[NACFC]

Good evening all - I am hoping that someone can help me with a starting problem on my 1999 MX5. It has done 60,000 miles and had the belt changed a year ago.
I hadn’t used it for a month (this might not be relevant) and it started and ran for 5 seconds and then stopped. It fired a few more times and then stopped firing.

I replaced the fuel filter (probably for the first time by the look of it!) and whilst the pipe was off I cranked the engine to confirm that the fuel pump is working!

Having reassembled everything the engine fired for a few seconds and then would not fire at all.
I took number 1 plug out again and I am sure that the coil must be ok as I was holding a spark plug (with rubber gloves on). Was turning the engine with no spark - then a very weak intermittent spark - suddenly the spark was good and car started and gave me one hell of a belt through the rubber gloves!
Put the spark plug back in and the car started and ran well for nearly a minute. Then it stopped cleanly without warning - and now no spark again!
Anyone any idea why there is either intermittent or no spark at the plugs?

 

[NACFC]

Hi NACFC a warm welcome to 'life' 🖐

sadly i am not to clever with engine problems

but i am sure someone will be along soon that will be able to help

in the meantime why not pop over to the new members section and tell us a bit about yourself

so we can all say hello properly 🙂

Thank you for the welcome Pat

 

[NACFC]

Thanks Kev - hope you have a great break too.
My MX5 looks like it’s pre-OBD2 so it looks like I will need to check the diagnostics by linking terminal 10 to ground in the engine bay box (then check the flashing lights on the dash)
Will feed back in with any progress
Nigel

 

[NACFC]

Agree with Kev - does sound like a coil pack issue NACFC . Good luck with the diagnosis

So the basic diagnostics on this car is bringing up nothing! Before I buy a new coil pack - Is there any other reason that I can check for the coil not being given the signal to send out the high voltage? Any sensors etc on this MK2 1999 model?

 

[NACFC]

Not aware of any sensors but may be wrong . I think in this case it's just a process of elimination, perhaps initially checking the ECU as outlined in Garfey's post earlier and then a set of replacement coil packs .

Thanks to you both - I will check the ecu as you suggest. I have just realised that I have been doing something really stupid! Having not driven the car for a while I have been trying to start it many times - without the clutch depressed!! I hope that I haven't damaged something by doing this!!

 

[NACFC]

Still on the case with this. The fuel filter, plugs and leads have been changed as a matter of routine service and I have also changed the cam sensor (which only cost £14). The ECU area is all dry.
I am now looking to replace the crank sensor - is that does not work then I think the lack of spark can only be the coil pack or the ECU!
As the coil pack is divided into 2 packs, I am thinking that it would be unusual for both to go at once? - so am hoping the crank sensor resolves the problem (It was a bit dirty, where the car had been wayoiled!!

 

[NACFC]

Finally sorted - crankshaft sensor changed for £16.49. All service items changed and a cheap repair.
Running superbly - thanks to everyone for the comments.