1993 Miata stalls in gear

10

Asked by Nadide May 11, 2010 at 09:39 PM about the 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I've taken this to two mechanics with no luck.  I've had new fuel pump, camshaft sensor and battery installed.  It starts up but when the car is put into gear it stalls.  I've nearly given up.  I put over $500 in parts into this and my car that's never given me a day of trouble has been out of commission since January.  Please help!!  It's a 5 speed standard model with no frills.  One more part was installed but I forget what it was.  I bought it new and it was expensive.

10 Answers

75

Is your tach bouncing? Have you checked for vacuum leaks? Is there anything that you do that causes it to stall?

2 people found this helpful.
10

OK, we're at tow #4 and mechanic #3. The new guy's told me he thinks it's the ECU. He checked all the way from fuel pump to injectors, checked the spark, and told me it couldn't be anything else. He can't handle electronics so I'm stuck with buying an ECU and installing it myself. What's your take on his diagnosis? I actually believe him. Right now the car doesn't stay running long enough to look at the tach. He didn't reveal any vacuum leaks. I've read that the ECU is "under the passenger's feet". Where? Under the carpet? Is the ECU easy to change out? Please help!! It's beautiful outside and I want to wash and clean my baby so I can drive it.

1 people found this helpful.
21,125

I am hesitant to blame the ECU. I would check your fuel pressure in the rails. Could be low fuel pressure (although I doubt it). 2nd? Why get an automatic roadster? Isn't that sacrilegious? OK, Serious now... If it were not for the fact you stated that it will not idle at all now, I would have suggested the possibility of the transmission not starting in first gear. Since it will not idle, double check fire at the plugs and fuel pressure in the rails. Also, inspect ALL vacuum lines to ensure none are broken or disconnected. If ALL is good, it could be one of four things (just to name a few).. 1. Bad TPS 2. Bad IAS 3. Bad MAF/MAP Sensor 4. Bad ECU I always recommend that if you are going to throw money at a problem.. Always start at the cheapest.. FYI: ECU is located behind the dash on the passenger side. Not always the easiest to access.

21,125

Also forgot one.. Very good possibility it could be a clogged up catalytic converter too... I would have an exhaust system flow check to test.

5

It could also be that the rpm's r 2 low 2 run in gear. @ how many rpms is it idle? It should b between 750 & 900. Mine was doin that & even stallin in neutral. Turns out the ACV needed 2 b loosened/opened up a bit 2 increase the idle rpms. Both problems solved. Hope this helps. :)

7,495

well i would suggest to take ur vehicle to a good dealer as the problem is recurring. http://mazda-5.com/2009-pictures/

5

What about the fuel filter? Mine was stalling even in 1st as well as neutral & I changed out the fuel filter. Fixed it. Maybe flushing the injector system would help 2

35

check out Miata.net, there is a 99.9999% chance some one on that forum has gone what your going threw. if you got a new cam sensor it may not be aligned correctly

10

I have what sound like the same problem. Did you ever find out what tha cause of the problem?

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

MX-5 Miata

Looking for a Used MX-5 Miata in your area?

CarGurus has 2,694 nationwide MX-5 Miata listings starting at $4,495.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Michael Kane
    Reputation
    3,320
  • #2
    Cyril Muckenhirn
    Reputation
    580
  • #3
    Nitro_408
    Reputation
    530
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Mustang
860 Great Deals out of 24,155 listings starting at $1,900
Used Chevrolet Corvette
646 Great Deals out of 11,749 listings starting at $4,999
Used Honda Civic
1,089 Great Deals out of 32,277 listings starting at $1,495
Used Chevrolet Camaro
537 Great Deals out of 10,345 listings starting at $2,495
Used Toyota Supra
24 Great Deals out of 497 listings starting at $34,999
Used BMW 3 Series
1,022 Great Deals out of 13,263 listings starting at $955
Used Porsche 911
293 Great Deals out of 3,645 listings starting at $15,500

Used Cars for Sale

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
4 Great Deals out of 625 listings starting at $25,624
2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
4 Great Deals out of 87 listings starting at $23,950
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
8 Great Deals out of 129 listings starting at $20,867
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
10 Great Deals out of 101 listings starting at $18,800
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
6 Great Deals out of 92 listings starting at $18,743

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.