is it simple to pull a spark plug? I have never done it before.

Yup. As simple as "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey" :)

Pull the spark plug out, then use the correct spark plug socket and remove. This isn't a sure way to know if you are getting fuel, but if the plug is wet you know for sure you are.

Okay so action steps are:

1. Read code using paper clip to connect to 10 and ground

2. Open oil cap on engine to see if exhaust cam is spinning

3. Pull spark plug and see if it's wet

Thanks for your help and suggestions guys

Not 10, TEN. Short for Test ENable, I assume, but that's what the terminal is labeled.

I agree with the timing belt possible being the problem. If the cam DOES turn when the engine is cranked then it is likely a problem with the ignition or fuel system.

4. Check for spark
4.1 remove one spark plug wire
4.2 insert screw driver into the boot on the end of the wire so that it contact the electricals inside
4.3 ground the screw driver to the engine somewhere
4.4 have someone crank the engine, watch for spark between the screw driver and the grounding point
4.5 repeat on the other 3 cylinders

If you don't have spark first thing to check on a 1.6L engine is the ignitors. Someone else will have to help you with that as I have a 1.8L, no external ignitors.

5. Check for fuel
5.1 remove the rear fuel line where it attaches at the fender (this is the return line)
5.2 hold it near some kind of container and turn the key to the on position (not start)
5.3 you should get pretty good flow, probably about 1/3 of a gatorade bottle in 10 sec.
5.4 repeat with a set of vise grips clamped onto the hose enough to pinch it down, but not enough to close it off completely.
5.5 repeat bottle test

If you don't get very good flow you probably have a fubar fuel filter and/or pump

If you have no flow you have a dead fuel pump, or the switch in the AFM is broken so you arn't getting power to the pump.

6.0 If there is no fuel
6.1 take the rear carpet out
6.2 pull the inspection plate on the rear deck
6.3 unplug the fuel pump
6.4 insert two piece of wire into the chassis side of the connector and connect those to a multimeter
6.5 turn the key to the on position and see if you are getting 12V

If you get 12V at the pump then your pump is toast (provided you got no flow in the previous test)

If you do not get 12V then you have a blown fuse, or a bad AFM fuel pump switch.


Have fun! :)

ok another silly question, wouldn't I have heard the timing belt break if it did break at that point? I wasn't driving the car hard at the time...

Great trouble shooting advice here.

In contrast:
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=241677

3 replies and already on page 8.

I had one go on a different car, didn't hear it at all. Had no idea what happened until I got home and took a look at the engine bay.

you guys are awesome; thanks for the help.

holy crap you turbocharged your miata yet have never removed a spark plug. Im poking fun at you while you're down, basically rubbing salt in your wounds. I should feel bad about that.

But seriously cars need spark, air, fuel and timing. It's gotta be one or more of the above. Start narrowing it down!

Since your car died while driving it makes me three things... Fuel, Spark and timing belt.

First thing like everyone is saying would be to check the code. Cause for all we know the code is telling us that something broke aka your AFM and now your not getting fuel.

Next thing would be to check the timing belt. Just like everyone said.

The last would be to pull the plug and see if they are wet, and also to check if you have spark. I have always check spark this way, by setting the spark plug back in the plug wire and setting it on my valve cover. Have someone else crank the car and check to see if it sparks. This was normally checked at night or in the shade. I am not sure if someone else has a different way to check. BTW I take no respondabiltiy blah blah lol


Good luck man

I have an alternate method for testing in direct sunlight, however it requires the use of a neighbor's cat. Not sure if the OP can obtain said device while at work.

shoving a spark plug into the wire and setting it against the lifting point hook thing is the best in sunlight.

which wire? and to test what? Unfortunately no cats at work, and since my boss is out of town (I don't particularly like him) I can't ask him to volunteer, and being blond I am sure he would consent if I told him it would increase his likelihood for promotion

Lol

any spark plug would work... I have always used the plug with longest wire, and easiest to get, so plug 1 will work.

I like the cat idea, we have a lot squirrels around here, may have to use them for testing:bigtu:

Grumble just chill out man as the rest of the guys are saying this is dead simple. You know something is wrong so use your brain and the info we have given you timming belt etc, to narrow it down. This is exactly what we all do i hope you get it all taken care of gl man.

I gotta agree with SloS13. Turbo'd the car but don't know how to remove a sparkplug? Is he/she yanking our chains?

If you are serious about those questions get it to a trusted local mechanic. If you really want to do it yourself get a manual like Chiltons and read up. If this is your daily driver I doubt you want to mess around learning how to diagnose your problem, get parts and fix your problem while you ride the bus to work. If it's a secondary car - great, take your time and learn something.

I've always believed there are no dumb questions but then Grumble asked "is it hard to remove a spark plug?"...

Grumble where are you located. if you're close (ie within 60 miles) i'll come and help you

Same here... I'm down with helping if you're in the houston area. I'd be accompanied by at least one other miata... possibly more.

OK so I'm an ass for busting on Grumble. I've seen people flamed for a whole lot less here though. Guess everyone's feeling helpful and perky. Must be taking the right meds.