Ask the Car People.SM


Mazda 323

448 messages,  Last post on Mar 11, 2013 at 12:18 PM

You are in the Mazda 323 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda 323, Hatchback

Messages Page 45 of 45

#439 of 448 New Mazda? by thevine

Dec 26, 2011 (1:29 pm)

I have considered a sporty little newer Mazda 3 hatch. Too bad the ford focus has such a lame interior & string wheel set up, or would consider that route as a much cheaper find. No footwork yet as a GEO Prizm aka toyota corolla is top notch current

#440 of 448 Re: New Mazda? [thevine] by girlcarbuilder

Dec 27, 2011 (5:50 am)

Replying to: thevine (Dec 26, 2011 1:29 pm)
I spent 3 years watching the Toyota Yaris hatchback. Engine has a timing chain.....no timing belt changes! WE currently have two in service at 30K. I would suggest reading my remarks on it. It is still high on my list as a purchase.

#441 of 448 Mazda 323 - 1997. Immobilizer System by viking88

Dec 04, 2012 (3:03 pm)

My problem is that the car is not starting any more.
 
The security light is not flashing; it is off. It should be flashing to indicate that the immobilizer system is activated.
 
When the key is turned and the ignition is ON, the security light is flashing - strong light. Turning the key further on to START does not start the engine.
 
According to the alternative procedure for deactivating the immobilizer, the key shall in short be turned on for ignition five time. Herein after one should wait for a number of flashes on the security light. The problem is that the security light is not flashing at all.
  
Have any experienced a similar problem? Any tips & tricks are welcome.
 
Thank you.
Kind regards,
 
Viking88

#442 of 448 backup lights switch connection in eng. comp. by papoh3

Dec 18, 2012 (8:28 pm)

Hi,--I'm new to the site, so please..bare with me. I have a 1989 323 hatchback 1.6 (base). My problem is that the vehicle never had backup lights since i bought it, but now I went and bought a switch because the old switch someone had cut the wires right at the switch.. so My problem is that I can not see in the engine compartment where the switch gets connected to. they are no connectors to match the connector on the switch. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you and happy holidays to all--with a very fruitfull new years.
Papoh3---

#443 of 448 Re: backup lights switch connection in eng. comp. [papoh3] by girlcarbuilder

Dec 19, 2012 (9:46 am)

Replying to: papoh3 (Dec 18, 2012 8:28 pm)
Okay, I do not know what transmission you have! I am not sure on the automatic, because we have a manual trans here. Most auto trans have the reverse light and the neutral shift switch right on the shifter assembly. That could be on top or front side of the unit. The manual is accessible from front below of car on drivers side.
 
Now, according to the factory wiring manual, it appears to have a wiring harness going to the front lower part of the transmission. I walked out and looked at the spare unit here. There is a switch there that you can reach from under neath. Also there is another switch near the shifter, I suspect it may be the netraul safety switch? Odd. Never had to deal with it in 314K miles.
 
Anyway, I checked the circuit layout. It has fuse, switch and light bulbs...period and simple enough! So if you can light the bulbs with a jumper and have 12 volts at the cut wire from underneath, good. Two conductors involved. You may have to come up with some kind of tab connectors, male/female as it applies. I recommend you soldier it and cover with heat shrink tubing. Before applying 12 volts to the back lights, you may want to be sure with an ohm meter that nothing is shorted out in the back.

#445 of 448 The end of our 323 by sschmid

Dec 05, 2012 (8:48 am)

What a great little car this was. But sadly rust has beated it. It will no longer pass inspection. We tried several stations! The engine is as peppy as the day we got it 8 year and 100K ago. In those 8 years it went back and forth from NY to Fla.3 times with my son to college. Other than normal tune-ups and breaks and a new clutch it never gave us any trouble. We were sorry to have to drive it to the scrap yard where they gave us $275 for it. We bought this car hoping to have it last till my son graduated and got a job and a newer car that he could afford. He ended up getting 2 degrees while driving it an now can buy a new one. RIP lil blue mazda.

#446 of 448 I love this little car! by dependable

Mar 11, 2013 (9:55 am)

">This has been an incredible little car! I originally purchased it to get me by after I totalled a nice Acura (my fault) after 25 years of no accidents. I didn't want to make payments and could just pay cash for this car. That was several years ago. I really did plan on selling it shortly afterwards. However, it is the best little city car I could have ever asked for. I fill it up every other week, the insurance is $32 a month, and it keeps on going and going and going. It's great in the snow and great for getting around the city. Yes, it's a Go-Cart.

#447 of 448 Re: I love this little car! [dependable] by girlcarbuilder

Mar 11, 2013 (10:19 am)

Replying to: dependable (Mar 11, 2013 9:55 am)
yup.....we still have an 89 in service at 316K miles with 5 speed. Second driveline. The maintenance is touchy, but as long as it is carefully done it serves well. The little 323 comes out to play in winter time while the newer Toyota's go into storage for a rest.
 
Every time I bring her out she is happy to hit the bricks and run. When I put the cruise on.....she just purrs right along just fine. I expect she will easily hit 30 years of age and still be very serviceable. The only reason she has a local service restriction is because of her age and parts availability. She is very capable of hitting open interstate.
 
I met one of her sisters recently in Midwest City, OK. Just like her at 189K on original engine. Also a 5 speed. We have been sold on that driveline compliment for years now. 1.5/1.6 liter with a five speed. Even looking in junkyards, that is what i see that lasts and lasts. I would be surprised if you told me you had an automatic after all of these years without a major overhaul of the tranny.
 
Keep her.....check my old posts. I have factory manuals. You will find a lot written about the 86-89 years. A lot applies to the newer years as well. I still respond at times.
 
RIP to the above author car, "Little Blue" Our gray one now sports a blue hood after it took a deer out to lunch! I would rather use a smaller bullet next time!
 
Girlcarbuilder

#448 of 448 Re: I love this little car! [girlcarbuilder] by thevine

Mar 11, 2013 (12:18 pm)

Replying to: girlcarbuilder (Mar 11, 2013 10:19 am)
Ditto-passed my car onto a friend. He had to replace flywheel, his falt for bad starter job. A few months rest back on the road! Serves him well.
It does have auto tranny, but, not much over 110k and very tight. Temp sensitive to shift into overdrive when cold...and maybe some little periods on freeway. Infrequent, yet reoccurring.
Must be 15 yrs since purchase $500. I found some parts auction years back and stocked up slowly and installed for $200. and then the common distributor (sensor?) I forget but, only problems. 86,000 purchase.
Funny as I just noted post in e-mail as I was talking to him about the car...

Messages Page 45 of 45

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement