Yesterday I took the alternator out and finally tore enough stuff out to get to the thermoswitch and thermosensor. It took forever to figure out how to access the sensors, and which tools would actually work in these tight areas.

So I removed the top sensor (thermoswitch?) then removed the bottom sensor (thermosensor?). I put the new bottom sensor in and put the connector back on. As I'm ready to move to the top sensor I notice a wire hanging with just a bare end on it (connected to nothing). Just for curiousity I pulled the bottom sensor connector back off to check. Low and behold the wire broke right at the back end of the connector. The wire is very brittle at the point where it meets the sensor, I didn't yank on it or anything.

Needless to say, I was a bit discouraged, thinking that a new connector may be difficult to impossible to come by, plus I have to just let the car sit as is until I figure out a fix. I tried to take the back off the connector so I could splice a new wire on, but all I managed to do was to slightly damage the connector.

I'm going to call Ray Crowe on Monday to see if he can still get a connector like this. Does anybody have any constructive ideas for me? Or just wait and call Ray? Thanks.

- Jason (a.k.a. JyRO)

 

I'd get a pic of it posted up. Finding a replacement connector shouldn't be too hard - easiest would be getting one off of someone with a cut or damaged harness.

I don't think Mazda has individual connectors, which sucks. May also have some luck at a pick-and-pull junkyard - I've found quite a few connectors off other 90's Mazdas that work on our cars.

Dale

 

Solder in new wire to the connector then add a GM weather pac connector to the harness . I love those things .Cost about $ 4 at the auto parts store .With the tool that you use on them , the wires come out so easy , unlike stock Connectors . You can pull the clip out of the stock connector and solder a new wire on .