When trying to fix my oil level switch I find that the two wires connect to this cylinder that had one wire out. I do not see anything on the schematic diagram that indicates what this is. Does anyone have any ideas about this component and what is it’s purpose?

 

is it a 79-80? i think there is a bulletin about that. something to do with the oil level light

 

That's the oil leak catch system.
I'm not sure what the cylindrical black thing is, but....

 

Everything under the car has 40 years of grime on it except that thingy. Can you contact the previous owner? Looks like something he installed.

 

SA right? I think I have one too. Don't remember yet what it is.

 

This is an original part I just cleaned it off to take the picture, I have had this car since it was new. The schematic shows a switch but the factory service manual has a test for internal resistance of the oil level sensor but it shows nothing about this connection point. I am thinking it is possibly a capacitor component to damp the switching of the oil sensor so that the light will not flick on and off at the low level switch point. Any other ideas.

 

You look like you have an SA, so-
this capacitor-thingy is part of the oil-level warning sensor on the SA (only) models. FB unit is different. Mazda sold these as a complete component (they are now NLA),
PN 8341-10-730A

Stu A
80GS
AZ

 

Thanks for the diagram, any ideas what can be used in place of that sensor?

 

A threaded plug? and check your oil regularly. I hadto give up on mine yrs ago when the wire failed right at the connection to the pan unit.
Poor design.

Stu A
80GS
AZ

 

^^^That^^^ if you can pull a dipstick you don't need that contraption.