Any guesses/bets on what killed my Miata?
#1
Any guesses/bets on what killed my Miata?
I was on the highway in a major traffic jam (someone five miles down flipped a garbage truck, Miami sucks!) when suddenly, the radio died. Not long after, my temperature gauge dropped drastically followed by my tachometer going to 0 rpm- despite the engine being on. Shortly after, the engine started chugging and it died. My brother came to rescue me and we were able to push start it and it drove for all of 500 ft before dying again. From there, we towed it off the highway and then called a tow truck. So far, I noticed that the nut fell off the bolt that holds on the alternator, allowing the bolt to shift forward. However, the tensioner was still in place and the belt was still tight. I will be diagnosing and fixing the car on Saturday. Just thought it would be humorous to hear what you gentlemen think is wrong with it. May the ball busting begin!
#3
That's exactly what happens when your car isn't making enough voltage to run the electronics. The nut falls off the alternator, the car runs on battery voltage til it drains, then electronics start to die off one by one until finally your ecu isn't getting enough power to run and the car dies.
Put the nut back on, re-charge (or even jump) the battery and it should be good as new.
Put the nut back on, re-charge (or even jump) the battery and it should be good as new.
#5
Cpt. Slow
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I believe he's talking about the pivot bolt, not the one that holes the power line on. In which case, if the belt is still tight, it is curious. If the pivot bolt fell out enough to let it slide off the block, that's one thing, but it doesn't sound like it did.
You're definitely describing symptoms of a dying or missing alternator. Get it checked, install it correctly, charge your battery, and you should be fine.
You're definitely describing symptoms of a dying or missing alternator. Get it checked, install it correctly, charge your battery, and you should be fine.
#6
Senior Member
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Lots of MCM fans here looking at the 180 datsun alternator... I still can't believe that guy abandoned a car for 5 years at his brothers house and then sold it because it was "blown up"!
I thought the Miata had a pivot bolt that screws directly into the bracket from the rear rather than having a bolt and nut... was I mistaken?
Keith
I thought the Miata had a pivot bolt that screws directly into the bracket from the rear rather than having a bolt and nut... was I mistaken?
Keith
#9
I believe he's talking about the pivot bolt, not the one that holes the power line on. In which case, if the belt is still tight, it is curious. If the pivot bolt fell out enough to let it slide off the block, that's one thing, but it doesn't sound like it did.
You're definitely describing symptoms of a dying or missing alternator. Get it checked, install it correctly, charge your battery, and you should be fine.
You're definitely describing symptoms of a dying or missing alternator. Get it checked, install it correctly, charge your battery, and you should be fine.
Awesome, will definitely contact you if it is dead. Thanks!
#11
A quick check with a voltmeter revealed that the alternator wasn't charging. I took it to Autozone where they checked it again and confirmed my findings. Fortunately, it was still under warranty and I should have a new one today. I was busy with work, so I didn't get to around taking it out until yesterday.
#12
I installed the new alternator yesterday and push started the car. It's running good as new, it would seem that the previous alternator they sold me was just rebuilt badly. However, my tachometer has now stopped working. It goes from below zero to zero when I turn the car on, but it doesn't go past there. The repairs never end with this car rofl.
#14
Boost Czar
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I installed the new alternator yesterday and push started the car. It's running good as new, it would seem that the previous alternator they sold me was just rebuilt badly. However, my tachometer has now stopped working. It goes from below zero to zero when I turn the car on, but it doesn't go past there. The repairs never end with this car rofl.
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