Engine not starting

Tiny
MGINN
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 MAZDA B3000
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Engine will not start or turn over. Even with the key turned off or removed there is a clicking sound under dash near the starter. Battery is good. All fuses appear good. Not sure if there is a ground problem. The computer has been replaced previously with a reconditioned CPU.
Saturday, May 5th, 2018 AT 8:40 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,833 POSTS
Can I ask if the truck will turn over in neutral? It could have a bad start which to confirm the issue use a test light and check for power at the starter using the test light.

Here is a guide to help us get started:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run this test and get back to us.

Cheers, Ken
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Sunday, May 6th, 2018 AT 5:28 PM
Tiny
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When the battery is re-hooked up, the loud fast clicking starts and is coming from a relay under the dash. When the key is inserted into the ignition and the doors are open, the sound changes in tone to appear to indicate the doors are still open. The security light flashes quickly and continuously before the key is inserted. Once the key is inserted the security light stops then again starts to flash. Nothing changes whether the vehicle is in park or neutral. The sound or clicking is coming from a relay under the dash. The relay itself appears to be connected to the computer. There is a line running directly to the computer. I replaced this relay with a new one and the problem continues exactly as it was with the prior relay. To me everything points to another computer gone bad.
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Monday, May 7th, 2018 AT 10:16 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, it sounds like it, but can you check the surface voltage of the battery, should be 12.6 to 12.4.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

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Monday, May 7th, 2018 AT 11:33 AM
Tiny
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Already completed and it falls within those same parameters. Thanks.
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Monday, May 7th, 2018 AT 12:14 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would check the grounds from the frame to the body it sounds like it is a voltage problem.

Can you confirm what is clicking under the dash?
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Tuesday, May 8th, 2018 AT 10:54 AM
Tiny
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Ken, sorry for my delay. The clicking sound is coming from the relay module that has a line running to the CPU. The relay is under the dash near the firewall directly behind or in line with the CPU. Tried replacing this module or relay and the new one does the same thing. The ground is the first thing L looked for but so far, if it is the ground I can not locate the problem or bad wire or whatever. Giving up at this point. I neither have the knowledge nor the time to remove the entire dashboard to track down the problem. I do not have the time or the finances to replace CPU and reprogram the truck. Already had that done a few years ago and it turned out to be an expensive project.
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Thursday, May 10th, 2018 AT 9:28 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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I have seen the ignition switch do this as well. I would try that before giving up. Also, can you check the voltage at the switch? Twelve volts. This is an easy truck to fix so please hang in there.
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+1
Thursday, May 10th, 2018 AT 4:34 PM
Tiny
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Thanks Ken. Will do.
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Thursday, May 10th, 2018 AT 5:36 PM

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