Ok guys.. noobie here. check this.... I have a '04 Mazda3 2.3, the car will not start on the 1st attempt (crank), but it will ALWAYS start on the 2nd... here's what I've done and checked.
1 - replaced the plugs
2 - replaced a coolant temp sensor (that fixed my check engine light)
3 - Cycled the key to make sure there's enough built-in pressure / gas
4 - had battery replaced (needed to)
5 - have a refurb alternator (went bad)

the crank is strong so it cannot be the starter. It will crank for ever if I let it (the first crank attempt) but on the 2nd crank attempt it will start right up and right away with no problem... it gets weirder .. when its butt cold outside, it always starts on the 1st attempt but once the weather gets warmer or the car gets warmed up it always takes 2 cranks to start..
any thoughts?

 

Maybe a relay or sensor is getting hot? You didn't say how hot outside when it starts to act up.
My gf has a Sentra with a similar problem. Like it's not holding pressure in the fuel line. I was suspecting something with the pump or return and a shop said that there's a check ball in the line. Pressure up opens it and allows flow. No pressure lets it set back and prevents flow back into the tank. It's what holds fuel pressure for the next start. Shop said it's not settling back so it's not holding the pressure. They also said to do the key cycle to get the pump to engage and build pressure but, that doesn't seem to work consistently.

 

It does sound like possibly the fuel purge valve as Aubrey eludes to. Part #LE66-20-360K.
You might first try gently whacking it with the back of a screwdriver to try and dislodge it.

 

Hi,

I have the same problem with my 2004 Mazda 3 2.0L.
few months ago dealer did work since I had low rpms and then car died
- replaced alternator;
- replaced purge valve solenoid;
- installed new battery;

All worked well afterwards and then new problem started -- Car ALWAYS starts on second crank aka car takes 2 tries to start.
- tried those gunk out fuel additives - didn't work

Did you find a solution?

Please share.

 

It wasn't cheap but it got fixed... It was a crack in the fuel pump.. I had the fuel pump replaced and it works like a charm now... It had to do with the crack causing a loss of pressure so the initial crank was weak, the second crank had better pressure built up and was enough to ignite the engine.

 

damonksoul:
Get a fuel pressure reading before you shell out money for a pump.