1995 Mazda Miata NEED HELP ASAP

Asked by 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
60

answered 7 months ago

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

22,445

answered 7 months ago

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?

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