Mazda MPV van won't start

Tiny
TECHNICAL1
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 MAZDA MPV
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 152,486 MILES
I have a 1989 Mazda MPV Van that won't start. I checked the battery and it's putting out 746CCRs out of a 700CCR battery and I had a load test performed and that passed so I thought it was the starter solinoid so I replaced the starter and it still won't start. When I turn the key to the run position the lights on the dash come on and if the door is open the dome light is on but as soon as I turn the key to the start position, even for an instant, the starter clicks once and all the lights go out even when returned to the run position. It's as if the battery shorts out instantly but if you let it sit for a while it does the exact same thing, lights come on in the run position then one click in the start position then everything is dead. This makes me think that it's a relay but I thought the only relay was the solenoid on the starter. And why would the whole cars electrical system go dead? Is there another relay that's activated in the ignition circuit? If so where is it located? I would really appreciate your help as this is my only means of transportation. Thank You Very Much. Davedurr@live. Com
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Thursday, July 21st, 2011 AT 11:55 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Disable ignition -have helper hold key in cranking position and check for power at the small terminal black and red wire on the starter motor-don't have it check the transmission range switch and ignition switch
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Friday, July 22nd, 2011 AT 12:13 AM
Tiny
TECHNICAL1
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  • 4 POSTS
I tried turning the key to the run position and power is available so I pushed the brake pedal so I could put the transmission in neutral to try and start it, other than in park position and it still cuts electrical power as soon as the key is turned to the start position. It does it instantly, no lag or any other noises. It's like turning the switch shuts off all power it really seems like a relay somewhere because there's no time for a bad connection to heat up and yet it will reset to where there is power available after 10 to 15 minutes. Is there any other relays that could be causing this to happen. Thanks for your time! Dave
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Friday, July 22nd, 2011 AT 2:21 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check for power at the coil positive terminal black and white wire while key is On do you have it if not Inspect and test the ignition switch
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Friday, July 22nd, 2011 AT 2:28 AM
Tiny
TECHNICAL1
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  • 4 POSTS
The ignition switch has one screw holding the electrical plug in place. Is it possible to replace the electrical portion without replacing the key portion? Because that section is riveted to a band around the steering column. I can drill out the rivets and replace them with bolts and nuts but if the electrical section can be replaced without doing so, of course I'd rather do that.
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Friday, July 22nd, 2011 AT 4:20 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Yes, you can replace only the ignition switch.

Problem seems to indicate a bad ignition switch.
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Friday, July 22nd, 2011 AT 2:20 PM
Tiny
TECHNICAL1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I replaced the ignition switch, just the lower half, not the entire key and tumblers, just the electrical section and it still acts exactly the same. I turn the key to the on position and the lights come on, on the dash and the dome light is on because the door is open but when I turn the key to start the starter clicks once then all power is cut, no dome light, no lights on the dash, nothing, but If you wait 20 minutes there's power available again. Is there a way to bypass the transmission selector switch and where on the transmission is it? What color wires go to the switch? Are you sure there's not another relay that could be poping besides starter relay because I replaced the starter and relay assembly already? Thanks for your help.
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Thursday, September 1st, 2011 AT 5:34 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Recheck the battery terminals connections. I would suspect a bad connection either with the positive or negative terminals.
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Thursday, September 1st, 2011 AT 7:42 AM

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