Intermittent starting issue

Technical Area Electrics & ICE
1
  1. My model of MX-5 is: NC 2008. 84,000 miles.
  2. I’m based near: Ipswich
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on intermittent starting problem.

Over the last eighteen months, there has been the odd occasion where the car would not start. No crank, and the red key shaped light on the dashboard would flash. Taking the key out, putting it back and trying gain would sort the issue.

A couple of weeks ago, it played this game again, but started after a couple of tries.

Today, it started as normal and I drove about 20 miles. Ten minutes later, it did not want to start - the ref key flashing when the key turned. Eventually it started. Two hours later, it started again, but a few minutes later refused to do so for probably 10-15 attempts. Back home, it refused to start at all for a while, and being at home I was able to try the other key which was no different. Half an hour later, it started first turn. Stop, remove key and try again and it didn’t want to know.
Being unreliable in that way makes the car unusable for practical purposes. I’ve trawled previous threads on similar and tbh I’m a tad concerned by how many places the problem may lie in and how much it’s going to cost to put right.
Can anyone suggest any quick-fixes to try before having to decide whether it’s worth putting any more money into it?

2

Off the cuff suggestion but check that the fuse box in the left footwell isn’t wet due to scuttle grommet leaks.

3

Is it related to the outside temperature

4

Not that I have noticed.

5

Thanks for this. Looks to be ok in that area. I did see an old post suggesting that changing a relay would sort it but it lacked detail to give a steer as to which one. The handbook offered nothing other than to ‘contact your dealer’. I find the Haynes manual as much use as a chocolate teapot as well.

6

This might help rather than the Haynes.
Pretty sure the 2008 is the same as the 06/07 cars.
https://www.mellens.net/mazda/Mazda-Miata-2006-2007/index.html

7

Thanks for this. Much appreciated. I will have a browse.