I am lost on my car problem...I need guidance

Asked by jlw6e Aug 02, 2009 at 07:11 PM about the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata Roadster

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I lost my RPMs on the highway and my gas pedal did nothing. When RPMs dropped I heard the engine still running so I pulled unto the shoulder and turned the car off. Checked for undone hoses but none and my belts look fine. Tried to crank it back up but it wouldn't start. The only signs of problem before the break down were a low idle the shook the car and an occasional squeel in the front whenever I pressed the gas but it didn't happen all the time. Also my Air Bag light would come on and flash at me. Checked the throttle cable and it is engaging when I try to crank it. I hear the pump engage when I put the key to on. No check engine light comes on or anything. I am new to Mazdas. I drove a BMW before this one. HELP!

5 Answers

75

check your throttle body. it may be clogged/dirty. Go to Advance Auto or pep boys and buy some carb and throttle body cleaner, take off your inlet pipe and spray some in the throttle body before cranking the motor. But you really need to provide some more information. Is it a manual or automatic? what year? what engine size? Also, if this doesnt solve the problem, I'd talk to your local trusted mechanic before relying on help from facebook. Good luck and I hope this helps!

1 people found this helpful.
35

Might be a loose/rusted earth cable in engine bay??

1 people found this helpful.
55

Ya it sounds like the timing belt jumped or broke. I had that happen in an El Camino drove around all day, but I just parked in front of my friend's house and came back out to leave and it wouldn't start chain jumped. Pop your valve cover off and check it out

1 people found this helpful.
65

well, when the airbag light comes on, it usually means that the car thinks you're unsafe. i'd suggest an airbag fooler. should work.

Your Answer:

MX-5 Miata

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

CarGurus has 2,958 nationwide MX-5 Miata listings starting at $2,995.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1990 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
915 Great Deals out of 23,188 listings starting at $1,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
703 Great Deals out of 12,046 listings starting at $3,200
Used Honda Civic
1,379 Great Deals out of 29,690 listings starting at $1,571
Used Toyota Supra
18 Great Deals out of 595 listings starting at $36,299
Used Chevrolet Camaro
599 Great Deals out of 9,593 listings starting at $2,000

Used Cars for Sale

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
10 Great Deals out of 410 listings starting at $23,998
2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
3 Great Deals out of 92 listings starting at $23,850
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
8 Great Deals out of 145 listings starting at $19,345
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
9 Great Deals out of 106 listings starting at $19,976
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
15 Great Deals out of 88 listings starting at $16,988

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.