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'91 Radio No Power On

(1) My battery went dead on the '91 Miata. This occasionally happens when I leave the parking lights on and lack a warning buzzer.

(2) I tried my Sears portable battery to jump the Miata and it failed. I looked at the Sears portable battery and it was low, so I figured that is why I couldn't get the Miata to start. I swear that I put the RED on PLUS/Positive, and the BLACK on MINUS/Negative. If I had done the opposite, I would have gotten sparks. I'm 90% sure I did not reverse the polarity.

(3) Next, my neighbor offered his car to get my car started. That worked.

(4) Everything was fine but the radio did not have power. I have since learned, by reading messages, that the Miata has an internal fuse. Is this true? If so, its really stupid!

(5) After driving the Miata for 20 minutes, I went to the movies. I turned the Miata off, then on and it started!

(6) When I came out of the movies (about 2.5 hours), the Miata would not start. Windshield wipers worked and other stuff worked, too. Not the radio, it remained powered off.

(7) Before calling for help, I gave the portable Sears battery unit one more try. It started the Miata, even though it was low itself and needed a charge.

Does it definitely sound like the fuse and/or the radio circuitry having been damaged?

If so, do I need to remove the radio or is there some other thing(s) to try?

Lsstly, if I need to remove the radio, what is involved?

Thanks,

Pat

Reply to
Pat
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Have you checked all of your regular fuses already?

Chris

92BB&T
Reply to
Chris D'Agnolo

If it's the original AGM battery, the alternator will not charge it fully from dead. You can try a one- or two-amp charge (no more than 2 amps, or you'll ruin it) for 24-48 hours and see if it comes back, but you may need a new battery. Especially since you seem to be making a habit of running it flat.

It sounds like the security code has kicked in. Is there a message on the display?

Are you about ready for that $3 buzzer yet? :-)

Reply to
Lanny Chambers

I have a red 90 that I just got. I would love to get a reminder buzzer for it. I saw one in the MMMIATA catalog for $12.95. Do you have the part number and store location for that $3.00 buzzer?? Is it really only $3.00?!?!?!?

Steve Ferone

Reply to
Steve Ferone

Yes.

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Leon

Reply to
Leon van Dommelen

12 bucks from MM Marketing should install in seconds in your 91.
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If the battery had full power, you would have gotten sparks even if correctly connected.

Yes. A local radio shop may be able to look at it, if it does get power.

I would have waited 2.5 hours with the latter. :)

The Miata battery cannot be jumped if it is totally flat, period. If the battery still has some power, it can be jumped. See FAQ on Miata.net.

See miata.net. Unscrew shift knob, console between seats (look below ashtray) center console.

Leon

Reply to
Leon van Dommelen

NO. I thought the '91 had one fuse inside the radio. I will check today.

Reply to
Pat

check today.

Check the fuse box on the driver's side footwell up under the dash against the outer wall. (In a left-hand drive car obviously). There's a 15 amp fuse in there that covers the radio and cigarette lighter.

Iva & Belle.) '90B Classic Red.) #3 winkin' Miata

Reply to
Iva

My back is still aching from wedging my hulk in that crawl space that Mazda calls a working service area. I thought I checked all of those fuses. Now that you told me which one, I will definitely check again.

Reply to
Pat

space that Mazda

fuses. Now

This is one of the times that I'm glad I'm "vertically challenged".

Makes it *much* easier to work under the dash. Of course, I still use the "kneel down with your back to the driver seat and your feet pointing under the Miata and lay backwards while somehow avoiding the sterring wheel bash on the back of the head" version of getting under the dash.

Either that, the "put your head on the floor mat and look" method or even the Braille method. Although that last one tends to leave you with bloody finger tips.

Iva & Belle.) '90B Classic Red.) #3 winkin' Miata

Reply to
Iva

I got so dizzy today, I thought I was going to pass out. I must be losing my sense of balance in my old age.

Reply to
Pat

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