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Home >> Mazda >> 2004 >> RX-8 1.3 3 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 285 (Symptom Troubleshooting (Engine Control System L3)) >> No. 4 Hard To Start/Long Crank/Erratic Start/Erratic Crank >> Diagnostic procedure

Diagnostic procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NO. 4 HARD TO START/LONG CRANK/ERRATIC START/ERRATIC CRANK DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE

STEP INSPECTION RESULTS ACTION
1 Inspect for the following:
  • Vacuum leakage
  • Proper fuel quality (e.g. proper octane, contamination, winter/summer blend)
  • Loose bands on intake-air system
  • Cracks on intake-air system parts
  • Air cleaner restriction

Are all items normal?
Yes Go to the next step.
No Service if necessary.
Repeat Step 1.
2 Connect WDS or equivalent to DLC-2.
Turn ignition switch to ON position (Engine off).
Retrieve any DTCs.
Are there any DTCs displayed?
Yes DTC is displayed: 
Go to appropriate DTC test.
No No DTC is displayed: 
Go to the next step.
3 Is engine overheating Yes Go to symptom troubleshooting "NO. 17 COOLING SYSTEM CONCERNS - OVERHEATING ".
No Go to the next step.(1)
Go to Step 5.(2)
4 Inspect ignition coil related harnesses condition (intermittent open or short circuit) for all cylinders.
Are all harnesses condition normal?
Yes Go to Step 6.
No Repair suspected wiring harness.
5 Inspect for cracks on high-tension leads.
Are there any cracks on high-tension leads?
Yes Repair suspected high-tension leads.
No Go to the next step.
6 Inspect spark plug conditions.
Is spark plug wet, covered with carbon or grayish white?
Yes Spark plug is wet or covered with carbon: 
Inspect for fuel leakage from fuel injector.
Spark plug is grayish white: 
Inspect for clogged fuel injector.
No Install spark plugs on original cylinders.
Go to the next step.
7 Visually inspect CKP sensor and teeth of crankshaft pulley.
Are CKP sensor and teeth of crankshaft pulley normal?
Yes Go to the next step.
No Replace malfunctioning parts.
8 Remove and shake PCV valve.
Does PCV valve rattle
Yes Go to the next step.
No Replace PCV valve.
9 Attempt to start engine at part throttle.
Does engine run smoothly at part throttle?
Yes Inspect electronic throttle control system operation.
No Go to the next step.
10 Install fuel pressure gauge between fuel pipe and fuel distributor.
Short check connector terminal F/P to body GND using a jumper wire.
Turn ignition switch to ON position.
Is fuel line pressure correct with ignition switch ON?
(See FUEL LINE PRESSURE INSPECTION .)
Yes Go to the next step.
No Zero or low: 
Inspect fuel pump relay and fuel pump circuit.
Inspect for clogged fuel line.
If okay, replace fuel pump unit.
High: 
Replace fuel pump unit.
11 Is fuel line pressure held after ignition switch is turned OFF?
(See FUEL LINE PRESSURE INSPECTION .)
Yes Go to the next step.
No Inspect fuel injector.
If fuel injector is okay, replace fuel pump unit.
12 Disconnect a vacuum hose from purge solenoid valve and plug opening end of vacuum hose.
Attempt to start engine.
Is starting condition improve
Yes Inspect if purge solenoid valve is stuck open.
No Go to the next step.
13 Inspect MAF sensor for contamination.
Is there any contamination?
Yes Replace MAF sensor.
No Go to the next step.
14 Is there restriction in exhaust system? Yes Inspect exhaust system.
No Go to the next step.
15 Inspect engine condition while tapping EGR valve housing. Does engine condition improve? Yes Replace EGR valve.
No Go to the next step.
16 Inspect starting system.
(See STARTER INSPECTION .)
Is starting system normal?
Yes Inspect for loose connectors or poor terminal contact. If okay, remove EGR valve and visually inspect for mechanically stuck EGR valve.
No Repair or replace components as required.
17 Verify test results.
  • If okay, return to diagnostic index to service any additional symptoms.
  • If malfunction remains, inspect related Service Bulletins and/or On-line Repair Information and perform repair or diagnosis.
    • If vehicle is repaired, troubleshooting completed.
    • If vehicle is not repaired or additional diagnostic information is not available, reprogram PCM if later calibration is available. Retest.
(1) California emission regulation applicable ATX model
(2) Except for California emission regulation applicable ATX model