Mazda MX-5 1.6i Troubles

_-J-_

_-J-_

_-J-_

Associate
Joined
12 Jun 2005
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836
Location
Newcastle
Hi everyone, my fiance has just got a 04 1.6i from a garage. Not sure what variant because the handbook was not with the car and every search using the number plate just comes up with a Mazda MX-5 1.6i. Is there any markings on the car (einther VIN or engine number) that would show what it was.

Anyway...... When she got it the yellow airbag light is constantly on and the red air bag light is flashing in a sequence of 4 long flashes and then 5 quick flashes. The garage has said that the cable under the seat will of just been loose because of them moving the seat back and forward, i personally think this is BS. They are waiting for the software to arrive to clear the airbag light, but my concern is why is it on in the first place. Can anyone shed any light on this?

The other night we took it for a spin, went about 20 minutes and then the enginge diagnostic light came on, no loss in power, no smoke etc. So she took it back yesterday then took it to a garage and then they read and cleared the code. When I asked what the code was they said it was a misfire on one of the pots, he said this could be caused by having low fuel when she got it, or using supermarket fuel. Again I thought this was BS as most modern engines wont be affected by low fuel or even by lower RON fuel. Anyway she drives it and is coming up to a roundabout, clutch in to change gear and car cuts out. She said it seemed like it had stalled but she was still moving, I checked and she said her foot was definitley flat to the floor on the clutch. So she manages to pull over and tries to start it, she had to turn it over 5 times for it to eventually start.


We are taking it back this morning for them to look at but should we just walk away from it? Also I have a Seat Leon Cupra and use a ODBII cable and VAGCOM, tried my cable on her car with some generic diagnostic software but it wouldnt pick the car up, is there a specific cable needed?


Sorry for the essay and hope someone can shed some light on these problems?
 
Give Steven Morecroft a call.

http://www.5-speed.co.uk/contactus.html


He is one of several MX-5 specialists in the UK, but is well recognised as being one of the best.

Others include Rodders and OnlyMX5ives who are about on the Nutz forum (down atm) and Pistonheads MX-5 section.

If it can be sorted he will tell you, if not he will tell you what is wrong etc.

Very nice guy as well.
 
That supermarket fuel excuse is a usual with dodgy traders.

It sounds like you haven't done any research before buying? Surely you knew what the engine size was?

My guess the car was stolen recovered and a HPI will uncover it being cat D write off. They will have tarted it up but ignored the mechanical side of things.

There are far too many unknowns to let them keep messing wth the car. If they refuse refund, get a full RAC check on the car and use their report as leverage and contace the Citizens Advice bureau.
 
Dup said:
It sounds like you haven't done any research before buying? Surely you knew what the engine size was?
Click to expand...

Most MX-5 owners are not due hard car fans, they are interested in the soft top and reasonable price, this isn't a track prepped s/c car.

Dup said:
There are far too many unknowns to let them keep messing wth the car. If they refuse refund, get a full RAC check on the car and use their report as leverage and contace the Citizens Advice bureau.
Click to expand...

You could do this, but if you like the car i would speak to an MX-5 specialist, many problems on fives are due to basic things such as plugs and leads etc.

The air bag lights could something minor as well.

They are not complex cars, the only difference between your car and a 1990 mechanically is the VVTI engine, and the air bags.
 
And only in the UK AFAIK, the JDM 1.6 mk1s remained 115bhp right up to the mk2 didn't they?

Aproctor's right, they're not mechanically complex engines, although if it's so soon after you've bought it I'd be right back to the garage asking them to sort it!
 
Howard said:
And only in the UK AFAIK, the JDM 1.6 mk1s remained 115bhp right up to the mk2 didn't they?

Aproctor's right, they're not mechanically complex engines, although if it's so soon after you've bought it I'd be right back to the garage asking them to sort it!
Click to expand...

There were no post 1994 JDM 1.6s iirc.

I would go back to the garage, but if it's a simple fix and he likes the rest of the car, a 5 minute call won't hurt.
 
As I said on the phone J, if it were my hard earned it would be going back for a refund. Not the start of the ownership you want at all.

If you do take it back, and you and N like, i'd come and cast an eye over an potential replacements for it :)
 
Cheers for all the advice guys, I had said for the car to be taken back. The problem is she is in love with it lol. They have it at the minute and have told her to ask them to tell her what is wrong before they go ahead with the work and what the error codes are on the Airbag Module.

Neil, i know your right and you know what N is like ;) Cheers for offering to come acrros and check a replacement
 
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