1998 Mazda MPV Logo
Karen Belaire Posted on Nov 19, 2012
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Electrical - Car won't stop running!

So... my 1998 Mazda MPV has some major electrical issues and I don't know what to do. We took the fuses out of the security portion as every little bump made it go off. I put about $1K into it in the Spring and all it needs for an inspection sticker is a new tire. So here is my problem: Door knobs go up and done by itself. Periodically, the car actually tries to start itself after I stopped the car and taken the key out. (really a true fact) Sometimes the car won't start unless I press the security button on the side by the lid releaser. Now get this, in the last two weeks, three times - I turned the car off and took the key out and the car won't stop, still running. I have to get out and undo the cables to the battery. Car still goes even after i take the cables off, sure to do with alternator, and then i have to put the keys back in try to turn the car over to start and it kicks it off. Winter is almost here and I can deal with the clicking the button to start the car, but when the car doesn't turn off - UGH... I feel ike I am driving Herbie the Love Bug or that it is possessed, but I am starting to feel really unsafe driving this vehicle. Please HELP:)

2 Answers

montehammons

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  • Mazda Master 5,531 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 19, 2012
montehammons
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Yes, it makes you want to carry a loaded gun in case the car tries to get away from you! Startling issues. I'd let an auto electrician try to fix it. Too many issues for a simple ignition switch replacement, although that might be in the mix that you will have to try. Taking the battery cables off a running car should not kill it- it will still run off the alternator. Don't take the battery off in that case- could cause a short or damage the alternator. Next time try pulling the ignition fuse or injector fuse to kill the engine. Good luck. (Maybe your car needs a leash to tether it when you leave it.)

A

Anonymous

Wow, that really sounds scary. I would take it too an auto electrician sooner rather than later. It kinda makes me thing of Gone in 60 Seconds, which I am sure you probably feel like sometimes. Get it to an electrician, get it fixed, and then you can relax. http://www.caruanaauto.com.au/about-us.html

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2 Related Answers

Puppet03

Puppet03

  • 172 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 29, 2009

SOURCE: 2003 mazda mpv stalls several times while driving,

i would ask the mechanic to check the ignition switch for pitting ....i had this problem with my honda accord for a long time until i finally just switched it for the second time and sanded it down to the point that it would touch but not keep contact to make the pitting .... hope this helped

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bbbman78

Drew Z

  • 681 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 15, 2010

SOURCE: 96 mazda mpv minivan 165k mi. Ran fine until one

I was browsing unsolved problems. If you still have the problem, I'll try to help you. But it's going to be awhile trying to communicate back and forth. First...Check the engine for spark. Take off a plug wire and stick a screw driver in the wire end and place the metal part of the screw driver next to something on the van that's metal. Have someone crank it over for just a second or two and see if a small spark jumps from the screw driver to the metal part. I'll check back for your answer.

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