Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Mazda / Mazda Miata / August 2004

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

Electrical problem - got lights, nothing else

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
John Edens - 26 Aug 2004 18:38 GMT
Any advice would be appreciated - have a '94 Miata, automatic transmission.

The car won't start - we've put on new cables and battery, but the only
thing that works are the headlights.

The dashboard lights don't come on when we turn the key and not a sound from
the starter motor.

Any idea where to start with this? Taking it into a garage is not an option
at this point...

Thanks
Larry Gadbois - 26 Aug 2004 21:37 GMT
It's probably the main fuse.  Make sure the battery is connected to the
cables with the correct polarity.  The minus (-) lead is grounded to the
chassis of the car. Accidental polarity reversal can cause a lot of damage.
It is easy to get the wrong jumper cable connectors on the poles of a dead
battery.  If the main fuse is blown, the diodes in the alternator could be
shorted and the ECU blown.

Make sure the battery is disconnected. Replace the main fuse.  Check the
resistance using an ohm-meter from either connection on the main fuse to
ground.  If it reads a dead short, disconnect the alternator and try again.
If the resistance is a high reading you are okay. Reconnect the battery and
turn the key to the Accessory position and see if the radio works.  If so,
try to start. If the car does not start you have a damaged ECU or coil pack.

Good luck!

> Any advice would be appreciated - have a '94 Miata, automatic
> transmission.
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Thanks
Iva - 27 Aug 2004 01:32 GMT
> It's probably the main fuse.  Make sure the battery is connected to the
> cables with the correct polarity.  The minus (-) lead is grounded to the
> chassis of the car. Accidental polarity reversal can cause a lot of damage.
> It is easy to get the wrong jumper cable connectors on the poles of a dead
> battery.  If the main fuse is blown, the diodes in the alternator could be
> shorted and the ECU blown.

It could also be the ignition switch itself.  Try jiggling the
key in the ignition and see if anything else comes on.  I had a
similar problem which was cured by replacing the switch.

Iva & Belle.)
'90B Classic Red.)
#3 winkin' Miata
 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2008 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.