If you call about a negative credit item to ask questions and it is close to the seven year fall off mark will your phone call start the time over?

if your debt in question is that close to 7 yrs, i would not call on it. You can however call the credit bureau (equifax, experian, or transunion) and ask questions. Your debt will clear your credit report by the month and year, of the date of last activity on that debt 7 yrs. later.