QuestionAfter a long drive, after I shut the car off it won't start again for EXACTLY a half hour! And a couple of times it has started sputtering while driving. Today it did that, and when I pulled over it appeared the fans weren't running, but I'm not sure. What can I do to fix this problem?
AnswerJeff,
This is a copy of an answer I sent out yesterday to a fellow Miata owner, same situation; Excuse some of the text as it was in direct response to the other persons concerns. Hope it helps;
COPY:
Miatas are long term cars, though not flawless. Most issues are straight forward and revolve around preventative services. Supposed "phantom" issues can always be explained out.
The ignition coils have been a common problem on 99 & 2000 models, they are not easily tested so these test results should not be conclusive and the coils should not be ruled out entirely. The fault is intermittent and random misfire is the code that is displayed as they act up. In addition the assembly is made up of two coils they seldom both fail. One fires #1 & #4 the other #2 & #3.
Another common issue is the crank position sensor magnetic pickup, also a hard to diagnose component since it causes intermittent faults as well.
These are the most common 99/2000 Miata ignition faults and one of them is likely your problem. The coil replacement should be treated as preventative maintenance as should spark plugs and wires, I have seen coil failures on almost every 1999 and 2000 model Miata I work on. Both the coil and the CPS are relatively easy to change. The CPS pickup requires a gap to contact adjustment when installed.
Fuel pumps seldom fail even with limited use unless the fuel was allowed to sour and reduce to resin (2-3 years no use)
Probability of Failure:
Coils 9 out of 10
CPS 5 out of 10
Fuel Pump 2 out of 10
Hope it gives you some direction, Happy Miataing.
