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  • Oct. 6, 2011 9:08 a.m. ChrisSF None

    We just bought a 1990 mazda miata and plan to upgrade when funds are available. In the meantime, the car runs great. I'm having one issue... when I come out of gear to stop/idle the car wants to shut off. Otherwise the car idles fine at 750. Anyone have an idea of what it might be? New plugs, new wires, new air filter have been installed.

  • RossD

    Oct. 6, 2011 9:16 a.m. RossD SuperDork

    Did you buy good plugs and wires?

  • Oct. 6, 2011 9:21 a.m. ChrisSF New Reader

    I did.

  • EvanB

    Oct. 6, 2011 9:29 a.m. EvanB SuperDork

    It is a common problem. You need to jump 2 terminals in the diagnostic box (10 and ground I think) and adjust the idle with the screw on the throttle body under a cap.

    There should be a write up on Miata.net under "idle droop".

  • EvanB

    Oct. 6, 2011 9:34 a.m. EvanB SuperDork

    At least that worked for me on my 91, searching Miata.net now there are a few solutions from adjusting the idle to cleaning the throttle body.

  • noodle

    Oct. 6, 2011 10:05 a.m. noodle New Reader

    Common for the 90...buy a new dashpot. It's the little mushroom looking dillybob that sits on the side of the throttle body

  • foxtrapper

    Oct. 6, 2011 10:05 a.m. foxtrapper SuperDork

    Same with my Miata, and many other cars other than Miatas. Folks will just twirl anything they find that might increase idle speed, causing entertaining problems.

  • Keith

    Oct. 6, 2011 10:13 a.m. Keith SuperDork

    Definitely check the idle speed. It's been a well-documented problem on Miatas for a couple of decades now. It's an easy fix.

  • Javelin

    Oct. 6, 2011 10:49 a.m. Javelin SuperDork

    Idle speed, clean the throttle body, dashpot, and adjust the timing (in that order). My 93 needed all 4 before it idled great.

  • TenaciousD

    Oct. 6, 2011 5:46 p.m. TenaciousD New Reader

    The usual fix is to set the "base" idle. That is the idle that occurs when the computer is not intervening and setting it. The pins in the diagnostic connector that you need to jump are TEN and GND. TEN stands for "Test ENgine", not the number 10. Use a paper clip to jump the terminals and then set the idle to ~800. Check the timing while you're at it.

 
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