Miata Mailing List: November 1998, Message #545

sponsored by

John Bottomley wrote:

> Hi list,
>
> I think I might have a real problem here, but I don't really know.  Last
> night while I was driving around, the engine light came on.  I stayed on
> until I reached my destination (about 5 miles), but when I turned the
> car on again, i didn't come on.

Snip

> The only thing that has changed in the last couple
> of weeks is that I installed some accessories that are making a huge
> power drain, but I'm putting a new battery in on Saturday, so that's no
> big deal.  I checked the oil... fine.  The guages... fine. Any advice
> would be much appreciated...
>

The first thing I would do is get out the manual and check the code in the
ECU that was stored when the check engine light came on.  Then you will know
what casued it.

Next I ask the famous old question, why are you changing the battery???
Miata batteries are known to last 6 plus years and if it seems weak you need
to give it a long slow charge.  24 hours at the lowest setting you can get.
Then and only then if the battery is weak would I consider changing it.


--
Larry Alster and White Knight

Team - Stripes Rule!!!
Team - Too - Much - Stuff - To - Mention