So, my dad and I tried to start it today for chits and giggles. It almost starts, then dies out immediatly. Its as if its getting fuel but then as it starts it doesn't have an adequete fuel supply. Clogged hose fuel line possibly? if the fuel lines aren't clogged, couldn't it be the ignition module isn't giving my spark plugs enough spark to keep it going? I didn't hear my fjel pump, my dad didn't nor did my buddy whose house its ar, but it must be getting fuel, no? the valves are also moving, checked those too.
ok, try this. and wear safety glasses.
1) remove fuel filler cap, place funnel in the filler neck, put your ear at the opening, and have someone cycle the key to the run position. you should hear a hum for about 2 seconds. if not, then have they cycle the key off, then try cranking the engine, while you're still listening. you should hear the humming. if you hear it humming, then your pump, and all of its associated electrical/electronics are ok.
A) if you don't hear the fuel pump running, then check all fuses. there should be 2 fuse boxes. one under the hood, and one under the dash, in the drivers side kick panel. also check the fuel pump relay, which should be in the underhood fuse box. if all fuses, and relays are good, then you're probably looking at a fuel pump. you can verify this, by removing the air intake tube from the throttle body, open the throttle, spray some carb. cleaner in the intake, replace the intake tube(for maf sensor), and crank the engine. it should start for a second. if it does, then fuel pump is the answer. also,
don't forget to check the fuel filter. 2)if it didn't start for a moment above, then remove a spark plug wire, stick a screw driver in it, hold the metal part, and have someone crank the engine.
don't do it that way....that was the voices in my head. stick a screw driver in the plug wire, and lay it near something metal, then have someone crank the engine. you should see spark jump the gap. it should be capable of at least 1/4 of an inch.
if you've got no spark, it could be a number of things.
crahkshaft position sensor
camshaft position sensor
distributor(it's been awhile, but if i recall, those sensors are located in the distributor)
blown fuse(you didn't skip checking them in the first step, did ya?)
if you've got good spark, good fuel supply, and you're sure it's not an internal mechanical problem, you would be looking at a bad computer(doubtful, as i've no recolection of ever replacing a mazda computer, and ford computers rarely go bad, although there will be one along shortly to tell you i'm wrong here) or that timing belt.
a quick check on the timing belt can be done, by finding the 2 highest bolts(10mm heads) on the timing cover, and pull it back. look at the slack between the cams. if it's excessive, the belt probably jumped.
use a flashlight to shine down inside the cover, and try to see the teeth. if you can't, have someone "bump" the engine a couple of times, as you look at the teeth. i think you may find some missing.
there's other things it could be, but i just got up, and typed this up real quick. hope it helps some?
