My darn starter just went out like 10 minutes ago and all parts stores are closed. I hope this is a warranty deal, I have 40,000 miles on the Mazda. At least I think it is the starter, it just clicks when I turn the key, radio and headlights work strong and no fluttering. Starter huh?

 

Yeah its the starter, my does that same thing except my works when it wants and doesnt when it wants. But when its not working it just makes this clicking sound, and the lights and all still work so i know its the not the battery. So its the starter. I should replace mine shouldnt i lol.

 

possible but it could also be the starter solonid... have you measured the voltage at the battery when you try to start it and while its off?

 

could be the battery, lights and radio dont draw much power, so if the battery is low, the starter may not work. try a jump start, it may do the trick

 

+1

 

Check your battery cables: one positive to the starter solenoid and both grounds (there's one ground right by the starter on a mounting stud and another on the radiator bulkhead near the battery). A poor cable connection can give you intermittent starting.

 

ah yes bob is right, if you can move a battery cable end by hand, its too loose. thats one of the most common problems i saw when i worked at autozone, a loose cable end

 

Well this is what happens to mine........when it wont start i just go take the positive and negative connecters off, then i tighten the bracket that holds the wire to the negative connecter. Finally i connect everything back up and it starts. It hasnt done that in a while.

Edit: tighten the bracket on the postive connecter

 

Any time you take a battery cable wire, either positive or negative, off at either end, you should check the end of the wire or cable, and what it attaches to, to see if it needs cleaning with a rag and solvent and/or a wire brush or sandpaper. Especially if you're having starting problems. If you don't have good metal to metal contact, problems can occurr. Then check to see if all connections are tight on both ends of both cables or wires.

 

Did all of that, finally got aggravated and had it towed to my local Mazda Dealership.

 

What was the final diagnosis / repair done at the dealer?