Mazda MX-5 Burning Smell: Causes + How to Fix

A burning smell is one of the most troublesome problems you can experience in a vehicle.  If your Mazda MX-5 has a burning smell, there are many potential causes.   Typically, the smell is caused by some type of fluid (oil, trans fluid, etc…) hitting the exhaust or other hot parts of the engine or … Read more

Mazda MX-5:  Burning Oil Diagnosis

  The engine burning oil is one of the most common problems that a vehicle can encounter, particularly one with high mileage.  If your Mazda MX-5 is burning oil it is typically caused by piston rings or valve guides.     How Much Oil Consumption is Normal? Most auto manufacturers are hesitant to tell you … Read more

Mazda MX-5 P0463: Fuel Level Sensor Circuit → High Input

  P0463 is a moderately common OBDII trouble code that can occur in your Mazda MX-5.  It indicates that the vehicles computer has detected an inaccurate fuel level reading.  It shouldn’t affect the drivability of your MX-5, but it can be inconvenient. Your MX-5 will get the P0463 code when the signal coming from the … Read more

Mazda MX-5: Backfiring Causes

  One of the more jarring vehicle problems that you can experience is a backfire.  It sounds like a shotgun blast and can scare you if you’re not prepared for it.  If your Mazda MX-5 is backfiring, common causes include improper engine timing, bad spark plugs, engine running rich, and plug wires (if so equipped). … Read more

Mazda MX-5:  Oil in Coolant Diagnosis

If you’ve recently checked your Mazda MX-5’s coolant, and it looks almost like it has butter in it, then you probably have oil in it.  Oil in your coolant is most often caused by a blown head gasket. It can also be caused by a cracked head or even a bad radiator (well sorta, you’d … Read more

Mazda MX-5:  Overheating → Symptoms + Causes

One of the worst problems that can happen to your Mazda MX-5 is overheating.  Common symptoms of overheating include smoke coming from under the hood, a pegged temperature gauge, and (eventually) a blown head gasket. If your MX-5 is overheating, stop driving it immediately to avoid damaging the engine. Ignoring an overheating engine can lead … Read more

Mazda MX-5: Window Won’t Go Up Diagnosis

Your Mazda MX-5’s windows protect you from the elements, and they protect the interior from damage.  If your window won’t go up, there are a few common issues that can cause this problem.  These include a blown fuse, bad window motor, wiring issues, and the switch.     Power Window Won’t Go Up Causes:  Mazda MX-5 … Read more

Mazda MX-5:  Brake Fluid Leak Causes & Diagnosis

  Your Mazda MX-5’s brake system is the most important safety feature on the vehicle.  Without a reliable braking system, it is dangerous to keep driving your MX-5.  A brake fluid leak is a serious problem.  It is usually caused by a failure of a seal, brake line, master cylinder reservoir, and a few other … Read more

Mazda MX-5 Bad Ignition Switch: Symptoms, Causes, + How to Fix

Your Mazda MX-5‘s ignition switch is one of the most vital items on the entire vehicle.  If it fails, the entire vehicle won’t be able to run.  We’ve compiled some of the most common symptoms of a bad ignition switch.  These include stalling issues, not starting, and no power to the radio or accessories. Function of an … Read more

Mazda MX-5 Bad Throttle Body: Symptoms + Diagnosis

If your Mazda MX-5 has a faulty throttle body, it can cause it to run terribly.  Common symptoms of a bad throttle body include dirt and grime, the check engine light, and an erratic idle. Your MX-5’s throttle body controls the amount of air that enters the engine.  You control the throttle body position with … Read more