Troubleshooting 6 Common Issues Your Miata Might Have! [Project 2SJ Ep5]

[@markmccawley2526]

i like this format. voice over and quick topics

[@bandwagon240]

This is an excellent case for cleaning the engine compartment whenever you get a new car.

[@sublimegabe]

So glad you got a nb. That’s what I have and watching your na videos helped me immensely for the water pump/timing belt job. You the man!

[@cnaso819]

They're not Philips head screws on the latches - they're JIS. Everyone uses the wrong tool to adjust them, which is why stripped screws are so common.

[@gvit001]

Drives me crazy - anyone that owns a Japanese made vehicle needs to buy a set www.amazon.com/Sunflag-Screwdrivers-Made-Japan-Perfect/dp/B085KC6X57/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-drs-ajax1_0?crid=BS42A5DQW12J&cv_ct_cx=ji+screwdriver&dchild=1&keywords=ji+screwdriver&pd_rd_i=B085KC6X57&pd_rd_r=beb82451-df3c-4590-b7aa-004ef5c0dc9b&pd_rd_w=Zeue9&pd_rd_wg=1qggi&pf_rd_p=037ca9fd-790e-4a16-836b-14da89aed20e&pf_rd_r=172Y35171JE1S63YPPYS&psc=1&qid=1601339771&sprefix=jis+sc%2Caps%2C191&sr=1-1-25b07e09-600a-4f0d-816e-b06387f8bcf1

[@takafumiarisawa70]

I was about to comment on this. If you're looking for an easy to find JiS screwdriver look out for those Toyota ones that have both a JiS head and a flathead, you can also find a JiS screwdriver in the tool kits that come with Scion FRS/Toyota 86.

[@jobsjobbed5125]

This is a great idea, buying a car and taking us through all the things you should do and check first to get it ‘just so’, before moving on to the next stage. I love this because these Mazdas suffer from a lot of very common faults that are not to hard to fix, but my be difficult to diagnose, but make a big difference in enjoyment way before any boosting or power mods etc. Good stuff mate👍

[@mikefannon6994]

I had that power window problem on my 2001 NB. A sharp and honest body shop mgr figured it out, saved my a lot of $. For several months engine would just shut off at random times, then start right up again. Replaced the fuel filter, no change. Two mechanics had no solutions. Called my old H.S. buddy who's worked on cars and farm equipment for 50 years. Right off he said to clean connections on neutral safety switch. All is good now. Can't beat experience! Thanks for your videos!

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

Good presentation. Greg never has been one to waste time and improves his presentation's as the years pass. I've learned more about my Miata from this channel than any 10 other channels combined. Thanks for the interesting video.

[@jasonrobinson1877]

FYI, at 11:04 that's the pulsation damper #1, the fuel pressure regulator is in the tank where the fuel pump is. What you are working on is pulsation damper #2 on the fuel rail.

[@nicolas6820]

Yup, NB's have a very strange fuel system lol

[@fuserush3733]

my pulsation damper is leaking. Are all the steps he is showing around 11min necessary for this small item replacement?

[@seanbyrd5435]

I'm glad my tip about the ziptie was helpful, and even made it into the video :)

[@srcondor237]

ThAt window fix is priceless!!!!!

[@JamieBainbridge]

Just bought one of these things, I've wanted one since Gran Turismo 1. I've worked on cars and built engines before but all from books in pre-internet times. Your videos are a huge help to accelerating learning and getting work done fast. Huge thanks!

[@donovanshea3308]

I did the window fix with no research yesterday and seeing that I’m not totally ghetto by fixing it with a zip tie makes me proud of myself

[@blaxxidrums2459]

I have learnt sooooo much from this channel. When I bought my first ever MX5 or Miata I knew nothing about them at all. I've worked on Nissan's and Toyota's but never on Mazda's. but after watching these videos I managed to boost my first ever NB and its so dope. I've always thought Miata's and RX7/8 are two of the best handling cars of all time there only draw back with my Miata was the power or the lack of. But now its boosted it has a built engine and a GTX3071R and a dog box I built the car for track use only but it drives so good and its so much fun I had to drive it more and its my daily street car now. I love them so much I've started my next Mazda build I have a boosted 13b rotary engine mounted in my NA in my shop I'm slowly working my way through it. If it wasn't for this channel I would never of bought a Miata and I would of missed out such a awesome little ripper.

[@guywilson187]

Aaaaaand so it begins. Yaay . Inspired by your “on your driveway” fixes and fettling I’ve spent most of today on my back, laying underneath my NB attempting to replace the OE exhaust manifold. What my brain forgets is that I’m probably nearly twice your age.😁 Man, I ache! 😖 Keep the updates coming Greg, this series rawks ✌️

[@wizbo27]

Those fan relays are mechanical and get physically stuck. Sometimes unplugging them and banging them on the ground a little gets the job done. One you have the full ecu setup installed. Trigger it manually on and off a few times to make sure it's freed up. You can usually hear it and feel it!!!

[@mgamma5001]

Hey G, instead of pouring soapy water on the manifold take a shop vac, put it in blower mode and connect to your cold exhaust pipe, then spray soapy water from a squirt gun or spray bottle. Works like a charm and no need to get burnt. I spent a week installing a new exhaust and had several leaks to find and sort out on my NB.

[@elborro444]

Damn Greg, this is a god like afternoon’s worth of miata fixing. Came for the convertible top adjustment advice and stayed for the other stuff

[@duske00]

That dremel trick is so smart!

[@aDaWaN]

Most likely the fuel leak was due to the O-ring on the pulsation damper. After having a few lucky escapes with fuel leaks, I now always change all the injector seats and O-rings whenever I touch the fuel system on a 10+ year old car. One other smart thing to do is lubing the O-rings before installing them. Thanks for the video Greg, these kind of fixes are very satisfactory. I crossed the Miata bridge and bought myself a MR-2 spyder from 2001, having to do all kind of similar fixes. I like the MR-2, but the MX-5 is a better car. So I am glad I still have my MX-5.

[@hittman8592]

Of course a friend and I just bought an NB and it smelled like fuel. Because of this video the first thing I checked was the fuel damper and that was the issue!

[@PANTYEATR1]

"one more psi" and "page up! page up!" are my new favorite quotes 😅

[@speedymini998]

I like “You’re on mute!”

[@BillyBlaze7]

I am so happy you bought a unloved NB, it allows us the chance to see you tackle and fix a lot of issues. great car for YT video content my friend and a huge help to the Miata community.

[@dragonbrownies517]

Took me half a day to finish installing my new top on my NA. Finally got settled into watching this. Thank you for the tip on the window track lubing. I definitely need to do that.

[@Maurice101]

@ 4:50, a prominent fuel odor inside the car and in the trunk is very common in NA Miatas. The issue with my ‘91 was a clogged vapor check valve on top of the gas tank. When they fail, they get clogged shut and all the fuel vapors from the tank find their way into the car. I simply replaced the valve with a straight section of hose for the time being, but it’s advised to just put in a new check valve.

[@brianteague2000]

That ziptie fix WORKS!!! Fixed my window!!!

[@benalborta]

Damn my boi looking hella crisp on that intro

[@Russxm]

So grateful for this nb series

[@craig4811]

Thank you for the roof latch and window fix info!

[@NatiiixLP]

10:20 Holy crap, I don't think I've ever seen a Miata window move like that, with such speed a vigor! Great stuff!

[@JJstayfly]

My window just messed up and remembered seeing this video few years ago. Thanks for the easy fix man.

[@davidbarlowjr7583]

Very informative. I picked my red nb2 about 8 months back it has crooked striker plate engagement, so I just learned how to fix that. As always thank you for what you do.

[@madmax9009]

Other things that are notorious for giving up on these years are the coil packs and crank sensor.

[@donta42]

Excellent pace and coverage of so many areas! Liked and subbed! Stoked you got an NB now! I got my notifications set to ALL now that more things will be applicable to my own 2002NB! THanks for all you do!

[@Thick_Strawberry]

This is perfect found this guy a few days ago cause just got a nb about 3 week ago and now this’ll help a shit ton

[@jamescave465]

Another fabulous video. Gives MX5 owners real confidence to have a go themselves...Thank you

[@willmgames1775]

I have an 04” NB. Before I turbo charged the engine I replaced the radiator with a Mishimoto radiator and the fans with with Spal fans. Before I did that only one of my fans worked. Now I have zero issues with over heating.

[@christuem2086]

another tip for stripped screws (helped me out a bunch) are Pliers from the japanese brand "Engineer" They have screw removal pliers in various sizes :)

[@Girz0r]

New format of the videos are awesome Greg, keep on kicking ass!

[@ericmarois6960]

I hope you got that car for cheap. It needs a lot of love from what you're showing us (and is getting it, thank goodness). It all looks fixable so far but we all can see the previous owner(s) neglected the poor thing beyond way beyond simple maintenance. Quite interested to see how good you make it from how on the brink of the junkyard it was.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

If I bought a perfect Miata, what would I make videos about?

[@ericmarois6960]

I understand that @@TheCarPassionChannel, I really do. And as it is not "perfect" it makes for content I truly do enjoy. My point is previous owner/owners neglected repairs and maintenance and since you're the one who's going to make it all better I hope you got a nice bargain so you could have it. Whoever had it last definitely didn't deserve the value of a "perfect" car considering the shape it's in.

[@71makocc]

On my soft top latches, the hook on the windshield frame kinda lost its hook, I was able to take a small round chainsaw file and file it down so the hook is a little more aggressive. Plus it takes a little pressure away from the latch on the top side just be careful not to file down too much

[@josepboutin2906]

Because your fans started working again after unplugging and plugging everything back in. That means one or multiple of the cenections have corrosion on the pins causing an "open " or excessive resistance. You will need to sand the corrosion off with special connector files. The fan will stop working again decently soon if you don't get rid of the corrosion.

[@pietervanderwesthuizen9843]

Cheers Greg, I have the same problem with my roof not sitting flush. Going to give your suggestions a go. Thanks again for another brilliant video.

[@mschult1]

Followed your vvt build to the T for my NB to exocet build. Love watching all the videos. Bought a shirt to support! Thanks man.

[@ricardotellez1050]

Dude thanks alot my 99 nb has been smelling like gas and I've been going crazy trying find the leak thinking its just an evap leak . After watching this video I checked the fuel damper and yup that's where my miata was leaking from too 😂

[@IT-fr4wb]

thanks for your passion + channel. Just about to jump into our 3rd mx5, a 99 NB which looks great. Had an hour long yak with t owner +pick up tomorrow, people like you REALLY HELP bozo’s like me keep enjoying these awesome wee cars. cheers from NZ

[@beauthestdane]

Fan working intermittently is not an uncommon issue. I am having that issue with my 93, will be tackling that eventually, it's really only an issue when I am sitting at a prolonged idle, and I can turn on the AC to get the other fan going to keep it from overheating for now. On the window issue, I have had that happen a couple of times now on my 93 as well, I replaced the cable assembly in the end as it was binding even when tied down.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Plug was melted on the fan causing the pins to have intermittent connection

[@heavychevy383]

just fyi, the vics system on my 99 was broke, & u cant buy the little unit that controls it, nobody makes one... so shout out to the folks at treasure coast miata for finding me a used one for a good price... lovin the miata vids man, thanx & god bless

[@nicolas6820]

Its just a solenoid that controls vaccumm pass.. you can replace it with another one that whorks in the same way. Its controlled by ECU. Maybe you are refering to the actuator itself?

[@miaty6133]

I love pushing my stock motor to the limits 😅

[@loganmartin1646]

Slight note on the top. Undo tho latch bolts and move them towards the center to reduce more noise. This was a TSB bulletin for NA and NB soft/hardtop a!

[@a7i20ci7y]

Yeah, ziptie window fix gang!

[@38tech]

I replace my regulator thinking it was that....samething. now the new one does it (used one) zip and go. Also, you can use silicone spray on the rubber for the window runners, near the quarter window, and rear of door. That too helps.

[@carboswp]

To track down an exhaust leak with soapy water, I lined my leaf blower up with my muffler tip and taped it up

[@jaredgates7743]

Aww I commented about the cable on the inside of the door

[@bennollan1109]

Hey love the videos! One thing on the stripped screws, they aren't actually proper phillips heads. They're a different standard called JIS, pick up a set of JIS screwdrivers and you'll be amazed how well they work on these screw heads.

[@rrdh3458]

Great video! To the point on several common issues.

[@johannagnarsson]

Shirt Ordered! Keep the awesome content coming!

[@markharper6138]

Yay, NB Project. Do the wrap! Keep it up Miata dad.

[@BundSama]

I'm going to replace just the seal on the damper. Fingers crossed that fixes the issue.

[@nucleard_hd9218]

Keep posting this please 😭 got a ton of problems with my nb :(

[@markstorer7204]

Just purchased one, cheap shipping to the UK, thanks Greg 👌

[@FDB77]

Yess! The video I was waiting for! Thx Greg I love ya.

[@AkaRyrye83]

I just picked up an '03, and the drivers side window would only roll down a few inches. It turned out to be this same issue, and I did exactly the same thing. Felt pretty damn smart coming up with it myself, but come to find out it's what everyone else does, lol

[@mashinandtrashintires2018]

Yo! 5:05 velcro strips on the sides of the roll up to stick to the back wall fabric! idk if it comes factory but its the little things

[@Chimera6297]

lmao I dropped one of those plastic spacers on the fuel rail when I was changing my fuel injectors. it fell into the void, I looked for it for about 30 minutes until I realized one of the o rings on the old fuel injectors fit perfectly. it might still be in my engine bay

[@miche24]

Just bought a 2000 mx5 also love all the video. Now I have 2.

[@njjx8800]

I had a cooling fan issue. It turned out to be the weak wiring on top of the coolant that lead into the engine

[@DarkSwordsman]

Man, already over 100k subs. Nice. Haven't had a chance to work on my Miata, or really drive it at all recently. Hopefully that changes soon. Haven't even really driven it in the hot weather in the Colorado mountains yet.

[@mrfixall]

Nice work. I am going to get 2 shirts 👕 today to properly represent. I embarrassed a built harley rider yesterday in a zero to 80 pull stoplight to stoplight. He would not even look at me. Lol. #Boosted life...

[@ch_chone]

Hmmm... are you sure you have your fan setpoint temps right when you go over the function of them? My stock NB runs the driver-side fan when the t-stat reads 207 per my OBD dongle. It's consistent. The passenger side fan only cycles with AC. Both cycle when I short the fan terminals on the test port.

[@markstorer7204]

I'm not a miata(mx5 here) driver but I apply what I e learned from you to my BMW e30 touring 318i.....so. to be turbo.....

[@christopherbazaka1564]

love these maintenance videos! learn a lot from them cause there is so much to cover

[@kail4379]

Glad your channel exists dude but there's an issue regarding the p0012 code for miatas that seem to affect everyone can you do a guide on addressing that one please?

[@one234569and10]

2 seconds before you said "boy is it disgusting" when talking about the throttle body, I said "that is disgusting nasty!" lol

[@tameralobeidi3549]

Finalllyyyy, was counting down the days man😭😂

[@rolo_pabbs]

You’re genius Greg, keep it coming. Any idea on how to fix temp gauge on a 97 NA? Much appreciated.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

If it doesn't work at all it's probably a bad sensor or a broken connection. Note that the ECU temperature sensor is different from the gauge sensor

[@dawiecilliers2629]

Try running some fuel additive cleaners. Some of them will really make a difference with cleaning your internals including butterfly’s and piston heads!

[@Banaan97]

Isn't the FPR on the NB in the fuel tank? According to the factory manual the one on the side of the engine bay is pulsation damper no.1 and on the fuel rail pulsation damper no.2. Not sure if this is true for all NB's.

[@fireonmytarget8937]

Great vid - have you heard miatas that go "clack clack clack" when you push in the clutch? Ex: Drive train under load going like 5 mph into driveway. Zero throttle, clutch pushed in - hear a clack clack clack sound. Have gone under the car multiple times trying to find something loose, cant find anything.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Possibly driveshaft u-joints? Going from loaded to unloaded quickly

[@creedg6075]

12:20 thats good ol' blowby, buddy. Likely out the PCV by the looks of how wet the valve was

[@Beardchanics]

They're not all MX5 or Miata, some of us got Eunos Roadster :D Sweet video man and from my understanding an oil catch can would help dramatically with the manky intake. Installing one ourselves soon so we'll see if it makes any difference.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

That's why I said Eunos too 😅

[@thangqnguyen2111]

Hi Grey, I like your video , i got a question . I got Miata 1994 that all crank sensor harness cable are disconnected /cut out. I did not which one should go to.

[@jimd1617]

Thanks dad 🙏

[@TimNiro]

Great job Great info thank you 😊

[@charleslewis362]

Lots of good info in this video.

[@BillyBlaze7]

p.s. theres a tiny qtip sized hole in the intake manifold that gets gunked up and trips a code when you clean up that throttle body should clean out the entire intake manifold as well

[@one234569and10]

Is it worth changing parts like these fuel system items just as a maintenance idea?

[@corner_store_bill]

Forgot one. Headlights dont go down unless u slam your hand into the dash above the hazard switch.

[@daveh3979]

Do you know why the lights in my gauge clusters suddenly went out. Blinker lights, check engine light, turn signals all work. Just the lights to tachometer, speedometer, and gas gauge don’t work.

[@Racingboom]

Greg pls help with hot start problem I’ve tried everything I could find online and nothing has worked and nobody has a definitive solution. Basically car starts fine. But when it’s hot I have to click the key like 6-7 times before the car starts. I’ve changed starter battery ign switch.

[@albietbeck]

Check yo grounds foo. Get a test light, hook it up to battery positive. Stick the dingus end somewhere metal on the engine, it should light up. Now try and crank the car, if the test light dims or goes out when trying to crank then you've got a bad ground somewhere. You can test for a good 12v power supply to the starter too. Hook the test light to the positive post on the starter touch the test light to the frame. If it dims or goes out when you try and crank the engine then your main power wire is either loose or corroded. If you want to know more, look up testing voltage drop.

[@Racingboom]

Albie Beck I’ve already done basically all of this to a tee :( it cranks really strong when it finally goes.

[@Racingboom]

Ugly Miata it is the 1.6

[@Racingboom]

Ugly Miata I had no idea this part existed, and it’s relatively cheap, so I’ll try it thank you!

[@albietbeck]

@@Racingboom What happens when you turn the key? Is it nothing, does the starter click, or does it crank but not fire? If it's not the last one then changing the ignitor won't make a difference. It only controls the signal going to the coil packs, it has nothing to do with cranking the engine over.

[@bradyhouston4644]

Great video thank you!

[@CasualGearheads]

Why yes I do smell fuel on cold starts, why do you ask? Might need to check that out.

[@hendersonwilliamk]

Curious why you didn't purchase a VVT nb2 over a Vics nb1?

[@victorgarcia7330]

Tell me why the miata I got had all these exact problems lol. do you know how to fix the gas door release cable ?

[@hendersonwilliamk]

Looks like a easy fix for my nb window.thanks

[@neko.tsukim.m7320]

Hi,need advice please...! so..My husband gave me a mx5 from 1999... I have the keys and the windows are not electrical... it had a dead battery for a while and upon restarting it now the doors won't open...is there an easy fix? I don't have the agility of pretending to be in a movie from the 80's and slide in from the top 😅 please help

[@TimS-i4v]

I put hex head bolts in my latch top. My hardtop won’t adjust far enough

[@Oskier94]

my NB is burning oxygen sensors, I'm on the 3rd set. apart of richer fuel/air ratio nothing changed but it's still less mpg.. not sure what's happening, got my cat stolen but it was fine for 3 months after that (running on almost decat, there's something inside but much more airflow and no silver or platinum inside ) any advice? Went thru used OEM and cheaper sensors - all of them stopped working in about a month, after unplugging the battery and motor fuse to restart it the engine management light disappears for a few days.

[@tombedwell299]

Please do fuel lines in the trunk. I am having that problem now. Thanks

[@skimalcanr]

Are you sure the AC fan turns on when it overheats?

[@Mikemonterosso]

11/13/24 I have a 1990 1.6 maita. Vehicle runs but the spark plugs carbon up on a few minutes of running. This is a dry black carbon . Plugs are dry not like wet to much fuel. Check engine sends an 88 code . Checked everything related to this and found nothing. Idle doesn’t fluctuate. Engine runs smoothly until plugs carbon up . And it’s almost immediately. Any advice Thanks Mike