Q: Battery keeps getting drained on a 1990 Mazda Miata
I have a 1990 Mazda Miata Convertible 16-valve engine. Regardless of the battery being brand new and fully charged, the car drains the battery after 10-20 minutes of driving. When I turn on the lights the car dies. Please help.
Recommended Services
| Alternator Replacement | $166.62 - $1297.14 | Get a Quote |
The first thing you’d want to do is have your alternator checked. It could be that the alternator is not charging the battery. It sounds pretty typical to me. If it’s not that, you have a really bad wiring harness that is shorted out. But generally on those, it’s the alternator going out. Maybe give the YourMechanic guys a call. If needed, they can replace your alternator for you so that you can get your car back on the road.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
2006 Pontiac G6 smells like gas
Fuel leaks are never good. A leak in the right place has the potential to ignite quickly. Gasoline is especially dangerous in its vapor state because this is when it is most explosive. The fuel pump does have an o-ring...
Throwout bearing fork problem
Hi, if there is no fluid leaking from under the car then the linkage has an issue somewhere. All of the components in the clutch linkange are susceptible to wear and tear over the years and should be inspected. A...
Engine light still on after replacing the gas cap
This is a simple fix. Replace the fuel cap. The cap sometimes does not reseal after refueling causing the system to detect a leak. Make sure the cap is sealing after you refuel and make sure the vehicle is turned...
Throttle Sensor
Hi, thanks for writing in. The throttle is controlled by an electronic throttle control and the vehicle will most likely be in a fail safe mode that will not allow throttle control. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic...
Car has P0441 (emission code),mechanic states it could cost from $50-$700, it has multiple things wrong, where to begin?
This trouble code relates to a purge flow malfunction. The evaporative emissions purge valve takes fuel vapors in the tank and introduces them into the engine in an effort to reduce emissions. The problem can be as simple as the...
Hi thanks for this chance. Based on auto indicator I took my car for service. I had to pay $586
In my opinion, I don't believe that you were cheated. These seem like fairly standard prices for those services. If you would like a point of comparison, you can enter your vehicle information and the same services into our estimator...
Clutch problem 1991 Acura Integra
Hi there - if in fact your transmission is still locked in gear, this would be the correct behavior. If the shifter linkage (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/3-essential-things-to-know-about-your-car-s-gear-shifter) has failed with the transmission still in gear; or the clutch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/how-does-a-clutch-engage-and-disengage) is dragging or the...
Can I used an ignition coil with the primary resistance per spec but the secondary with lower resistance.
Hi there. To properly repair your vehicle you need to use the correct ignition coil. If you do not use the right coil then it either will not work or it can damage the circuit and the computer. The resistance...
Related articles
How Do Underbody Car Lights Work?
Your Your car has a number of important lights on it – headlights, turn signals, taillights, brake lights, running lights, and more. However, your options aren’t limited to what was installed by the automaker. You can install aftermarket taillights and...
Symptoms of Bad or Failing Battery Terminal Ends
If you experience problems starting and powering the car or find corrosion on the battery terminals, you may need to replace the terminal ends.
How to Use a Battery Charger
Most Most people who have been around cars for a good chunk of their lives have experienced the hassle and inconvenience associated with a dead battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-handle-dead-battery-problems). Sometimes it simply happens in the owner’s driveway, which is really the best...
Browse other content
Estimates
Maintenance