Needle Jump or Sweep?

Technical Area Electrics & ICE
1
  1. My model of MX-5 is: 2012 (NC3.5)
  2. I’m based near: Northampton
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Dashboard Dials

Simple question; are the dials on the dashboard supposed to do a full sweep when the ignition is first switched on? I’m mostly used to motorcycles where that’s part of the startup/self-test process, and the limp little twitch that the dials on my new (to me) car make seems…broken.

But some forum posts here seem to imply that actually, the ‘twitch’ behaviour is normal, and a full sweep would actually indicate a problem! Can someone confirm either way so that I can stop worrying?

Thanks!
Nick

3

Really?

On both my NCs (2008, 2014) they just did/do the little kick, (checked the current one a minute ago).

The only time I remember seeing full sweeps was because the original battery was dying with voltage too low and not enough current capacity for a start even after a charge.
Then it was lots of full sweeps and flashing lights and beeps - it rather focussed ones attention that there might be a slight problem with the car…

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Huh, I guess that answers it! It never occurred to me that the limp little twitch was the ‘healthy’ behaviour! :rofl:

If it’s not broke, I can quit trying to fix it. :slight_smile:

Thanks, @RichardFX !

Nick

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