I was trying to unbolt the alternator and while i was turning the bolt, on the other side there is this metal peice and i did not notice it spinning while i was turning it and it snapped this green sensor thingy behind and below the alternator. now the car cranks and starts up much slower than usual and it backfires alot more than usual. what is this? is this important? do i need to replace it ASAP? how can i replace it?

 

water temp sensor

 

That is your cold start sensor. It sends a signal to your ecu telling it to run rich or lean depending on your car's temp. At least that's what I was told. You need one of those sensors. There are a few people around that may have em. I think BlueTII may have some extras for sale.

 

i have a brand new one for $40. if you can't fix the one you have, you can buy mine if you'd like. it's an important sensor.

 

not to be an ***, but the water level sensor is on the radiator.
http://www.mazdatrix.com/b8.htm
you're not being an *** if you correct someone. though if you try and you're wrong, then you look like an ***. its a funny system.
the location he described perfectly (and even the color!) is the water thermosensor which costs $40 new at the dealership.

the sensor below the back of the alternator and behind the waterpump is the water thermosensor, the sensor on top of the radiator is the water level, and i believe the sensor in the iron is for your temp gauge.

 

^winner!!

water temp sensor= on the block near oil pressure sender
water thermosensor= back of waterpump housing
water level sensor= top of radiator.

 

cute but 2nd gens have 2 level sensors not temp sensors sorry for the up roar

 

No, they don't.

There is one level sensor at the top of the rad.

There is a temp sensor at the water pump housing, which is the sensor the ECU relies on to adjust the fuel mixture.

Finally, there is a temp sensor on the rear iron with is used for the temp gauge in the cluster.

I deleted your original post due to misinformation.

 

yea, aaron, but now it looks like jeff20b is mocking me. heh.

 

OK, fixed.