Here's the scoop:

I was going to get the oil changed early this morning so I went outside to start up the car and let it warm up(like I always do when it's cold outside...20 degrees this morning). I went back inside for about 10 minutes and when I went back outside to get in it I noticed that the car was sputtering and there was a burning smell inside the cabin. I also noticed the CEL was on.

This is the first time its ever done this. After I turned it off I let it set for about 5 minutes and then tried to crank it up. The engine just turns over repeatedly and will not fire. I did have the heat cranked all the way up but I normally do that. The only thing out of the norm here is that its about the coldest it's been here in SC this winter.

The car will not start so I could sure use any input at all.

Thanks.

 

Need car info.

Auto or manual?
Service history? How long since plugs, coils, wires, etc. where changed?
Any issues at all before this.....not matter how minor?
Have a way to read the CEL?

I have a guess as it what it might be, but it's a guess and I would rather we try and get it started and then head immediately to an Autozone(or somewhere) to get the code read instead of shotgunning it.

 

2004 grand touring

MT 6-speed

72000 miles

Only had the car for 8 months and have never done anything to it other than oil changes. Only other issue with car is basically ever since I've had it, it's taken the engine 3 or 4 turnovers to fire up.

I don't have a way to read the CEL other than having it towed somewhere.

 

Think I would try to pull start it then.
~18mph in 2nd, let clutch out, then go to neutral and keep it running! After it's warmed up, then take it for a drive and go get that code read.......but don't shut it off when there or you may get stuck! Don't shut it off at all until you get back home and let us know what the code is. Might wanna take a cellphone with you or have someone follow you to make sure you don't get stranded.

04's are known to have weak starters, but this is NOT your issue at the moment.
What is your general location as well? Maybe someone is around that could help?

 

Well that probably would get it going but I just don't have the capability to get it pull started right now...I'm the only one @ home.

I live in Sumter,SC.

It's looking like the best idea would be probably having it towed to the dealership and getting a rental car for the time being.

 

Do you have any idea when the plugs, coils and wires were changed out by the previous owner... Them not firing right could possibly be your problem (though its hard to say). Even if they aren't causing the problem, if you don't know when they were last changed it would probably be a good idea to switch them out anyway to avoid having another problem in the future...

Yeah, try to call someone that could help you push start it, and take it straight to Autozone like Mazurfer said... If you can post what the CEL code is then you will be able to get a lot more help off here.

 

Well I wound up calling Mazda roadside asst. and got it towed to the local dealership. They looked it over for about 2 hours and said it was just flooded. I was shocked to find that out considering I never drive it short distances and turn the car off before its warm.

I have no idea when the last those things were replaced but the previous owner was a woman they've probably never been changed.

 

In some ways it could be possibble that the engine was left flooded after you shut it down as described in your origianal post, but your post says the car was running at that moment - albeit poorly. So logical jump here is that there was some other problem causing it to run poorly in the first place. Making a wild guess here based on your description of how it was running + a burning smell + a CEL = possible issue with a clogged catalytic converter.

You should ask them specifically what the code on the CEL was since they apparently did not offer that information.

 

For sure get that code!
Yeah, it could be the CAT.
If under warranty, let them check it. If not, might want to pull the front loose and over to the side and peek in with a flashlight.

Having not gone back and read the original post again............yet.............I'll have to see if I would recommend plugs and coils........but don't want to do that without reading again and knowing what CEL was.


Okay, I did re-read now.
1.) I would check the CAT myself.
2.) I would go buy coils, plugs, and maybe wires................this is because I think you are going to see this issue again pretty soon and you might as well have them on hand. Especially since you don't know if they have ever been changed. When they come in, then I would change them out.

That's my two cents...................take it or leave it.

 

thats crazy, my car did the same thing...I changed out the coils and still no start, I will have it towed today and hopefully have it back on the road this week. there is no way I flooded my engine, Ive had the cat replaced 8 months ago..I hope its something simple