Electrical problems...need help

[JSE]

My NA has electrical issues.

Sometimes the windows and windscreen wipers don't work. If i turn off the car and start it again they work. They just randomly die. They both die together though. It's a pain stopping and then starting again just to get them working - it's hell driving in pouring rain and the wipers stop all of a sudden.

Need help finding what the problem is...wiring?

[emecksphive]

mine does this too some times too, my air con/fan, windows and wipers dont work, stop and restart the car and they are fine, it is too inttermittent for me to really worry about, but i will try and fix it if its not to difficult a job

[Wuey]

I bet you the culprit is the ignition column switch. My high beam would work intermittenly. Mazda quoted more than $300 to have it replaced. I fixed it but the problem came back four years later. This time, the blower fan, the windows and instrument light wouldn't work. I fixed it again and every thing is just fine now.

The fix is simple. Go to an electronics shop, Duck Smuck or Jaycar will do. Pick up a can of electrical contact cleaner/lubricant. Disconnect the battery. Remove the upper and lower plastic covers on the steering column to expose the ignition switch. Spray the lube into every nook and cranny while working on the wiper stalk and high/low beam stalk. Wait for the lubricant to dry per the instruction on the can. It's important to let the lube dry before applying current hence the battery disconnection.

Hint: try not to attach too many things onto your key ring. You will wear out the switch sooner if you do. Never use WD40 as a cleaning/lubing substitute for such purposes. It will dry into a sticky gum that will make your problems worse.

That will be one beer for consultation.

[emecksphive]

Next time your in wa ill buy you one!

[Okibi]

I had an issue with the switch part of my starter. I think the replacement bit was about $40 from Mazda.

It's easy to swap over and probably better to replace then to keep fixing.

[Gramps]

I have also had an intermittent ignition problem that came back to the key/starter switch. The electronics are sensitive to wear (poor connections) so the advice against hanging weights off your key ring is one to be observed by everyone. It can save a lot of frustrating problems and failures in very awkward circumstances.