2006 mazda 3 s 2.3l manual transmission won't crank with key.

The car wont crank when i turn the key (yes with the clutch in). I have watched a few videos Including one scanner Danner did on A very similar mazda 3 mine is also a manual. I preformed most of the tests and check in the video. Was able to get the car to start by jumping the terminals at the starter relay but not sure where to go from here.

When you say you were able to get the car to start by jumping the starter relay terminals, do you mean that you were able to get the engine to crank, or were you able to get it to start and continue running?

What is the anti-theft light on the dash doing with the key on and the key in crank?

Since you can jump the starter relay and make the engine crank, I think your next best step is to attack the control side of the relay and see what you're missing. I grabbed part of the starting system diagram for reference:



With the starter relay removed, test light to B-, the starter relay terminal with the blue arrow should light up with the key in crank only. Then, with the test light to B+, the terminal with the red arrow should light up with the key in crank and the clutch pedal depressed.

Once you know which part of the control circuit isn't working correctly, you'll know which direction to go in with your testing.

The car started and continued to run until i turned the key off. Anti-theft light goes out shortly after the key is turned on. Maybe 30 sec to a min.
If I have the terminals labeled correctly by memory as the car is not right in front of me at the moment.
Test light to b- to ground lights when key in crank position. Terminal b+ I will have to double check when I get home but I don't think that lit up. Do t remember if I had the clutch pushed in.
I also want to mention I'm not very patient or learned in diagnosing or trouble shooting electrical issues with cars. I want to make sure yall understand how much I appreciate the help and knowledge you are sharing!
Thank you for the info and you help.

Tested b+ side again today to verify and it doesn't light the test light

jared.lefevre wrote:

Tested b+ side again today to verify and it doesn't light the test light

Not to be nit picky, but we need to be clear. You had the test light connected to B+ and neither of the control side pins lit up when you touched them?

It's hard for me to tell what is b+ or b- nothing is marked as such. i will have to double check the control side

The terminals are labeled1 i belive is b-, 2,3 i beleive is b+, and 4. 1 lights when key is turned to start. 2 lights with key on as in an always on state. 3 and 4 don't light the test light