1995 Mazda Miata NEED HELP ASAP

Asked by Georgerodriguez3 Nov 16, 2016 at 10:52 PM about the 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata Base

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I was driving down the highway going 70 in
5th gear and out of nowhere my check
engine light came on, my rpm's dropped
instantly and the motor stops. I pulled over,
turned the car off and tried to start it again
and it won't. I still have complete battery
connection, I just changed the alternator
thinking that's the problem but nothing
changed. All fuses and all major
connections and grounds look fine. I don't
know why it won't turn over. When it
cranks it sounds like it's not firing? So my
next step is either ignition or fuel but I'm
broke and can't keep spending money just
to try something. Please respond with
some ideas!! Thanks

2 Answers

180

Sounds like the engine is turning over...just not starting. My first guess is that your timing belt may have gone out. When the engine turns over it should sound different than usual...like weak. If that is the case...it is the timing belt...it feels weak because there is no compression do to the timing being off. If that is the case, quit trying to turn it over as some engines could bend the valves as the piston goes up in the compression and exhaust phases of a regular cycle. Good Luck, George

44,845

Us poor people don't get the maintenance done- we just drive and drive and keep our fingers crossed but, sooner or later, the laws of the machines catches up to us- NOBODY rides for free- now you must pay more money because that is what a good mechanic costs, and a good mechanic is what you want otherwise you just wind up paying even MORE money that you don't have- what a game, eh?

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1995 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
907 Great Deals out of 22,411 listings starting at $1,100
Used Chevrolet Corvette
674 Great Deals out of 12,239 listings starting at $3,200
Used Honda Civic
1,357 Great Deals out of 28,946 listings starting at $800
Used Toyota Supra
26 Great Deals out of 684 listings starting at $34,999
Used Chevrolet Camaro
612 Great Deals out of 9,124 listings starting at $4,899
Used BMW 3 Series
1,115 Great Deals out of 12,739 listings starting at $700

Used Cars for Sale

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
15 Great Deals out of 303 listings starting at $23,998
2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
5 Great Deals out of 99 listings starting at $22,985
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
18 Great Deals out of 152 listings starting at $18,500
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
6 Great Deals out of 97 listings starting at $19,491
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata For Sale
8 Great Deals out of 71 listings starting at $16,788

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.