Why won’t car start?

Asked by maryellen Jul 12, 2023 at 06:04 PM about the 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata SE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2003 Mazda Miata randomly won’t start. Makes
no noise when you turn key. Battery is good.  
Replaced keys because sometimes jiggling key
in ignition seemed to work. Now seems like
sometimes if I use key fob and hit lock/unlock a
few times it will start.

1 Answer

310,185

You may have a couple of problems here. Check for power at the starter solenoid wire when in the crank position, it should have battery voltage on that wire, if it doesn't then it could be an ignition switch or safety switch, or even broken wiring. If you have steady power and the starter doesn't spin then you most likely have a bad starter. On some of these the solenoid's contacts were replaceable but you won't know that until you remove the starter and inspect it.

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