Q: Mazda 3 has no spark and won't start

asked by on October 30, 2016

Please I need urgent help with my 2006 Mazda 3, I just changed the one of the piston and the four set of rings I have couple everything well but am not getting sparks on the plug coils and it won't start please I need help.

My car has 83000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi there. It sounds like there could be a fault somewhere in the camshaft position sensor, crankshaft position sensor, or engine computer circuit. Check all fuses and relays and replace as necessary.

The computer will not enable spark to the cylinders if it missing the signal from one or both of the position sensors. Inspect the wire harness and connectors for damage or looseness and correct as necessary. If one or both of the sensors has been dropped, hit, or damaged, the sensor may be in need of replacement. Check for a reference voltage at the connector to both sensors. If there is no damage and the sensors tests OK, then there could be a fault in the engine computer. I strongly suggest acquiring a qualified technician to perform an inspection to prevent the replacement of unnecessary parts.

If you would like to have an expert scope this out, then a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the no start so that this can be repaired properly.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

I have a problem with my front wheel bearings.
The front wheel bearings on this vehicle are known to get very noisy after getting some mileage on them. The only fix is to get the wheel bearings replaced (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-bearings-replacement). The bearings are pressed in parts and a qualified mechanic...
Car doesn't move when put into reverse or drive
The transmission in your Equinox (the 4L60E) is common - I replaced one recently. I suggest starting by checking your transmission fluid level: Start your vehicle, let it warm up, and with a rag, pull up the transmission dipstick tube...
The car doesn't shift into first gear while it works fine in reverse
The problem could be that the internal transmission pump is weak, or the transmission clutch seals are leaking. It sounds like the transmission will need an overhaul. I recommend having a transmission mechanic test the pressures and diagnose the problems...
steering wheel won't unlock my key turns only to turn lights on but that's it can't unlock steering wheel to start the car what to
The steering lock may not be unlocking either due to a faulty ignition lock housing or more commonly as the cars age a faulty spring at the steering wheel on the under side of the column. If the ignition lock...
Sounds as if the car is not going into gear. I have RPM reading odometer, not sure what it should be reading when driving on freeway.
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. Watch the tachometer (rpm gauge) (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/3-essential-things-to-know-about-your-car-s-tachometer) as the vehicle is in motion. When driving, you should see the tachometer go up and then go down a little when the transmission shifts gears. For...
Abs and esp light randomly come on with a jerking and clicking noise under hood
Hi there. Most of the time when this occurs randomly like this it is because there is a problem with one of the wheel speed sensors. I usually start by checking the tires first. If one of the tires is...
My car revs by itself when idle sometimes the car jerks a little what is the problem?
It sounds like you may have a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds...
ABS issue??
Hello, thank you for writing in. When you make a hard stop, the majority of the stress gets put onto the brake pads and the rotors. While other components can absolutely be effected, these are what we have designed to...
Clicking when A/C is on
The temperature or mode a/c doors in the dash heater air conditioner doors have electronic actuators that when they go bad may start to click when the a/c is turned on or when trying to change door position that has...

Related articles

4 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Check Engine Light
The Check Engine Light turns on when there's an engine problem. A bad oxygen sensor or failed spark plug are common causes for the Check Engine Light.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Timing Belt
Common signs include a ticking noise coming from the engine, an engine that won't turn over, engine misfires, and oil leaking in front of the motor.
Understanding the Mazda Oil Life Monitor and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Mazda Oil Life Monitor system indicates when and what service your car needs.