2005 Mazda Tribute 4cyl Automatic. Turns over and cranks most of the time but about one out of 10 times it will not turn over. Turn key and power comes on but it will not turn over. Key light on dash starts blinking like there is an anti theft problem. Tried in neutral but still doesn't turn over. By happen chance I figured out that usually by putting the vehicle in neutral and rolling it backwards or forwards about 5-10 yards it will crank up. I don't know if by doing that it is tricking the anti theft system or what. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

Have you tried your second key?

 

Yes I have two keys and having the same problem using either key.

Thanks

 

Have it scanned, if both keys are doing the same then the issue is likely with the PATS on the car and it could leave you stranded.

Before you do that, just check that you don't have lots of other metal on your key ring that can interfere.

 

For what it's worth, my 05 did that and it was the PCM. The PCM pulls the low side of the starter relay to ground (relay inside Dist Box under the hood). The workaround I did was to permanently ground the low side of the relay.

When you turn the key to start, the ignition switch sends the 12V start signal through the transmission range selector. If the selector is in park or neutral and the switch is working properly, the 12V signal then heads to the high side of the start relay. The relay won't engage unless the PCM also pulls the bottom of the relay to ground, which is what happened to mine.

Remove the start relay and check the coil contacts for 12V while a helper attempts to crank the engine. If no 12V appears at the relay, either the ignition switch, trans range selector, or broken wire is preventing the necessary 12V to the relay. If 12V does appear at one of the relay coil contacts and the relay still doesn't pull, then the low side is still floating above ground

I soldered a wire to the low side of the relay and grounded the wire to a strut mounting screw. It's been almost two years and never failed to crank.

John

 

Hi there
Mazda 3 2005 it cranking and it not starting

any hep please