2014 Mazda 3 SV, Automatic TransFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Spark Test

  1. Disconnect the fuel pump relay and fuel injector relay.
  2. Verify that each ignition coil and connector is connected properly.
  3. Inspect the ignition system in the following procedure:
    WARNING:
    • High voltage in the ignition system can cause strong electrical shock which can result in serious injury. Avoid direct contact with the vehicle body during the following spark test.
STEP INSPECTION ACTION
1 Disconnect the ignition coils from the spark plugs.
Remove the spark plugs.
(See SPARK PLUG REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Verify that the spark plugs do not have carbon deposits.
Is there any malfunction?		 Yes Perform no-load racing at 4, 000 rpm  for 2 min, 2 times  to burn off the carbon deposits. Repeat this step.
No Go to the next step.
2 Inspect the spark plugs for damage, wear, and proper plug gap.
Is there any malfunction?		 Yes Re-gap or replace the spark plugs, then go to the next step. (See SPARK PLUG REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
No Go to the next step.
3 Reconnect the spark plugs to the ignition coil. Ground the spark plugs to the engine.
Is a strong blue spark visible at each cylinder while cranking the engine?		 Yes Ignition system is normal.
No Some cylinders do not spark:
  • Go to the next step.

All cylinders do not spark:
  • Go to Step 5.
4 Switch the ignition off.
Inspect the wiring harness between the following terminals (wiring harness-side) for an open or short circuit:
  • Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 1 terminal B- PCM terminal 1AY
  • Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 2 terminal B- PCM terminal 1AT
  • Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 3 terminal B- PCM terminal 1AO
  • Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 4 terminal B- PCM terminal 1AJ

Is there any malfunction?		 Yes Refer to the wiring diagram and verify whether or not there is a common connector between the following terminals:
  • Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 1 terminal B-PCM terminal 1AY
  • Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 2 terminal B-PCM terminal 1AT
  • Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 3 terminal B-PCM terminal 1AO
  • Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 4 terminal B-PCM terminal 1AJ

If there is a common connector: 
  • Determine the malfunctioning part by inspecting the common connector and the terminal for corrosion, damage, or pin disconnection, and the common wiring harness for an open or short circuit.
  • Repair or replace the malfunctioning part.

    If there is no common connector: 

  • Repair or replace the wiring harness which has an open or short circuit.
No Inspect the ignition coil.
(See IGNITION COIL INSPECTION .)
Replace the ignition coil/ion sensor.
(See IGNITION COIL/ION SENSOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
5 Switch the ignition off.
Disconnect the ignition coil/ion sensor connectors.
Switch the ignition ON (engine off).
Measure the voltage at each ignition coil/ion sensor terminal A (wiring harness-side).
Is the voltage B+  ?		 Yes Go to the next step.
No Inspect for power supply circuit in wiring harness between ignition switch and ignition coils.
Refer to the wiring diagram and verify whether or not there is a common connector between the following terminals:
  • Main relay terminal D-Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 1 terminal A
  • Main relay terminal D-Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 2 terminal A
  • Main relay terminal D-Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 3 terminal A
  • Main relay terminal D-Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 4 terminal A

If there is a common connector: 
  • Determine the malfunctioning part by inspecting the common connector and the terminal for corrosion, damage, or pin disconnection, and the common wiring harness for a short to power supply.
  • Repair or replace the malfunctioning part.

If there is no common connector: 
  • Repair or replace the wiring harness which has a short to power supply.
6 Switch the ignition off.
Inspect for continuity between terminal D (wiring harness-side) in each ignition coils and body ground.
Is there continuity?		 Yes Go to the next step.
No Refer to the wiring diagram and verify whether or not there is a common connector between the following terminals:
  • Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 1 terminal D-Body ground
  • Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 2 terminal D-Body ground
  • Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 3 terminal D-Body ground
  • Ignition coil/ion sensor No. 4 terminal D-Body ground

If there is a common connector: 
  • Determine the malfunctioning part by inspecting the common connector and the terminal for corrosion, damage, or pin disconnection, and the common wiring harness for an open circuit.
  • Repair or replace the malfunctioning part.

If there is no common connector: 
  • Inspect for the following:
    • Open circuit between ignition coil/ion sensor No. 1 and body ground
    • Open circuit between ignition coil/ion sensor No. 2 and body ground
    • Open circuit between ignition coil/ion sensor No. 3 and body ground
    • Open circuit between ignition coil/ion sensor No. 4 and body ground
    • Loose or lifting ground point
      • Repair or replace the malfunctioning part.

Repeat from Step 1.
7 Inspect the connection of PCM and ignition coil/ion sensor connectors.
Are the PCM connector or ignition coil/ion sensor connectors poorly connected?		 Yes Repair or replace the connector.
Repeat from Step 1.
No Go to the next step.
8 Inspect the CKP sensor and crankshaft pulley. (See CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR INSPECTION .)
Is there any malfunction?		 Yes Repair or replace the malfunctioning part according to the inspection results.
(See CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
No Inspect for an open or short circuit in wiring harness and connector of the CKP sensor.
Repair or replace the malfunctioning part according to the inspection results.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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