Mazda Miata (MX-5) This compact RWD model, offered with many engines options for those are who want to cruise with the top down in a base model, or hit the track in one of the high performance models, has been a popular model since its introduction.

stalling without warning

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  #11  
Old 09-08-2013, 09:02 PM
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Originally Posted by tanprotege
I make distinction between checking and replacing. The Haynes manual and Youtube provide ample information on how to check just about anything.
How do the sparkplugs look?
Disconnect inspect and reconnect all wire harnesses. Sometimes it removes corrosion and thus makes better contact. You can take off, clean and remount anything. Sometimes you need a new gasket if you do that.

Sure, that's not a direct way to find the problem but a '90 Miata can stand some cleaning, right?
yes. and I believe its something simple like that. I think I've read where someone had a similar issue and found the ignition switch dirty or corroded?
i'll get some contact cleaner and have at those wire harnesses.
I've obtained a service manual; so now I have something to read.
 
  #12  
Old 09-16-2013, 04:07 PM
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well, a mechanic friend of my roommate has told us that it could be dashpot on the throttlebody/throttle position valve?
I haven't priced this part or even located it on the engine yet; just seeing if anyone has an opinion on this based on my symptoms:
stalling without warning at any speed.
dash indicators, idiot lights don't come back on for 30 seconds.
car wont restart until the indicators come back on.
no smoke hesitation or sputter. very crisp throttle.
stalls unexpectedly.
 
  #13  
Old 09-16-2013, 04:38 PM
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Is this the post that you state with key on, you hear a click, and it starts? Iknow about vacuum controlled dashpot on a carb'ed engine, but not on your vehicle. i will state this, it is electric I am sure, dashpot kicks the throttle off the minimum. Why you are having idiot lights going off is something (if related) I don't know.
 
  #14  
Old 09-16-2013, 05:01 PM
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What if the ignition switch in the column is going out? I think it could cause these symptoms.
 
  #15  
Old 09-16-2013, 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted by tanprotege
What if the ignition switch in the column is going out? I think it could cause these symptoms.
I would have to agree.
 
  #16  
Old 09-17-2013, 07:39 PM
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I think I wanna have a look at the ignition switch.
i'll search youtube for a vid.
anyone have a link where I can learn about disassembly before I start?
is this a napa part or a dealership part?
thanks guys!
 
  #17  
Old 09-18-2013, 11:09 AM
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I'd call NAPA first.

There are tons of videos. You may also google for images.
 
  #18  
Old 09-29-2013, 08:07 AM
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we bought a new ignition switch from ebay autozone/ napa couldn't get it for us and advance wanted 400bucks! ebay was 80bucks. installed it but still have the same problem. I think the plug itself is going bad.
 
  #19  
Old 10-11-2013, 09:17 AM
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indeed it was the plug on the ignition switch. hasn't stalled for days now.
I disassembled the switch, it was pitted. I replaced it but still had a stal;ling problem, but not as bad. then I cleaned the plug w/ contact cleaner and a qtip. it didn't look bad but I was there so might as well clean that too....turned out to be the problem...I guess a little dirt was causing a little resistance.
 
  #20  
Old 10-11-2013, 10:25 AM
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You need to do this:



GET YOUR ZOOM ZOOM BACK!
 


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