Kinbote

2006AT (the 6 speed). Since yesterday, I've had the following happen three times:

The speedometer shows 0, the ABS, hand brake, steering, CEL and AT warning lights all come on and the power steering stops working. (I realise there are a lot of power steering topics here but others don't seem to be having the combination of problems, so I'm assuming, perhaps wrongly, that my problem isn't the same as theirs.)

After it happened the first time, I checked the fuses and found a loose connection which I tightened up. It seemed to be fixed but it happened again twice today for a couple of minutes each time, then went back to normal, and all during ordinary, smooth driving.

The CEL light is still on (not blinking), and I have a knockoff code reader but it's not working now; seems like it's not powering up completely, and I'm not sure if that's because it's a cheap knockoff that's died on me or if that's another symptom.

I'm not having any starting issues and the battery is only about 6 months old.

Anyone know what might be the problem?

TIA

Williard

iTrader: (18)

Kin,

What you described sounds like one of a few common issue's that could be happening. First and foremost, make sure your battery terminals are completely clean and free of any debris.

Next would be to check your main ground (Negative to Chassis). Make sure it's not broken and you have a good solid clean connection.

Go through the rest of your grounds as well to be sure they are all clean and secure.
My reasoning is normally when you have something effecting multiple systems as it is now, it's a grounding problem.

Another issue could be the alternator giving signs of it going bad. Usually it will happen a few times where all/most of the dash lights come on and have one or more failures sporadically over a brief period of time, then it fails completely. I would work my way through this short list and check each point.

You can pull the alternator and have it tested at any auto parts store. Just so you know, if they test it and the diode comes back N/A- It is bad, I dont care what the parts guy says, it's bad.

Repost once your complete and see where you stand.

Travis.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

This, and it doesn't mean just glancing at them. disconnect them and ensure both clamps and posts are completely clean before you reconnect.

Kinbote

Thanks for the replies.

I tried all the suggestions, checked the alternator and still couldn't find anything obviously wrong, so I took it to an auto electrician to pull the code, and apparently the ABS controller is periodically not communicating with the ECU, which he said can cause all the other problems as well.

The wiring seems okay so I'm assuming it's the unit itself. Mazda quoted me NZ$1560 (about US$1300) for a new one, lol... will probably shop around a bit.

Red line envy

Bump haha. No seriously I had an issue today with the 8. Here's my story of today. Me and the family (wife and two kids) drove about 1.5 hours to a place called magic mountain (it's a waterpark). We stayed and the park a few hours until lunch. And since covid they closed the food stands in the park so there it's only junk food. Sooo we leave and grab some food elsewhere (A&W). We drive back to the park for more fun and the car is working great and it has been. We leave to head home eventually and when I start the car the steering light is on. I'm thinking WTF cause I had fixed it weeks ago. Screw it I'm full of chlorine and my eyes burn because I have a habit of opening my eyes under water and I cant help it it just happens ok. Anyway I start driving and my steering works but my Speedo is not working. 😡Ok this has happened before last year. Pull over shut it down and restart it and should be fine ....... NOPE so ok car is driving fine, feels fine but the steering light is on and Speedo not working. I'm pissed and just start driving home and while on the highway the car would cut out and only come back if I lift off then press back in. Didn't happen often maybe 8 time on the whole drive. Any way I just got home and I'm planning on pulling the motor out tomorrow like I've been planning anyways. I did a few searches and this seemed closest to my problem. If anyone has anything else to add to the check list in this thread please post it. Thanks and sorry for the mini story.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

It’d be better to figure that out and repair it first. The last thing you want is trying to get a new engine up and running and also potentially be addressing that at the same time too. That wouldn’t be good imo.

Red line envy

Not a new engine. I've been running it since last year. About 9-10k km on it now. I've had the aux port and tuning valve codes. Aswell as refreshing throwout bearing. And a few other things.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

These sound like electrical problems, nothing to do with the engine itself. Battery, terminals, connectors, alternator, vreg, etc. Whatever the affected systems have in common.

Red line envy

Motor was out and back in within 8 hrs. Including cleaning checking and greasing electric connections and grounds. Clutch and throwout bearing inspection. Looks nice so just freshen up the bearing with some grease. Cleaned and tested the fuel injectors. Two were a lil clogged but opened up after a few pressurized cleaning cycles. I did find a couple weak electrical connections. Snip and re pinned back into the designated connector. And replaced the clutch flex line. Started up good went for a drive and it does feel different in a good way. And no issues so far.