2010 Tribute won't start - dealer mechanic is stumped
 

I have a 2010 Mazda Tribute with less than 50,000 km. I've never had any issues with it. One day last week day it would not start. I tried repeatedly over the next 30 minutes and eventually it started. The next day it ran fine. the next day it hesitated while starting, but turned over once I kept the key turned for about 5 seconds. The following day it would not start at all. Each time I tried to start it unsuccessfully, there would be one 'click', then no sound. The wipers, highbeams, etc, were still working. Had it towed to a local shop. They said my battery and alternater were hooped so they replaced them. Got the car home and it ran fine for a day. The following day it wouldn't start and my new battery was completely dead. Had it towed 250km to the closest Mazda dealer. They charged the battery, ran diagnostics, and it said the car was fine. They said the starter was fine and they checked the new alternater that the local shop had installed and they said it was good as well. They started it up a few times a day for 3 days, all with no problems. I drove it back home, no issues. That night it hesitated. The next day, it ran fine. The following day, it won't start at all. I'm going to grab a volt meter and check the battery voltage tonight but I'm desperate for any suggestions. It's a 3 year old car that I've now spent $1200 on and it still won't start. I'd be grateful for any advice anyone might have!

I'd suggest check battery connections, on BOTH ends. I would expect depending on the battery charge to see around 13.5-14 volts running.

Heather did you find a result for this??? I am having the same issue!! Stumped an auto elec & mechanic :(

Problem Found!
 

After 3 tows to the dealership (which is 200km away from my house) the problem was finally discovered. It turned out to be a loose connection in the starter. There was a memo from Mazda that was released (I think it was either in 2010 or 2011) that made dealers aware of the issue, as apparently it has been a re-occuring problem. The memo and specifics are at my house (I'm at work right now) but if you need further details, just post again on here and it will remind me to dig up the infoThey fixed this issue and I haven't had any problems since!

Loose connection
 

Could u give more details ?

What a joke on the behalf of those so called "Mechanics" these days LOL (yes i'm on the older side)

1st indicator it was the starter motor was the "click" ie: the solenoid , i hope you got reimbursed for all those transport costs and time wasted but i bet not!

5yr old thread, may have to let it die...

Please let it live- exact same problem in my 2010 Tribute