Mazda BT-50: Crank angle sensor

We got our Mazda BT-50 as an 800km demonstrator so we'd have warranty on it for going around Australia with the camper trailer and tinnie. Halfway around from the NSW south coast, we struck problems — the engine kept dying. From Coral Bay, WA, we got towed back to Mazda Carnarvon, a 250km run, thanks to NRMA premium care. With new flywheel and crank-angle sensor sent from Melbourne we set off. Three weeks and 4000km later, via Tom Price and Port Hedland, we conked out again. But there's no Mazda dealer between Carnarvon and Darwin so it was another tow to Ford at Broome — and 11 days rattling around awaiting diagnosis, parts, warranty status for what seems to be a known issue with the BT-50 and Ford Ranger.

I got in contact with CarsGuide, as other travellers said WA stood for Wait Awhile. Alerted by you, the Ford customer care people cut through the static. Mazda sent a replacement eventually — it was a Ford part in a Ford box. We're $4K out of pocket for towing etc and Mazda is reviewing our warranty claim. Shinju Ford in Broome got us going again.

Thanks everyone, we're on our way via the Kimberley to the Gulf to smash some barra.