I have a Mazda Protoge 1994 model which failed to start, so I took it to the garage. They told me the problem is the crank angle sensor and that no-one makes that part - I have to replace the distributor which is 450 dollars plus labor/tax making 650 in total. When working(!) the car is worth 1200 (Blue Book value).
I'm a bit of a novice about cars and wanted to hear opinions on this situation. Has anyone faced the problem before - know of any other (preferably cheaper) options?
I was thinking this car shared the miata engine, the term Crank Angle Sensor is sometimes used interchangeably with the term Cam Angle Sensor. Several things seem odd to me. The CAS is pretty common for the miatas/protégés? Miata's don't have distributers, does your car have a distributor (round shaped plastic cap that the spark plug wires exit out of when heading to the plugs)? Miata parts, if interchangeable, are usually plentiful / cheap. Hopefully someone here can confirm a couple of those things.
Good luck, Chris
99BBBi suppose the mechanic also said that they would be willing to buy the car from you... check out
On my 02 Miata I paid a local garage $120 for the sensor and 1 labor hour to get it installed.
The dealer wanted $400 for the same job.
I have experience with 1997/98 Proteges. They have a distributor which is driven by one of the cams. Rotor, cap, wires...it's all there. No points, though.
I don't know much about the 1994 versions. I think that was what they call the "gen1" Protege.
Ken
Chris D'Agnolo wrote:
Do you have wreckers whereever you live? Distributor is usually fairly simple to replace, and a second hand one should be cheap.
I'm assuming "wreckers" is an Aussie term for our "junkyard" ? correct me if I'm wrong, please....
He's referring to tow trucks I think. You know, get it home and fix it yourself.
Chris
99BBBNo "wreckers" is what we call a wrecking yard here in Oz, Junkyard for others I believe.
| > I'm assuming "wreckers" is an Aussie term for our "junkyard" ? | > correct me if I'm wrong, please.... | >
|That's funny! You know it 'works' either way :-)
Chris
99BBBI know, was just being a silly arse, now which way you going to spell "arse"? ass?
Cheers
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| > | > I'm assuming "wreckers" is an Aussie term for our "junkyard" ? | > | > correct me if I'm wrong, please.... | > | >
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What can we expect when you 'blokes' pronounce Mazda as Mazder ;-)
Chris
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