2010 Mazda CX-7

When I crank it over sometimes it takes longer than normal to start. I haven't found a pattern to it such as fuel level, temp outside, uphill/downhill, etc.

On occasion when I am getting on the freeway and I stomp on it I can hear a clicking sound from the back of the car, like its the fuel pump and it hesitates.

But those two symptoms are mutually exclusive in that when the hard start happens it may not do the clicking sound when I stomp on it. I've only heard the clicking a couple times since I bought it 6 months ago.

Any suggestions? I am leaning towards fuel pump or filter, but probably the pump because if the clicking.

 

Cx7s are common to pink/knock. I assume you have the 2.3 turbo? Make sure you use high octane fuel. When did it last go to Mazda for a software update?

 

Its not a pinging/knocking in the engine, its a clicking sound from the back of the car in the area of the the spare tire.

I don't know when the last update was, I bought the car used. Is there a way to tell?