mx5cartalk.com

What model 5 do you have?
Sounds like the electrical swich gear around the steering column is worn. Happened to me on my first 5, after I added the flash to pass option. Your 5 has either come with the factory 'flash to pass' option, or someone has fitted it. This option causes the headlights to pop up and flash briefly when you pull back on the indicator lever.
Also be aware that it is also likely that your high beams are coming on without the head lights popping up, leading to a dead battery.

Two ways I can think of fix this;
1. Cheap option - Try and remove/bypass the flash to pass. This will stop the head lights from flashing. In addition ensure the indicator lever is pushed foward when parking the car to ensure the headlights don't come on and drain the battery.
2. Replace the electical switch gear.

Here is some more info on the flash to pass ==>> http://www.miata.net/garage/flash.html

Hope that helps.



J

mr k please update your profile so we know where your located.

I had the same problem on my 121, the mechanism that separated the indicator and flash to pass had worn, I was able to make up a plastic spacer to suit.

I'm not sure if I still the NA indicator stalk etc. in the garage, if I can find it i'll take a look and see what might work.

My NA did this...and yea I had many a flat battery because of it. Replaced the indicator stalk and never had the problem again