Type Q
Type Q Dork
7/25/14 3:26 p.m.

My 1991 Miata has developed a quirk when starting. When I engage the starter the engine will turn over but will not fire. If I stop spinning it and then try the starter again, it will start right up. It does this intermittently, but it is becoming more frequent. It happens more often when the engine is cold or warming up.

My hunch is that it's electrical. It almost seems like a relay is sticking or something. I have not tried anything specific to diagnose or fix it yet. (I have had very little time for the garage lately)

Has anyone encountered this before?

Any suggestions about where to start when diagnosing it?

Thanks I appreciate any guidance you can provide.

BoxheadTim
BoxheadTim GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
7/25/14 3:33 p.m.

How fresh is the battery? I'd check how far the voltage drops when cranking...

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
7/25/14 3:37 p.m.

That was my first thought.

It could also be your main (injector) relay.

Type Q
Type Q Dork
7/25/14 3:47 p.m.

I was about to say the battery is pretty new, but I realize that its been in the car for something like 6 years. There seems to be no shortage cranking power, but I will check the voltage drop when cranking. I suspect main relay is original to the car.

BoxheadTim
BoxheadTim GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
7/25/14 3:53 p.m.

Mine (the one you saw at Laguna Seca, now belonging to bgkast of this parish) used to do something similar if it had been sitting for too long and the alarm did its "thing" to the battery.

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