Mazda Tribute Car is hard to start Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(275)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(275)

Car is hard to start Inspection Service

How much does a Car is hard to start Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Mazda Tribute Car is hard to start Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2009 Mazda TributeV6-3.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
2005 Mazda TributeL4-2.3LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2010 Mazda TributeL4-2.5LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2004 Mazda TributeL4-2.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
2010 Mazda TributeL4-2.5L HybridService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
2009 Mazda TributeL4-2.5LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2011 Mazda TributeV6-3.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
2005 Mazda TributeV6-3.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Mazda Tribute Car is hard to start Inspection prices

A car that is hard to start can be a major inconvenience. While this is usually not a life threatening malfunction, it can make getting around much more difficult. There are a number of issues that will make a car hard to start. Everything from the electrical system to the fuel system to the actual starter itself can be the problem.

Finding the root cause of a hard starting engine can take some investigation. Ignoring a hard starting issue can further damage the vehicle, which will often result in a more expensive repair.

How this system works:

In order to get an engine running, it must be turned at speed so that it starts to suck fuel and air into the cylinders, and then compress and ignite this fuel/air mixture.

The starter motor is an electric motor that turns the engine to get it started. The starter motor has a small pinion gear wheel that engages with a larger gear ring at the rim of the engine flywheel.

The starter motor draws the electric current it needs to run from the battery. The starter needs a heavy current and to avoid sparking a solenoid is used. The ignition switch operates the starter motor. When the ignition is turned on, current is fed to the solenoid and into the starter motor. Once the car engine starts and the key is released, the starter motor turns off.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Bad Starter: Over time starter motors can wear out and start to malfunction. If this is the problem the starter will have to be replaced. If the car turns over, the problem is not the starter. If nothing happens when the key is turned the problem could be the starter, or if the car turns over very slowly and the dash lights dim while it is cranking, the starter could be the culprit.

  • Bad Relay Wiring: The wiring between the battery and starter can become loose or broken which will prevent the starter motor from functioning. The wiring will need to be replaced or repaired.

  • Low or Dead Battery: The starter motor needs voltage from the battery to operate. If the battery is low or failing it may not produce enough current for the starter motor to function. Charging or replacing the batter should resolve this problem.

It is also possible that the battery terminals have become corroded or loose. Cleaning and tightening the terminals and cables is recommended.

  • Failing Solenoid: A failing solenoid is a common issue with the starter system and if the solenoid is going bad, the car will be difficult to start. The starter will need to be inspected to determine if the problem is the starter motor itself or the solenoid. A failing solenoid will need to be replaced.

  • Failing Ignition Switch: Over time an ignition switch can start to fail and one of the most common symptoms is that the car is hard to start. If the ignition switch is hot to the touch this indicates an issue with the ignition switch wiring. A failing ignition switch will eventually stop working completely and will need to be replaced.

  • Defective Fuel Pump: If the engine is not getting enough fuel, it will be hard, if not impossible to start. The fuel pump is responsible for pulling gas from the tank to the injectors and if it is not delivering enough fuel the car will be difficult to start and eventually will not start at all.

  • Fouled Plugs: Spark plugs create the spark which allows the vehicle to burn fuel. Fouled plugs are one of the most common reasons for a hard starting engine. As electrodes wear down, the voltage required to jump the gap to ignite the fuel increases. This can lead to prolonged cranking before the engine will start.

  • Clogged Fuel Filter: A fuel filter that is clogged can make a vehicle very difficult to start. The fuel filter screens out contaminants and can become clogged over time. This will prevent the injectors from getting enough fuel, making the car hard to start.

  • Contaminated Fuel: Fuel that has too much alcohol or water in it will result in a car that is difficult and often impossible to start. Even if it does start, contaminated fuel can do serious damage to the engine. If contaminated fuel is suspected, have the vehicle inspected immediately.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the hard to start issue, ​and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The starter, battery, connecting wiring and other important components will be inspected by the mechanic. This may include the vehicle's fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, ignition and more. It may be necessary for the mechanic to crank up the car to verify the problem and issue an accurate diagnosis.

How important is this service?

If a car is hard to start, it's indicative of a major condition preventing normal operation and if left unattended it may lead to the car not starting at all. The vehicle should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Mazda mechanics

Real customer reviews from Mazda owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(275)

Rating Summary
264
7
1
1
2
264
7
1
1
2

David

37 years of experience
39 reviews
David
37 years of experience
Mazda Tribute V6-3.0L - Car is hard to start - Bastrop, Texas
David arrived early; and he notified me prior to coming to my location. He got right to the job: diagnosed, tested and identified the problem very quickly. Very professional, very courteous, and goes above and beyond. At this time, I have recommended David to several people. Note: I have given him a 10 and have checked all 8-characteristics.

Genaro

13 years of experience
287 reviews
Genaro
13 years of experience
Mazda Tribute V6-3.0L - Car is not starting - Houston, Texas
My experience was great. Genaro was on time. He was friendly. Inspected my car found the problem. I will highly recommend him to everyone I know. I wll use him again. Great job, Thank you.

Theodore

16 years of experience
1592 reviews
Theodore
16 years of experience
Mazda Tribute V6-3.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Lynnwood, Washington
He was on time, confirmed what was wrong and fixed it in a timely manner. I'm thrilled with his professionalism and service! Will definitely ask for Theodore again if I need a repair.

Enrique

21 years of experience
244 reviews
Enrique
21 years of experience
Mazda Tribute L4-2.3L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Orlando, Florida
Rick was punctual and worked quickly. He made sure I understood what he was doing and what didn't need to be done. He was very professional.

Excellent Rating

(275)

Rating Summary
264
7
1
1
2
264
7
1
1
2
Number of Mazda Tribute services completed
3025+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mazda MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a Tropical Climate
If If you live in a tropical climate, most of your vehicle purchasing concerns will be essentially the same as if you lived anywhere else – you want a car that looks good, offers decent gas mileage, and suits the...
How to Fill a Windshield Wiper Fluid Reservoir
Driving Driving with a dirty windshield is not only a distraction, but it can make navigating roads difficult and dangerous as well. Dirt, grime, and mud can eventually smudge your windshield so completely that it becomes impossible to drive. Keeping...
P2740 OBD-II Trouble Code: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor B Circuit
P2740 means system is receiving a high temperature reading due to low fluid level or a failing transmission or other electrical or sensor problem.

When do I need a transmission oil change?

The industry rule of thumb is to replace transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) every 40,000 miles. Some vehicles call for it to be changed sooner, some later. The recommended service intervals should be listed in your vehicle's owners manual, available with a...

Car won't always start right away, after fueling up.

The purge valve on the engine is not supposed to flow fuel tank vapors from the carbon canister when the vehicle is off or at idle. When refueling the vehicle a lot of fumes are generated in the tank and...

Accelerates and pulses

Hi there. If you were having issues with the engine stumbling and acceleration issues before the throttle body was removed; and it's still happening after replacing it, it may have been caused by several other fuel or ignition system components....

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com