Mazda 3 Quiz
If Trouble Arises

Starting a Flooded Engine

In this manual: If Trouble Arises
Pictorial Index — 8Essential Safety Equipment — 38Before Driving — 56When Driving — 89Interior Features — 104Maintenance and Care — 53If Trouble Arises — 31Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects — 33Specifications — 4
5steps
~30min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 5

If the engine fails to start, it may be flooded (excessive fuel in the engine).

Follow this procedure:

  1. If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try, wait ten seconds and try again.
  2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
  3. Depress the accelerator all the way and hold it there.
  4. Depress the clutch pedal (Manual transaxle) or the brake pedal (Automatic transaxle), then press the push button start. If the engine starts, release the accelerator immediately because the engine will suddenly rev up.
  5. If the engine fails to start, crank it without depressing the accelerator.

If the engine still does not start using the above procedure, have your vehicle inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

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A quick Mazda 3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.