Ive got an 04 GT, 6-sp with 58,000 miles. Two weeks ago while driving I got a major lack of power (to an undrivable point) with a burning smell. I looked under the car and where the oxygen sensors plugs in was red hot and the car would no longer start. Had to towed and ran the CEL, came back as "cylinder 1 misfire P0301". I changed the coils, plugs, plug wires and disconnected the catalytic convertor but the car still wont start.

Heres a video of me attempting to start it:
I would really appreciate any help/advice I could get from you guys here.

 

If you have confirmed that you ARE getting fuel and you ARE getting spark, then do a deflood, as it may just be flooded from the ignition failure that toasted your cat.

If that doesn't work, tow it to a dealer for a compression test. The pressure from the clogged cat may have damaged the seals.

 

Okay, before I changed the coils, plugs and wires I was told that two of the plugs were not getting spark. This led me to change these parts but now that Ive changed them how do I check if I am getting spark again?

Ive already done deflooding. Cranked without the plugs, fuel pump relay for about 5 sec about 10 times.

 

hook up a timing light to the coil wires and crank the engine while holding the trigger on the light. if you are getting spark the light will flash on all 4 wires, the trailings have a delay of 2-3 seconds before they begin firing.

compression sounds a little off but not enough to prevent it from starting nor does it sound flooded, but your cranking speed is quite slow, charge the battery fully and then add the booster box.

fuel can be checked by teeing into the pressure line to the engine with a pressure tester or spraying some starting fluid into the intake accordion while cranking.

 

Alright. Thanks alot guys. I'll test the spark and fuel and get back to ya. When I spray some starting fluid into the intake should it attempt to start more if its not getting fuel? Is that how id know if it was a fuel related problem?

 

The starter sounds slower like the old style?

The upgraded starter works much better.

And I've been told that the trailing coils don't fire when the engine is cranking.

I've never checked, maybe someone else can confirm.

 

So glad I installed the BHR catless midpipe!

 

Well I dont have a midpipe on right now. I just disconnected the catalytic so as of now its just empty there. I plan on just gutting it and sticking it back on. If I really hate that loud, ricey sound of the exhaust Ill invest in a midpipe though but as of now I'm more concerned with getting it to start.

 

I believe it is the old style. I bought the 8 rebuilt and after running the carfax I noticed there are a couple recalls that havent been addressed but since its not covered under warrenty anymore and my wallet has been running on E, I havent brought it in.

 

Hello,
Does it matter if it isn't under warranty to address recalls?
I don't know.

 

Actual recalls (of which there have only been 6 i believe) are open ended, no warranty coverage is needed for a free recall repair.

TSBs are not recalls, and there were many TSBs.

 

if it starts and runs on the starting fluid then likely you have a fuel system issue, most commonly a dead fuel pump.

and of course, be sure there is gas in the tank.

 

Well the ignition fluid was a big no-go and I confirmed the plugs are getting spark so Im going to try starting it with a tow strap, popping the clutch, before taking it into Mazda. Ill keep you guys posted.

 

I was thinking about towing and popping myself as i am in the same boat. New plugs and no cat... good thing i have a spare rig