Ask an expert

hello
i have a 2003 Mazda Atenza 5 spd manual (2.3L petrol) and when i was in 1st gear going up a motorway on ramp (very s-l-o-w-l-y) the car just cut out, completely no power, after fumbling/ panicking a minute everything suddenly came back on and i was able to start the car and travel away -
my question is what could have caused this problem? i have only had the car for approx 3 months and this is the first time it has happened - what if it happens and i'm stuck in the middle of the road!

please help - thank you!

Given that it's a manual and you were travelling very slowly, I'm assuming it wasn't simply a case of stalling the engine?
If it wasn't just stalling due to low rpm, it is unusual for an engine to cut out and re-start immediately so it is very difficult to take a guess as to the cause.
Really, you need to have it checked out by a mechanic, because as you say, you don't want to be stranded!

hi
no it didn't stall as all the dash lights would have still been on and i would have been able to start the car immediately, it is unusual which is why i was thinking electrics or has anyone been in this situation before?

OK, with the little extra information you have provided (no dash lights) it's obviously an electrical fault. It could even be somehing as simple as a loose or corroded battery terminal or main fuse connection. Other than that, ignition switch connections and main battery power supply wiring connections would be the things to check.
If it's not any of the things you can easily check yourself (battery terminal etc) it sounds like a job for an auto-electrician.

thanks - i am booked in with an auto electrician and will post the outcome once complete so it may help others,