Repeatable Engine Starting Issue
 

All,

Having some trouble with my 2009 Mazda 3 and was hoping to get some help before I take it to the shop and spend hundreds of dollars sending them on a fishing trip at my expense.

Problem: if I stick the key in and immediately move it to the "start" position, the car will frequently (not always) make a clicking sound, peg the gauges, and have all the signs of a dead battery. If it does this, the starter usually won't turn over or engage. However, if I stick the key in, turn it to the "on/run" position and wait 2-3 seconds, and then move it to the "start" position, it will start 100% of the time, no problems at all.

Any insight in to this? I am able to replicate this "fix" all the time, which means it is not a pressing issue, but I'm getting ready to sell the car and want to have it in good working order.

Background: I returned from a deployment to Afghanistan (where the car sat unused for ~105 days) and had a dead battery. The issue started soon after that, though I don't know if the two are related. The car has about 95,000 miles on it and is an automatic.

Any help would be appreciated!

Steve

I'm leaning towards the ignition switch itself. How many kms/miles has it done?
2nd guess would be the ignition relay.

Ignition Switch or Relay
 

Okay got it...you think it may be the ignition switch or relay? Thank you for your reply. It has about 95,000 to 96,000 miles on it.