Starter problems
 

Basically, my car won't start. Battery is fine, checked it out. However, when I turn the key, starter will click briefly, but engine won't turn over. Then clicking will stop. I am not extremely mechanically inclined. I can do basic maintanence etc.

That being said, I think my starter is bad, however before I spent 150 on a new one, just wanted to see if there is anything else it might be. Ignition switch, bad wires etc? THanks for the help.

Indy

Could be several things instead of the starter including ignition switch (usually this is intermittent), bad ground, starter solenoid, and probably some others that escape me right now. Check all the cable connections to the battery and also the ground connections in the engine bay--there are several. Then fully charge the battery and try to start the car.

BTW, how do you know your battery is OK?

had it tested and recharged. All lights come on when I turn the key. Thanks for the quick response. How do I check the starter solenoid? As I said, I can find my way around, but I am not very mechanically inclined. Is there a way to check the ignition switch?

Thanks.

I'm with GO48..I'd be checkin connections,cleaning battery terminals,checking cables..have you tried tapping the starter motor(hammer,and don't WHACK THE CRAP OUT OF IT)..starter is easy to remove if it is the culprit..and you should be able to find a used one easily as well

Thanks guys. I will try this when I get off tonight. Appreciate the help.

so misterstyx69, what your trying to say is take a sledgehammer to the starter? :D Seriously though, thanks for the info. I will give it a shot and see what happens.

this happened to me yesterday just needed to recharge the bat and it fired up strong as new

Check out the web sites at the links below for general info on starter solenoids. For specific info on how to test the solenoid and starter, go the the FC FAQ at the top of this forum section and get the Factory Service Manual (FSM). BTW, Mazda refers to the solenoid as the magnetic switch.

http://www.carcarecouncil.org/Electrical/solenoid.shtml
http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troub.../aa080203b.htm
http://www.misterfixit.com/starttst.htm

To check the ignition switch it must be removed from the dash, so that may not be something you want to tackle. See the image below for testing instructions.

I have also uploaded the FSM page that includes troubleshooting advice for starting problems. Get the FSM!

it won't be the solenoid - if you hear a clicking sound....thats the solenoid....
if the solenoid is bad you'll hear the starter whining its ass off without making contact on the ring gear

sounds to me like either a poor battery or bad connections either at the battery itself, or at the starter....

to the thread starter - even though you charged your battery, it doesn't mean its any good to properly test the battery you need to do a load test......I would just try boosting the car while the battery charger is on it (after checking connections of course) in order to be SURE that its not a matter of poor voltage

one thing you can do is to take the starter off, and go to an autoparts store. Most will test it for free for you, and you can decide what to do from there.