NB8B engine cut out

[Uncle Arthur]

Definitely NOT loving the MX5 right now.....

Mark - thanks for getting that injector relay for me - it didn't fix the problem.

I have now possibly tracked the problem further 'upstream' in the electrical system. It seems that there is only intermittent current passing to, or through, that relay - when I turn the ignition key slowly, I can sometimes hear the relay click (not sure if it is the one under the dash, or the injector relay. Sometimes when I turn the ignition, I hear no click, hence no injectors, hence no fuel..... Sometimes when I turn the ignition, the current to/through the inj relay seems intermittent such that the relay 'flutters'.........

This is a sudden failure which is not consistent, and seems related to a bad connection somewhere in the ignition circuit, or a bad switch somewhere. Perhaps it is something to do with the alarm/immobiliser..... I don't know yet. However, a bad connection/faulty connection somewhere seems consistent with the fact that if i start the car and get it to run, it may even cut out as I move into, or in, the driver's seat.

Problem found - problem solved.

Previous owner had put in secret switches - basically they kill the car.

At least 10 years of motion, moisture, vibration and current etc had led to cracked insulation in the wires leading to said switches.

Once I found them, it was an easy fix.

[93_Clubman]

Problem found - problem solved.

Previous owner had put in secret switches - basically they kill the car.

At least 10 years of motion, moisture, vibration and current etc had led to cracked insulation in the wires leading to said switches.

Once I found them, it was an easy fix.

Good to hear it's fixed!

Not sure if it's still popular to install these kinds of switches - they can be useful, but certainly a pain for later owners who haven't been advised of their presence.

[Uncle Arthur]

I already knew of one kill switch - this second one was a surprise.

But fixing it has seemed to have solved a bunch of little electrical bugs - little current leaks and the like and things are working in the car the way I would expect from a MAzda, rather than from a Morris.

[michelangelo]

i've got one in mine.. i can imagine the major pain the thief would have to do to steal my car, amongst other anti theft measures

[Benny]

i've got one in mine.. i can imagine the major pain the thief would have to do to steal my car, amongst other anti theft measures

Don't bet on it!

A friend of mine, who is an electrical engineer, had an HSV many years ago, and he installed a selection of hidden switches that completely cut out the car's computer etc.
He though that no-one could ever steal it, because you had to hit the buttons, and some of them were hidden under the carpet, in a certain sequence in order to start the car with a key.

One night, while he was out having dinner in Mascot, he came out of the restaraunt and his car was gone.
Was never found either.

[sliq]

yup, there is ALWAYS a bypass with the kill switch, just in case the switches are ripped out and are irreparable on the spot.

[de Bounce]

Tilt trays are the ultimate bypass to all security systems.
Add some bogus magnetic signage on the truck!

Supprising nobody questions or even notices a vehicle being dragged onto a tilt tray even with the alarm going off.