Miata Mailing List: September 1998, Message #29

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Just a wild guess, maybe someone else can do better. If the cat
triggered the alarm enough, the battery may have run down. Starting the
car would have pulled it down lower until the alternator started
charging the system. If all the bodily fluids are OK, then no harm was
done. I do not know how those OBDII ECUS log problems and reset
themselves.

That cat must like noise.
-----Original Message-----
From:	Michelle galterio [SMTP:mgalterio@pittsburgh.bozellkamstra.com]

Oh woe is me...

Last night i started my baby up and before i saw the light on, i felt
something wrong, the engine didnt start up smoothly, as it usually does,
but it was sort of rocking hard, then calmed down, but the light blinked
a few times (couldn't count, but it was more than twice) then continued
to stay on.

checked the gas cap - tight.
checked the fuel - full.
checked under the hood for anything obvious - found nothing.
let it run for a few minutes - light stayed on but she seemed to be
running normally.

some history for the past few days - she hadn't run for about 24 hours,
and the last time she did run, it was just for about 30 seconds to move
her from one spot to another. i know i know i shouldnt do that, but i
couldnt push her and i thought it would be okay. before that, she hadnt
run for about 12 hours. the place where she was sitting was a very damp
area - lots of trees and moist surroundings. the only other thing that
was out of the ordinary was when i pulled up to the car there was the
neighbors cat sitting on it, she set off the alarm - probably more than
a few times. i wasnt there so i dont know. could that have something to
do with it? i dont think so, but right now i dont know what to think.

my question is - is that what could have caused it? the only other
option in the manual is electrical short or something. i didnt drive her
because i was nervous. should i drive her to the dealer? if i call them
they're just going to come pick her up anyways, since she seems to be
running fine. how long does the light take to go off? I just dont know
what to do, so of course i thought of you guys. anything you can suggest
is much appreciated.


oh man, this stinks =(
TIA
michelle & magic *cough cough*