Miata won't start...

[black roadster]

This is a weird one. If my car sits out in the sun, it will not start. If you allow the interior to cool off by lowering the top or it's been in the garage or it's night time it will start just fine.

The problem only appears if the car's interior is really hot. Turn the key, get full power on accessories, depress clutch, turn key, nothing.

It has a new battery.

[Radio-Active]

I guess it does'nt like the weather.

Never heard of such, but I might try bypassing the clutch safety switch and see if the same results occur.

[Treibenschnell]

...I might try bypassing the clutch safety switch and see if the same results occur.

[bnordin]

I am having this same intermittent problem with my 90. It does this every time my son and I autocross, usually later in the runs. Gary at Track Dog thought it could be the switch. This is not a cheep fix as the key cylinder is part of a bigger unit and Maxda wanted $275 prox. I hate to spend the time and money to find out the problem is not fixed.

[Radio-Active]

I am having this same intermittent problem with my 90. It does this every time my son and I autocross, usually later in the runs. Gary at Track Dog thought it could be the switch. This is not a cheep fix as the key cylinder is part of a bigger unit and Maxda wanted $275 prox. I hate to spend the time and money to find out the problem is not fixed.

From The Parts Group
Ignition Switch
Fit's 90-97 Miata's
$25

Ignition Switch W/ Key
Fit's 90-97 Miata's.Price includes shipping within the U.S.
$60

[Mingle]

a hammer and duct tape. wait until it is hot and wont start, hit stuff, then try and start it. if you broke it use duct tape to put it back together.
if that doesnt work then i have no idea.
good question.

[Titus]

a hammer and duct tape. wait until it is hot and wont start, hit stuff, then try and start it. if you broke it use duct tape to put it back together.
if that doesnt work then i have no idea.
good question.

I'll volunteer to swing the hammer for you!!!

[bnordin]

From The Parts Group
Ignition Switch
Fit's 90-97 Miata's
$25

Ignition Switch W/ Key
Fit's 90-97 Miata's.Price includes shipping within the U.S.
$60

Thanks, I'll give them a try.

[black roadster]

I read something on the board about cleaning and lubing the electrical connections on the back of the switch.


I might try that this weekend. Where is a good source for non-conductive electrical grease?

[tailchaser]

I read something on the board about cleaning and lubing the electrical connections on the back of the switch.


I might try that this weekend. Where is a good source for non-conductive electrical grease?

Umm... non conductive? Are you sure that's what you want?

[sammm]

Umm... non conductive? Are you sure that's what you want?

I think JIF extra-crunchy works well in that application.

[Radio-Active]

Ratt Shack or Fry's should have the white stuff your talking about in a 3 oz tube. I think that is for thermal transfer between IC's and heatsinks, though.

I'd get some contact cleaner.

[Titus]

I think JIF extra-crunchy works well in that application.

[tailchaser]

Ratt Shack or Fry's should have the white stuff your talking about in a 3 oz tube. I think that is for thermal transfer between IC's and heatsinks, though.

I'd get some contact cleaner.

A friend of Dave & me once put some non-conductive grease... on the battery terminals... of another friend's car... Now there's some funny.

Go get a tube of dielectric grease from Autozone. $3.00. It'll last a lifetime (the tube, that is) and make sure you get solid contact.

[black roadster]

Umm... non conductive? Are you sure that's what you want?

I was basing it on this article.

[channelmaniac]

Dielectric is non-conductive.

You don't want conductive as you'd short out the switch.

RJ

[Nexus Flux]

Ratt Shack or Fry's should have the white stuff your talking about in a 3 oz tube. I think that is for thermal transfer between IC's and heatsinks, though.

I'd get some contact cleaner.

The white is usually silicone based, but theremal paste can cost a few bucks. Plus if you go to Fry's and ask for thermal grease, they will probably try to recommend the $7, silver based paste which will completly fry the switch.

Go get a tube of dielectric grease from Autozone. $3.00. It'll last a lifetime (the tube, that is) and make sure you get solid contact.

This is a much cheaper and it is the correct stuff to use.

One of the things I have always done is pust some di-grease in all the electrical connections on my cars. It keeps out the moisture, lubes the contacts, and therefore helps reduce oxidation and arking.

If you have some thing to put some grease in, I can bring my big can of it and give you some of it.

[black roadster]

Well after my third run at Hallett, it did it again. Fortunately, Jim, a mechanic from Town North was there selling used Miata parts. I explained the situation. He reached into a plastic tub of parts and hands me a part to try in place of the one on my car.

Solution: Ignition Switch

This is not the key portion but the switch the key lock activates. It was a simple 10 minute swap and the cost was $5.