Questions and Answers

Mazda 626 Starting Hard Q. Hi Vincent, I was wondering if you might be able to help me diagnose possible causes for my cars hesitation to start. This just recently started to happen. When I turn the ignition, the car doesn't start as fast as it used to. You can hear the starter going, but the car won't start up right away, like it used to.

It may take 30 sec to 1 minute to start. It's a 1997 Mazda 626 with 75,000 miles on it. Is the starter going bad?

Thanks,
Michael

A. I don't think you have a starter problem here. I think all it needs is some maintenance. I would give it a good tune-up with new spark plugs, (NGK BKR5E-11 or BKR6E-11) new distributor cap, rotor and ignition wires. Also replace the air and fuel filters. I think that will take care of your problem.