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'97 Mazda protege: need help identifying problem. Electrical???


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gretschtastic
New User

Dec 3, 2010, 4:58 PM

Post #1 of 5 (2912 views)
'97 Mazda protege: need help identifying problem. Electrical??? Sign In

Year of vehicle : 97
Make of vehicle: Mazda
Model of vehicle: Protege
Engine size: not sure, trying to find out. I know little about cars.
Mileage: about 80k miles (very little)


Hello and thanks in advance for any help anyone provides!
I have several problems that may or may not be related, but am really trying to get down to the more important one so I can drive it to a mechanic and have the car checked out. I have a '97 mazda protege.
Basically I hope to determine the problem so that if its a simple fix I can do it myself, but otherwise, I can go to a mechanic with some knowledge of what it may be and not be completely ripped off (no offense to mechanics but I have been ripped off in the past and know not all mechanics are cheaters).

Anyways, here's the situation: I've been smelling what I think smells like burnt rubber. I thought it might be the breaks, but after smelling around the wheels I THINK its coming from the engine. But I really don't know. Anyways, while driving yesterday to test for the smell, when I turned right I noticed my radio turned off. The radio had been pulled out by a thief so it has had circuit problems for some time, so this didn't really cause any alarm. But when I turned left it went back on. Then I noticed the airbag light started flashing on and off. When I got home I suspected something funny happened,so I turned off the car and tried to immediately turn it back on. The engine wouldn't turn. Lights and everything were working, but it just wouldn't start. By this time I don't think the engine had enough power to start it, but now I only hear clicks. Any idea what this could be. Its a '97 mazda protege. I suspected a fuse but the ones I've checked seem good and I think I've checked all the fuses related to the airbag, the radio, the engine, and the ignition. So I think its either the ignition or a short circuit of some sort. Any ideas? Any suggestions on what I can check next?


(This post was edited by gretschtastic on Dec 3, 2010, 5:05 PM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 3, 2010, 5:15 PM

Post #2 of 5 (2901 views)
Re: '97 Mazda protege: need help identifying problem. Electrical??? Sign In

Hey gret: I don't know why idiots steal crap out of cars - it stinks and worse it's not just the stereo but the unknown mess made in a hurry to get it.

Sorry you had a bad experience with a shop or tech. It happens in all trades not just automotives and most don't last long if truly acting to overcharge or worse say something is done and wasn't.

This is tough as there's no telling without seeing what got damaged, wires, plugs for items, pulling hard that could skin wires bare or who knows. Look for what you can see for damage. There are shops that specialize in auto electric and might be your best bet with who knows what is now damaged.

In that air bag light is on now I really do suggest some pro help with the software and diagrams of how the wires should be.

Bummer,

T



gretschtastic
New User

Dec 3, 2010, 5:32 PM

Post #3 of 5 (2896 views)
Re: '97 Mazda protege: need help identifying problem. Electrical??? Sign In

Thanks for the quick response! I should have mentioned that the radio was stolen years ago. It was my mom's car and she just never replaced it. I basically inherited the car and just plugged in an older radio of hers. That radio had been there for years just without the face. Basically it was the second radio stolen from that car and so she decided it wasn't worth repairing. I know I'm not being very clear as far as the radios, but the point is that I didn't JUST plug in the radio, its been there for years. It just was not installed professionaly, and could move around. \ So while the radio may perhaps be an issue, I think its slightly less likely since it hadn't caused a problem earlier. Nevertheless, things appeared to start to act funny yesterday after I tok the face off and put it back on. But I still would be curious to know if perhaps a short in the radio wiring could cause problems elsewhere that might prevent the car from starting. Anyways, from your response, I get the impression that yes, this could be an electrical issue.

Are there other things I can eliminate? CAn it be the alternator since the car started, and then after 15 minutes of driving, it didn't start?

Could it be an ignition issue. Even if you don't know what the issue is, is there anything I can eliminate so that when I go to the mechanic I can sound somewhat knowledgeable.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 4, 2010, 1:14 AM

Post #4 of 5 (2890 views)
Re: '97 Mazda protege: need help identifying problem. Electrical??? Sign In

Two radios! Time for a boom box on the seat and take it with youMad

Need to know how much YOU want to do for checking things too.

Simple and cheap to start is get a volt/ohm meter ~10-20 bucks at dept stores and a test light -- a plain scratch awl with (led best) light in handle and a pigtail with a clip - those are under 10 bucks for basic ones.

Check that the belt for alternator is snug enough, charge battery with a charger in any event of suspect battery in any vehicle. The sell low amp automatic ones (takes all night or day) then start the car and test for voltage output right at the battery. Most should be 13.5-14.5 area when running. If a battery is known older than three years test it if not luck for load ability. Many chain or smaller parts outlets will do this if you bring it in. If over 4 years consider a new one as the dependability drops off sharply so no waste in tossing old batteries. They are special like trying to keep lettuce fresh - smile. Age not so much use take them out and can take out your alternator with them and vs verse.

Also by yourself you can watch voltage at battery with everything off. Good ones will be 12v+ a little. Watch that voltage while a helper starts or tries to crank the engine. Should not drop below 9v or so or battery amp ability to deliver is questionable or draw from starter or other excessive.

I'm talking about basic things you should be able to do for small bucks guessing by what you said that you aren't really into this stuff.

The radio had a bird's nest of wiring for tons of things in behind it in many vehicles. Can't speak specifics for each model of car ever made. In that it's not tightly mounted now that could be slowly bothering important wiring over time.

Air bag light:That should be sent out for diagnosis. Chances are it won't work if needed with light on and scares me as the wrong wires crossing up could deploy it sending your latte thru the back window - not funny.

Basics: Battery terminals and cable connections need be clean and snug. Remember this-- When working on possible live wires disconnect negative post at battery first and make that one the LAST to go back on. If nothing else the tools used touch body metal or other while snugging up that one won't short out a metal socket or wrench.

Do say how much you want to do yourself and there probably will be things that you'll need to send out for help. Best to say what you've found or the symptoms and let techs decide/diagnose from there for things.

Understand that techs spend zillions on tools and equipment and shops near always have an insane amount of bucks tied up in heavy tools, equipment high overhead in general. It's expensive to do this stuff but that doesn't mean being unfair either way.

Right now I think you'll find troubles with belt, alternator or battery,


T



gretschtastic
New User

Dec 4, 2010, 7:10 PM

Post #5 of 5 (2878 views)
Re: '97 Mazda protege: need help identifying problem. Electrical??? Sign In

 






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