Engine Hard To Start & Clicking Noises
 

Okay, I've noticed this in the last little while and it doesn't happen all the time but it seems to be happening more often.


When I go to start the car, sometimes when I turn the key the car hesitates to start. It's like it almost wants to start but doesn't. Usually, it takes a few turns of the key for the engine to catch.

What could the problem be? I know it could be numerous things like distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs, alternator, starter, fuel filter or pump? Any suggestions?


The other problem is when the car actually starts and I hear this clicking noise and vibration. I tried to pinpoint the location under the hood and its around where the pulleys are. I manually pulled on the throttle cable a few times to rev the engine and seemed to quiet down. When I closed the hood, the noise turned into a clicking / clunking noise which was quite loud. I opened the hood once again, pulled on the throttle cable and the noise went away again. Any suggestions?


The other noise is when I'm accually driving and I mash the accelerator. It makes an almost constant high pitched pinging or tensioned noise, something like pulling a piano wire tight and plucking it. I'm thinking it maybe the throttle cable that needs an adjustment but I'm worried that I'll either tighten it to much or mess something up, if in fact that's the problem. Any suggestions?

It almost sounds like one of the belt driven accessories (A/C compressor, alternator, P/S pump) is beginning to seize. This could be a cause of all of your problems. If one of those items is becoming hard to turn, then it'll load down the engine. The high pitched squeal that you are hearing is the belt actually slipping over the item that is beginning to freeze. I'd look into the A/C compressor first. It's not uncommon for the compressor clutch to go south. If you arent' experiencing any loss of power steering or weak electrical system, look at your A/C.

When was the last time you replaced your battery, or checked its condition. I have a 97 pro, and my car was doing the same, it would try really hard to turn over the crank, and sometimes it would not, and I had to boost the battery, but for less then a minute and the car started right of the way. If it was your alternator, your crank would not turn over even a little bit, and it is definately not the pumps, unless you live in Siberia. Good luck.

Well, it's a 1995 and it doesn't have A/C, so I guess it could be the alternator or p/s pump pulleys beginning to seize. However, I haven't noticed any loss of power steering or a weak electrical system.

How do I check if it's either of these?

Could it be something else?

How do I check the condition of the battery?


What about the noise when I'm accelerating? It's definitely directly related to acceleration.

Well, if your battery is stock, then it is most likely needed to be changed. If my battery lasted me 5 years, then your 7 year old could be the reason why you are experiencing all that. Go to any local shop and they can tell how good your battery still is.

Well, I checked my service records and I replaced the battery last July and the spark plugs in February of this year.

So, I guess it could be the alternator or p/s pump pulleys beginning to seize.

How do I check if it's either of these?

Could it be something else?

What about the noise when I'm accelerating? It's definitely directly related to acceleration.

MY 2 cents about the clicking sound is that there could be some loose valve springs. When accelarate it could sound harder or dissapear. Sometimes in a COLD start it happens to me. I have to check and adjust them properly. It's not a do it yourself.

Just wanted to make sure TheMAN... are you talking about me or D-Man?

---------------
Fred

2+2 ... hard to start + clicking + belt squealing .... that would, again, lead me to believe that one of the driven accesories are at fault.

if you notice a loss of electrical power..I.E. dim headlights, etc, then it's your alternator.

if it's hard to turn the wheel at low speeds, then it's your PS pump.

Is the car at least drivable? When do you notice the squealing? is it while turning the wheel or in a straight line?

Re: Engine Hard To Start & Clicking Noises
 

The problem I'm having when I go to start the car hasn't been resolved.

I took it to Mazda and they could replicate the problem, surprise. It usually happens when the car has sat over night. The engine will no longer start by just turning the key. Usually, it takes a few turns of the key and a bit of gas for the engine to start.

Any ideas?????