Hit and miss

...

MY 1999 Mazda MX5 sometimes develops a bad miss in the engine. It will often go weeks without a problem, but then play up intermittently for 5-10 minutes before coming good. It seems to be related to starting the engine. It varies in severity. It can feel like a spark plug lead has fallen off. Mechanics haven't been able to find anything wrong, and of course I'm never near a dealer when the problem is occurring. In frustration I replaced the plugs and leads but the problem persists. Do you have any clues?

Answered by CarsGuide

27 November 2009

Carsguide.com.au

INTERMITTENT problems are always hard to track down, but I doubt it's the plugs or leads. I would be looking at the engine sensors and making sure they are working correctly. I would look closely at the crank angle sensor. That can cause a problem like the one you describe.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Comments

Have a new question for the CarsGuide team?

More than 9,000 questions asked and answered.

Ask now

Complete guide to Mazda MX-5 1999

Reviews, price, specs and more