The stock wiring is
getting old and brittle. This leads to corrosion of the wires and
connections, and the possibility of the wires failing internally!
This can lead to countless headaches trying to diagnose electrical
problems. We recommend using the Mazda service manual and using the
input/output table in section 4B to spec all wires going in and out of the stock
ECU.
Wires that most likely fail are those that run along side the
passenger strut tower in the engine bay. Due to the close proximity of the
stock turbocharger, the increased heat of the turbo just accelerates wear and
damage on the wires in this location.
Another source of problems for the
engine wiring harness is right behind the alternator. There is a retaining
nut for the alternator that has a built-in clamp that secures the engine wiring
harness. The clamp will sometimes get loose and rub against the engine
wiring harness running beneath it. If the clamp rubs through the engine
wiring harness, it will cause a short circuit.
Questions? Comments? Send mail to:
reted@fc3spro.com
10/04/2002