locked and go to unlock it. No dice. I can open it from the inside but not from the outside. Is the latch inside broken? Is this a common problem?

3) I drive to work today and my car normally likes to die if I don't give it just a tidbit of gas when I come to a stop. Today, after about 3 minutes of running, my car starts idling at 1500 rpm. Does this sound like a vacuum leak?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1SWEET7

iTrader: (1)

1. Sounds like a possible problem with the starter.

2. Yes it is most likely broken, and yes it is a common problem.

3. Could be a problem with the BAC, or a bunch of other things.

Good luck.

Boostmaniac

god I need to strip the emissions off of this car.

Thanks for the advice so far.

Do I need to replace the internals on the handle or just open the door up and reconnect the handle assembly?
If I have to replace it, will any FC handle work. btw, mine is a TII with power locks.

blackb15

My 88 N/A has the same problem right now with the door handle. It broke inside so I can't open it from the exterior. I think the only reliable way to fix it would be to buy a new handle. That's what I'm doing in a couple weeks.

FirstRotaryExp

iTrader: (3)

1. Your starter may be beginning to fail. Check all connections first. Then if the next time it fails to crank, beat on the starter with a maglight, or other handy object. If it cranks right up its time to buy a new starter or get it rebuilt.

2. The door handle itself is broken. It is not repairable in most cases. Find the local junkyard and see if you can scavenge one, as a new one from mazda is $106.xx and you have no say in the color most times(just bought one myself).

3. Check your plugs and o2 sensor. I just recently had your problem and a new o2 sensor fixed it right up.

Boostmaniac

God, trying to get to those O2 sensors on ABS equipped cars is almost impossible. I'll give that a shot this weekend though to see if that clears it up.

to the handle problem... I really hate that. does that also mean I need to use a different lock and key?

I'll try that with the maglight. I have always wanted to beat on a starter.

My5ABaby

iTrader: (7)

That's most likely 1 of 2 things.

1. Battery problem. Most likely the terminals are messed up. Check to see if you're getting 12V to the starter.

2. Shitty starter. Most likely it's the starter solenoid. If you check the battery and it comes out fine, check the starter via the FSM. It's also best to try replacing the starter solenoid (~$30) before the entire starter.

Roughly: There's a "hook" that pushes down on the lever connecting to your door open mechanism. That "hook" is made of SHITTY metal and has a tendency to break. You could, technically, get it welded (or something) back together, but it's not worth it. Just replace the whole handle and switch out your lock with the one in the new handle (if it has one).