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mitch96

Hi
I have a 1999 mazda familia 4 gear auto with 179000kms on the clock. I am intednign to take it to the Te Rapa AA service centre early next week about some noises its making when idling and a starting issue, but wanted to get some advice on what I can ask them to check first.
Firstly, 90% of the time the car starts normally, but about 10% of the time it is cranking for about 3 seconds, then it will ignite quite weak before getting to idling speed of 900rpm. This ussually happens if the car has been perhaps not cooled down fully before being restarted, however, it did do it once after being still for about 10 hours overnight.
Secondly, there is a very noticeable rattle when the car is idling. I dont think its the fan because its not making the noise of air being sucked in. It didn't use to do this this bad. The rattle does not continue when the car is driving. Engine mounts?
Lastly, their is a noise inside the cabin when the car is first turned on. (Sounds like the cabin fan, but no air is coming out and the fan is not on. Thought it could be a light noise from the fan belt, but its more noticeable inside cabin then out). Could it be fuel pump? Again, car never used to make this noise, is completely out of the blue.

Are any of these issues consistent with each other? The car once driving always drives fine, does not miss and has plenty of performance. I took it on a 300km round trip on the weekend no trouble, so im really unsure of what the issue is

Many thanks

Anon

Hi there,
You have provided a very good description. You could explain exactly this to the technicians.
I would make sure you can demonstrate the faults to the technician, so you both know what sounds you are worried about. And they can advise what to check first.
If you do have a noisey fuel pump. I would get that looked at first and may need replacement. You want to fix it before it stops on you.

mitch96

Is it possible to have the fuel pump tested/checked for definite replacement first?

Anon

Hi there,
We advise you to take your car to the technician and have them check your car and advise on what the problems are and the order of importance to go about fixing them.