Bob won't buy booze for George W's daughter either

I have a 92 Miata, special edition, with 70k miles.

My problem is the flashing airbag light, which has been flashing for over two years but I passed my inspection nevertheless, it's Texas you know! Now I am in DC for one month and I can't have inspection sticker unless I have my airbag fix! I went to Mazda this morning and after 69 bucks worth of groping around they gave me the bad news they have to replace the airbag electronic module. Total cost $1,100. $500 for module, $600 to remove the whole dash board and put it in. My question how can I stop the flashing of the light? There are a host of wires and connectors under the steering column but I don't know which would disable the light. I don't care about the airbag, it has been known to kill and do damage to people...so please give advice (websites, manual...)

I'm deeply grateful for your time and help.

Nick Tran, DC, USA

I strongly suspect you're not going to be quite as grateful when you're done reading this.

I'm afraid I haven't got a sliding scale of morality to fall back on which will help you. I'm no fan of airbags, but I'm less of a fan of breaking the law. Even United States law. Conspiring with someone else to violate the statutes of a free democracy is especially repellant to me, even when I may, as an individual, disagree with such legislation.

Don't get the idea I am implying I should be eligible for sainthood. Quite the contrary, in fact. I've tweaked cars in contravention of both State and Federal law (in the area of emissions, although I've only removed the cat on one car, then replaced it when I realized the meager improvement wasn't worth the bother), but only my own cars and I have always been ready and willing to cop any and all heat for these transgressions. But I'm not predisposed to assist others to get on the wrong side of the law. In the case of an airbag, factor in the danger of dealing with a pyrotechnic (and explosive) device which is deserving of far more respect than it usually gets from shade tree mechanics and in my book and you are, to use a threadbare adage, on your own.

After I showed your letter to WifeKaren, she came up with two ways of solving your problem, neither of which required much more than a screwdriver and some lateral thinking. This clearly implies to me that the situation you are encountering demands no specialized knowledge (which is not meant as a slight against you or She Who Must Be Obeyed), since Karen's paucity of mechanical aptitude towards cars is legend on three continents. As is her elevated level of that uncommon commodity, common sense. Surely you can figure out one solution - albeit temporary - to the problem as adroitly she can.

Best of luck to you.

bwob

You sure shouldn't name him 'Bwob'

In 1989, I was in the midst of purchasing a Honda Accord, when I stepped into the adjoining Mazda showroom and was mesmerized by the white, sparkling Miata which seductively beckoned me to take a seat. I drove it home that evening and have been a most loyal Miata fan ever since. In fact, I've since married and had two daughters; Jill Miata Cervantes (age 8) and Claire Miata Cervantes (age 6.) My question since "Miata" ends in an "a", it sounds most appropriate as a middle name for a baby girl...what do you suggest we name our next child if it's a boy?

Joy Cervantes, San Antonio, TX USA

That's easy. Toshihiko.

bwob

Bob, I have seen many questions from people stating "Why is my air bag light blinking while I drive?" and so forth. I have seen the same problem with my 91 white Miata. As I am a mechanic and an electronics tech I searched out for the fault. Mine is attributed to the aftermarket alarm system that was installed in my car before I bought it. Somewhere in the wiring between the car and the alarm it was either installed incorrectly or the internal monitoring done by the alarm system is causing the onboard computer to send a pulsing signal to the airbag sensing circuit. I have for right now disabled the alarm and the air bag system is working properly and I have no problems. I would suggest that if others that are having this problem and also have an aftermarket alarm to put them into bypass mode to see if the problem disappears. If this is the case for others I suggest that they take it to a "competent" mechanic for correction. I used to install alarms and car stereos for a living and now work on computer controlled industrial equipment so I am pretty confident in my own work but, as is always true, "If there is doubt take it to a professional". I hope that this helps.

Steve Dawson, Texas United States

This may help to clear up some of the blinking air bag warning light problems people have been having. Or at least make them more understandable. But it is no excuse for not getting the car to a Mazda mechanic ASAP. That is simple common sense.

bwob

The Ongoing Cost of Ownership

Hello Bob. I have a 1990 Miata with a plastic rear window challenge. It appears to have been originally sewn in place but the stitching has degraded over time. As a result it has fallen away from the top in many places and I am looking for a way of gluing/fastening it in for another season. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you. 

Brian Gilchrist, Cranbrook/BC/Canada

With a 1990 Miata - more than a decade old - and a rear window going south, you no more glue or fix it than you would replace a bent lower control arm from the suspension with an unbent one which is rusty. After ten years the least your car deserves is a new rear window, if not a new top. Yes, there's expense involved, but that's part and parcel of convertible ownership. Just as changing underwear is part of living in society.

bwob

The first 15 percent of 'Twenty Questions'

First, I just wanted to tell you thanks for inspiring Mazda to build the little sports car that's been a source of major enjoyment to me! I've wanted one for over 10 years now, but due to a lot of reasons, mainly advice from people who meant well but knew nothing about Miatas themselves, I never bought one--until now. I'm now the happy owner of a '97 M Edition, and I can't imagine ever parting with it, except maybe for another Miata! I've got three questions for you (1) do you have a favorite year/type/color/edition of Miata, in other words is there one that stands out as just a little bit better or special to you? (2) any advice you'd give Mazda at this point on where to take the Miata from here? And most importantly, (3) I've only been around here for a few months now, and maybe I missed something, but why do you sign your messages with "byob"?

Terry Beavan, Jacksonville, FL USA

Thank YOU for the support, firstly to Mazda and much, much later to me. Three questions? That's 17 less than you usually get while you're in the hot seat (with or without Wally George), so here goes...

1] Easy one, though with a qualifier or two. All time favorite Miata vintage is 1992. The specific model is equally easy, a package A car, but color is a problem. My two favorite colors for the Miata are Mariner Blue and Sunburst Yellow, and 1992 was the only year both were offered. If I had to pick between the two on equal (equipment, mileage and condition) the result would rely upon a coin toss. If there was a disparity in specification, the decision would go to the one with a hardtop, however I'd be happy with either. The only fiddles I'd make would be Jackson Racing's suspension kit with adjustable Sport Konis residing at each corner (replacing all the suspension bushings at the same time), a set of Irmscher 11-spoke alloy wheels (there's a set stored in my brother's Californian garage for just such an eventuality) shod with a set of Uniroyal RTT-2 tires. What would toss this choice into the rubbish bin would be the chance to buy the 1991 Ice Green color test car or Bonnie Lutz's 1991 package B Sunburst Yellow sample car. Either would get the same minor alterations as a blue or yellow 1992. But the opportunity to grab either the Ice Green or yellow 1991 would be pretty slim.

2] Yes "not very far". If anything, the car is losing some of the depth of its appeal, as the focus seems to be more and more on leather-lined, chrome-wheeled cars for middle-aged bozos like me (why don't I want one then?), losing track of the fact it's still a damn good sports car. With the all-new car I'd wage a 'take no prisoners' a war on weight - which Kijima-san is certainly doing - and reintroduce (in North America and Australasia) the 1.6 in its present Japanese 125hp guise as base engine, kill the 1.8 and let premier status go to the new 2.0 engine. Additionally, I'd be fried in canola oil before I'd let 'em make it much larger, put in a power top or otherwise water down its absurdly healthy gene pool.

3] I don't. I sign off...

bwob

Miata - a six-free zone

I for some reason am certain that there was a Miata available with a 6 cylinder engine somewhere between 96 and 99. I remember my friend having one with some badging with a "6" in the rear. I am probably wrong, but I would appreciate your reply to help settle the bet. Thank you very much!

Dominic Massignan, Bay City, MI

Nope. The only major mechanical variations seen 'Stateside have been the replacement of the original 1.6 litre four with a 1.8 litre one with the arrival of the 1994 model year cars and the addition of a VVT head to 2001 model year cars. While 1.6 litre versions are offered in some markets, all Miatas are four-cylinder cars. At least that's the only way Mazda makes 'em. As for engine swaps, anybody with a torch hot enough and pockets deep enough can replace the four with something featuring more cylinders. Though in my book they stop being Miatas when that happens.

Badges are even easier to stick on, with no cutting or tools needed.

bwob

Be comfortable with safety

Bob, I am a proud owner of a '90 Miata which, true to form, requires nothing more than a regular oil change and basic service and is in fine shape.

My one concern is safety. While I realize that a car with a tiny wheel base will never win an argument with an SUV, I have been considering buying a newer Miata in order to get a 'stronger' body and anti-lock brakes. Do you think the newer Miatas are appreciably safer? Thanks.

Kate, Atlanta, GA

Kate, I can't really answer that. Car safety is a very personal thing, since it will manifest itself with you every moment you are behind the wheel. Only you know what your comfort levels are while driving, and you have to live with any disruption of same, not me.

I am a firm believer that the most important safety device in any car is the driver, so things like ABS aren't much of a factor for me in a new car which meets all legal requirements for sale, be it a Miata, Mercury or Mercedes. I was also taught to drive in a pre-ABS world, so I am in fact less comfortable with ABS than in a car without it. See what I mean about comfort levels? There probably aren't a lot like me in this regard.

Sure, there are those who've argued with me along the lines of 'what if I get hit by a big SUV or pick up"? to which I reply "what if you get hit by an 18-wheeler while in a big SUV or pick up?". There are things which are worth worrying about to all of us, and things not worthy of the effort. Comfort levels again.

If you feel uncomfortable in your current car (regardless as to what it is) you might want to consider if something new would make you feel better. Consider it a form of 'risk assessment', since any discomfort you have with the car could very well manifest itself behind the wheel. But like choosing a friend, it's something which only you can do using your own criteria.

I'm sorry I wasn't more help Kate.

bwob

The price is right, but the postage will kill 'ya

My nephew came to visit and totaled my 1990 Miata. I got it from the insurance company, low mileage ,rear damage need body only can you help? red,hard top,power pkg.

Francis Landry, Houston Texas

Not really, unless you want an Australian car. The fact the steering wheel is on the right hand side would be unique, though it'd make passing a truck a real adventure. And the cost of shipping to a West Coast port of entry would be about as much as buying a used 1993 Miata, which would reduce the value by a large degree. You might want to do a little scouting in your own locality. I'm afraid that here in Sydney information on rebuildable wrecks located in the Lone Star State is, well, a bit scarce. Sort of like finding native Koalas in the Texas Alps.

You know, this might be a good time to drop in on the local Miata club chapter and see if some of the mob in the Houston club might know of a possible donor car. One with the steering wheel on the 'proper' side.

bwob

Let's tighten up things around here

2 questions for ya. First of all, why does your name have a "w" in it?

Second, I have a '92 Miata, and according to the maintenance schedules, it is recommended to tighten "Bolts and nuts on the chassis and body" every 30K miles. I have never seen any mention of this on Miata.net and it seems to be rare that anyone actually does this. Are you familiar with this recommended maintenance, and if so, more specifically, what bolts and nuts are they referring to?

Need to tighten my nuts,

Yanitz, Los Angeles, CA

Last question first the idea of tightening "bolts and nuts on the chassis and body" is worded in a fascinating way, as the Miata has no chassis. I suspect the use of the word 'chassis' is meant in a somewhat vague manner, indicating the suspension and driveline components rather than a separate, supporting chassis structure. If this is indeed the case (and I'm presupposing here) it is always a good thing to take a look underneath and make sure nothing has loosen up with age and/or vibration. In the bad old days, mechanics would do that as a matter of course with the frequent servicing and replacement intervals, but perhaps with maintenance being required less and less, somebody thought it'd be a real good idea to make a dedicated check for anything backing off. Especially now that cars don't go in for a chassis lube every 5000 miles.

First question last because it looks better (and is easier to pronounce) than with a 'q' in there.

bwob

Join the club. Or at least drop in and say 'hi'

Help! I love my 91 Miata but it needs some tender loving care. With 106k miles on it I need to make some decisions. I bought it in 96 and it had been lowered, supposedly in Germany. This guy was in the Air Force. Anyway, the car is riding squirrelly. It could be the alignment and tires but it might be the shocks. First off who can I trust in this area? I am 30 miles from Escondido; 60 to San Diego. Do you know of anybody in the area? Next how much should I spend to get her back in shape? How long will the engine last typically? I change the fluids regularly.

Kevin Babb, Temecula, CA, USA

Despite living in Dana Point for 11 years, I can't give you the name of a single shop or individual I could recommend you take your car to in the greater San Diego area. However, inasmuch as you do live in the area of one of the best local Miata Club Chapters in the known Universe (The aptly named San Diego Miata Club), it might be worthwhile to drop in on those blokes the next time they're having a get-together, make like you're considering joining up, and eventually steer the conversation to a good (and trustworthy) wrench in the area. That's what I'd be doing, though I say that with a modicum of experience. It worked well when I moved from Dana Point to Sydney.

As for how much you should spend to get the car put right, that depends more on you (especially the depth of your pockets) than me. It's also probably a good deal to factor the car in there as well, since it may require $50, $500 or $5000. I couldn't even begin to make a guess without a look and a steer.

As for how long the engine will last, it's all well and good that you're changing the liquids regularly (which I hope means oil every 3000mi OR 90 days, whichever comes first), but how the car was treated in its first 10,000 to 20,000 miles has a far, far greater effect on engine durability than subsequent babying. Sort of a 'as the twig is bent' kinda story. This is the reason I won't buy any used car without a full and verified service history unless it's my intention to do a rebuild or ungodly transplant of some sort.

In the meantime I'd be checking to see when the next get-together for the San Diego Miata Club is. they're listed with the rest of the local chapters at Miata.net.

bwob

Friends don't let friends drive Volvos

This is a serious question so I hope you can help. My wife, an avid Miata.net enthusiast, was reading one of your missives about balance vs. boost when she suddenly burst into tears, jumped up and ran into the garage, screaming, "The guilt! The shame!" I followed her out just in time to see her tear the turbocharger from her '96 Volvo T5 Wagon and pitch it in the garbage can, screaming, "All I wanted was to be blown... not to be off balance!"

What do you think, is she on the right track, is there something wrong with her inner ear or is she just in need of sexual counseling? Please help.

Boostless in Seattle
Mike !, Oh... I lived in Detroit for a while once...

"Volvo wagon" and "balance" used in the same sentence. How droll. I shall have to put that in The Book.

The only help I can offer is to belabor the obvious and point out that if you have a Miata you really oughta get out in it more often.

bwob

How similar do you think the 2002 Miata is going to be to the model that was displayed in the 2001 car show? Please reply in layman's terms. I know VERY little about cars but I'm in love with the Miata! Thanks, Yvette

Yvette Alvarez-Buylla, Miami/FL/USA

Inasmuch as the NB8B launched with the 2001 model year was a pretty big minor makeover (as these things go), changes between the 2001 and 2002 US cars are likely to be pretty few and far between. Expect some shuffling of the color palette (dumping slow-selling colors, perhaps adding a revised shade or two), but not a heck of a lot more.

bwob

25 percent of 'Twenty Questions', Mark II

Bob, be forewarned - I have several questions and comments. My first question is about Miata etiquette. When I pass a Miata, I feel compelled to acknowledge the meeting with a friendly wave or beep. However, not all drivers are as amicable as I. Are these people stuck up or are all Miata owners not as proud of their vehicle as I am?

Second, I continuously get harassed because my Miata is an automatic. How much better is a stick shift? Frankly, letting the car do all the work allows me to sit back and enjoy the ride. What is the obsession with people modifying their Miata? Spoilers? Stripes? Big dumb looking wheels and loud radios? Why mess with perfection?? I hate seeing these cars on the road and think the owners should buy a Honda.

Next Q is Montego Blue exclusively a Mazda color?

Finally, I had a traumatic experience the other day. I was driving when suddenly I came across a construction zone. There was about a 5 mile span of torn up road that left the hood of my Miata strewn with dozens of stone chips. Is the paint that fragile? Any advice on fixing the chips? Thanks for your help and I apologize for the length (and lack of importance) of this posting!

Sharon, Lewes, Delaware, USA

Wow, a barrage. Okeh, here goes...

I've given up attempting to second-guess Miata owners I see approaching in oncoming traffic. Maybe they're just self-involved or (potentially worse) blissfully unaware of their surroundings like far too many other drivers. I'm certain there are a percentage of those who feel they're 'above' all that (look for windows up and top down on a sunny day as well as gold badges and chrome wheels), loose in the highway mix. Still, I manage a subdued wave when I see another Miata approaching. The kind which could be taken as an attempt to shoo a fly away if somebody else sees me and doesn't understand.

Don't worry about what others think. I have never had enough money that I can take into account what other people will think when I buy a car, so I buy it just for me. I know I'm a selfish bastard in this respect. But I sure love it. Inasmuch as my wife cannot drive an automatic, I've never owned a Miata self-shifter, and my seat time in one has been of such limited duration I really haven't formed an opinion of them one way or another. I just like the manual transmission Miata's 'snick-snick' gearchange so much I'd never go to an automatic unless I lost my left leg in a bathing accident.

I suppose it's personalization to a degree (at least the cosmetic part), but the mindless quest for horsepower - which I strongly suspect has to serve as a testosterone substitute for many owners - is the part I cannot fathom. I'll be the first person to admit the Miata isn't perfect by any means (there are a number of changes I would have made in the car from Day One, though support was sadly lacking), the car's raison d'etre has nothing to do with straight line performance or horsepower output but balance. That's a somewhat abstract concept to grasp, especially for knuckle-draggers. But I'm starting to getting nasty here so let's move on to the next question...

Named Montego Blue and that specific hue and value was indeed an exclusive color to Mazda for about three years. The color first showed up on the RX-7, then was used for the Miata for about 20 months in addition to the RX-7. The color is rather similar to - though not an exact mach for - Petrol Blue as used on Porsche's 928 circa 1978-80.

It's not so much that the paint is fragile, but it's the double whammy of the sloping nose and low geometric orientation of same which exposes it to more potential stone chip damage than most other cars. Especially if you don't leave a whole bunch of real estate between you and the car(s) ahead.

Don't worry about the length of the questions Sharon, since I don't worry about the length of the replies I send out. Though I probably should every now and again.

bwob

What? No V8 or Orange County gold pack?

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your input to Miata.net and for your wonderful sense of wit.

I've been fortunate enough to own and drive a line of sports cars beginning with a '71 Triumph GT6 and followed by an '81 RX7, an '87 RX7, a '94 Miata and now a '99 Miata. My question is What, in your opinion, are the criteria that make a car a "sports car"?

Roger White, Kaysville, UT, USA

The criteria as to what makes a sports car (and a good one) isn't all that much different to other types of vehicle, but it's the ratio of ingredients and how they're combined that makes all the difference. In no particular order the key ingredients are compact size, crisp throttle response, direct steering, a chassis which reacts quickly and resolutely in transient maneuvers and it should be affordable. Now those ingredients, when properly measured and blended, should provide the following characteristics...

• It should be peppy and responsive (though this doesn't necessarily mean fast).
• It should go right where it's pointed and be awfully fun to drive (though this doesn't mean it has to pull 1.1 lateral Gs).
• It should have controls which are nicely balanced, and have a direct feel to them - not attenuated in any way, but they must not be heavy either.
• It should feel smaller than it actually is.
• It should feel faster than it actually is.
• It should have an exhaust note which is sufficiently enjoyable it won't matter if you forgot the radio anti-theft code after you put a new battery in it.
• It should make you want to take the long way home.
• It should be as capable a cruiser as it is a sprinter. Comfortable over long distances as well.
• It should have the potential to cause disharmony in marital relationships until your spouse drives it. After that, they'll understand.
• It should be sufficiently habitable and practical that you are able to live with it and use it every day of your life.
• It should put a grin on your face every time you drive it.

Those are the 'minimums' as far as I'm concerned. There are bonus points available if...

• It does all the above with a minimum of unproven technology or unneeded complexity (mechanical or electronic).
• Metallic or Mica paint, chrome wheels and gold badges are not factory fitted.
• It's economical.
• It pollutes an absolute minimum.
• It makes you smile to look at it.
• It turns other people's heads.
• It hasn't got a top.

So that's what counts to me and as a result forms the basis of what a sports car is to me. I'll be the first to admit the Miata isn't a perfect scorer in my book, but the compromises made are minor enough that it is able to sit at the top of my list. I also admit to being utterly and completely biased.

bwob