Hi guys,

I've a 2003 MX5 and the OEM Mazda COPs are failing. The car has only done 20k miles so Im a little pissed to say the least.

My symptoms are mainly related to hot-starting the engine. The engine just fails to turn over when It's up to operating temp, this is a pain when Im at the petrol station as I have to fill-up, and then push the car off the pumps and pop the bonnet until the coils cool off. The car then starts after some persuation. Cold starting is easier, but recently it's taken a few attempts to get it started, so I think it's only a matter of time before Im left stranded somewhere.

Other than paying the £220 for 2 new Mazda coils, what other options do I have? Can they be repaired? Or should I opt for some Toyota COPs (although I know nothing about them, or what to buy etc!)

I want something that will be reliable and I've lost faith in the Mazda units, they suck!

Any help would be great!
Thanks,
Craig

 

Listen Craig; take the time and read the thread on COP. It'll be worth your while. I think that will be your best option. It's not that hard to accomplish. I'm mechanically challenged and I was able to do it.

Edit: I don't think you'll be able to run them with the Powercard.

 

Something tells me you have a different problem considering the lack of mass numbers of failures of the stock COPs.

 

You have a different issue going on there bud...it's not the coils.

 

Hmm. Well if it isn't coil related what could it be?

Is it possible that it could be my crank sensor? It is on an adjustable bracket so I can retard base timing and has been struck on the odd occasion by the crank tooth while setting it up?

Failing that, I guess Im looking at plugs and/or leads or possibly the coolant temp sensor?

I'm intrigued by the confidence in your posts about it certainly not being COP related?

Cheers,
Craig

 

I just reread your first post.

stop dicking around with your crank sensor and get a new one and install it properly.

 

Harsh but fair!

Turns out it was the crank sensor. I've since cleaned the face of it, there was loads of ***** on the chamois afterwards. After re-seating it, the car runs perfectly and re-starts when hot with no problems.

Can anyone explain why the engine temp/heatsoaking affected the car turning over and me having to let it cool off before it would re-start?
I just don't get it?

 

sensor is probably marginal and the change in temperature is enough to affect the quality of the signal. if it was just a tad too far away or slightly out of spec, it wouldn't take much to make it fail occasionally.