starter-- if you hit it with the end of a screwdriver and it starts that gives you an answer.

To add to the above, I'd vote for either a bad ignition switch, starter solenoid, or perhaps a corroded wire than connects the solenoid to the starter. I've seen this on other Mazdas before.

Bad ignition switch.

Anonymous wrote:Probably the starter.

Yes, or solenoid related.

Loose wire in the electrical. Can you drive something else in the meantime?

Probably the starter.

Call the Mazda dealer and ask someone in the service department.

I have an 8 year old Mazda with a turn key start. I turn the key all the way, and it stutters like when a battery is dead (the battery is fine, I know this for sure). But if I turn the key partway (like to turn the radio on), pause for a second or 2, and then turn the key additionally to start the car... it starts fine.

What could be the cause of this?