- My model of MX-5 is: 2006 NC 2.0 sport
- I’m based near: Glasgow
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: overheating causes
When does it overheat, driving or at idle? Motorway speeds or city driving?
2 Likes
Could be a few things, the thermostat would be the first port of call.
But needs more info to be fair.
Thanks for your replies, Guys.
Firstly, this car is seldom used. Recently in crawling traffic on a warmish day, which the car has never been in, the temp went to very nearly the highest level with a little steam from the expansion tank cap. All quickly returned to normal once moving. I suspected a sticking thermostat so I drove the car yesterday to warm it up well and temp was normal. Once home I let it tick over for nearly ½ an hour and the temp slowly went up to high. The radiator cooling fan never came on so now I am thinking that this is the problem. I am concerned that I might warp the cylinder head and ruin the engine. Having looked online and on MX5 owner’s forum, this could now become a very complicated electrics problem, for instance, as far as I can see there is no heat sensing switch for the fan to replace. I think I should now take the car for diagnostics testing before proceeding, however, your advice/diagnosis would be much appreciated.
I’d replace the thermostat and see how it behaves after that.
Further to the above, I remembered last night that I have a Haynes manual. (I’ve had it for ages…slap on the head for that!)
Anyway, so there IS a sensor below the windscreen behind the ‘service panel’. This can be removed and tested. The cooling system has to be drained. I think I will leave it to the experts. My days of car maintenance and a subsequent aching back are long over. Your comments are still welcome, though.
Thanks, Robbie. You are probably correct. I will book the car in and see what the work shop says. I will post here how things go.
You could buy a cheap OBD dongle and install the TORQUE app on your phone.
This way you can see what the ECU is reading from that sensor.
This is the dongle I use with the torque app on a Chinese head unit.
Thanks, Cbrdeano. Good thinking , snag is I don’t see a socket for this device under the dash or anywhere.
Perhaps my car is too old (2006)
Unless someone can tell me where to find it.
Update, Cbrdeano.
After a wee Google search which actually took me to MX5 owners club, and some physical contortioning, I found the socket, so thanks are due.
If I buy one of these where do I get the key to the codes? I’ll try Google again.
Yup, got the codes on Google.
Device now ordered. Fun ahead!
Sorry - been under the car most of the day - glad you found your answers.
Mine is also a 2006 NC1 Sport
Many thanks Cbrdeano.
I’ll let you know how things go. Can’t complain at less than a fiver for the blue tooth device even if it doesn’t oroduce a result.
Hopefully I will at least have saved some labour costs. My money is on a stuck stat.
The Diagnostic device was no help. Only cost a fiver, though.
My trusted garage have diagnosed a faulty fan as it failed to operate when they put a current through it.
I have had to wait until they found a used fan which will arrive and be fitted this week.
Result! …. I hope.
1 Like