2005 Mazda 6 I Starting Problem

A 2005 Mazda 6 I unpredictably will not turn over. The auto store checked the alternator, battery, and starter; and said they were all good. The car will start after charging. I have cleaned the battery terminals and cable ends. Thinking the problem was the solenoid, I had the starter and solenoid changed. The battery voltage reads 12.5 volts when the car will not turn over and the voltage does not drop much when the headlights are turned on. The headlights are not dim when turned on. Any ideas on what the problem is?

 

When you check it when it does NOT turn over, you should use test meter to see if current is heading to starter (say at a fender mount relay, if you are fortunate enough to have one so you can easily test there). If no power at the outgoing big terminal then you need to see if juice at the small wire(s) there (when key turned to "start") and if not, trace it back off a wiring diagram if need be, trace wiring back til you find where 12 volts is there. If no click at a relay and no power at small wire relay connection you very well could have ignition switch problem, or, if more lucky, a neutral safety switch acting up.

 

Although I do have a multimeter, I probably do not have enough familiarity with modern cars to do what you suggest. I had someone else change my starter/solenoid for that reason. I have not been able to find a repair manual on a late model Mazda like this. I do get a few clicks when I cannot get the car to turn over.

 

Find where the click sound is coming from. Under the hood on fender? Did a friend put in the starter/solenoid? Better round him up again.

I can't recall now and may have to edit the post, but you know it is not battery related? There is more to batteries being good than good voltage. You should have the cells checked if they have them (kind you have to add water if need be, and if you have that type, have you checked in the cells to see if water is in them?) and have load test done. I just went thru a car-type batery problem on a machine, and it had good voltage, but the cells were cooked and dead. New batteries fixed it up.

The fact he car starts after a charge is what makes me think it is with the battery.