I have a 1993 Miata. It has recently become impossible to crank start it. However, it starts easily when push started. The Mechanic ran a diagnostic on it and said that the computer shows that the crank position sensor is bad. He then added that doesn't match up with the problem. I can replace the sensor for $600 but that may not solve the problem.
Has anybody else had similar problems? If so what did you do to fix it?
Sounds like you might have a marginal battery, where cranking drops the voltage too low to fire the plugs.
We've tested that already and the battery is fine. The mechanic said that it has to be one of the engine sensors but since he's not a Mazda dealer it's prohibitively expensive to just start plugging in new sensors.
Don't know how you've tested that already... but I'm with Lanny. I can't imagine what sensor would fail depending on what is turning the engine over... unless it is related to low voltage when the starter motor is doing the cranking. In your testing, did you try another battery or jumper cable it to another car ?
Pete
Batteries can show the correct voltage even if they are suffereing. Did you test it for current?
~Anthony
It was tested for voltage and current. I also tried to jump start it with another battery and as always it cranked but wouldn't ignite. The problem developed slowly. At first it just take multiple attempts to start it then it finally got to a point where it just wouldn't start.
is it possibly a fuel pump problem ??? jostling the car when pushing to start it might be sloshing the fuel in the tank enough to get the fuel pump going. I had this with a Chev Express van... it took progressively more cranking to start it, then it just wouldn't start anymore unless someone stood on the bumper and jumped up and down whilst I was cranking it. I knew it was fuel pump related because I no longer heard the characteristic 'hum' when turning the ignition on. this is a puzzler... be sure to post what ultimately fixes it.
Pete
I would hope the shop checked the fuel pressure. But if they did not, look at
Something being shaken into shape sounds logical, though. It is hard to imagine what else push starting could do that the starter engine cannot, if the battery is OK.
I too would like to see what it turns out to be.
Leon
The problem was actually just a bad ignition switch.
We should have thought of that. It is a common problem with older Miatas. But I would expect a bad ignition switch would affect push starting and crank starting the same way, assuming the starter motor runs normally.
Anyway, I would think a new ignition switch should have been a lot cheaper than a crank position sensor. :)
Maybe miata.net should post a list: "10 most common problems experienced with Miatas"? Beyond excessive mileage, of course.
Leon
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