2000 Mazda 626 HOT ENGINE CAN NOT START

2000 MAZDA 626
110,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MIAMI_HEATER
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My car is 2000 year Mazda 626, the engine is good all the time before. I have a long time out of town on May. I start my car with no problem when I came back. I drove my car on high way after about 20 minutes, I stopped at a store for shopping.

The problem is I could start it after shopping. I had to call a tower to move my car to a mechanic. Something interesting happened, the tower driver started it and drove it down from the truck.

Later on I have my problem every time I drove on the highway for sometime, I have to wait about 20 minutes to restart the car, but if the car is cool, in the morning for example, I can start it any time, sometimes need more spins than usual.

What is wrong with my car?
Jun 21, 2009 at 12:54 PM
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BUDDYCRAIGG
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If the starter doesn't turn the engine over, then it's probably just the starter is failing when hot. That's a fairly common problem.

If the engine is cranking over like normal, but the engine will not start, then we'll have to do some testing for a fuel problem or lack of spark.
Jun 21, 2009 at 4:35 PM
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MIAMI_HEATER
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yes, the engine is cranking over pretty normal, I do not know if there is any relationship between spark and temperature. Most of time I am thinking of fuel pump or fuel filter problem, but still no idea about the relationship between temperature and pump and filter, do you think I need to replace a pump or filter?
Jun 21, 2009 at 7:42 PM
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BUDDYCRAIGG
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time to do some testing.

checking for spark will be the easiest.

you will need a helper and the tools to remove a spark plug.

drive around and get it good and hot.
go home and remove one spark plug.

stick the spark plug back in to the spark plug wire.
Holding the rubber boot of the wire, press the metal part of the spark plug against some clean metal on the engine.

NOTE************
dont let any part of your body touch anything else on the car or you will probably get shocked with about 40,000 volts.

have your helper try to start the car, there should be a spark between the electrodes of the plug.
Jun 21, 2009 at 8:14 PM
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