Today's event was a broken belt -- the one for the alternator/water pump.

While pulling out the bits and pieces of the old belt, I find a broken wire about a foot long, three colors. Searching the bay, I see one end of the broken wire in the very center of the 2nd photo. Just to the right of the pulley and maybe from behind the ac compressor? The compressor was recently installed so it might have something to do with it or have been moved around during install.

Any help, as always -- will be appreciated.

 

This might help

 

It's either the wiring for the OMP (which runs under the water pump) or the wiring to the CAS. Pull your IC out to get room to investigate.

If it's the OMP, I'd just get a good used one and replace it. The wiring is integral to the OMP.

Dale

 

I agree with Dale....that insulation looks like the OMPs

 

If it is the OMP, should I go to pre-mix. I'm guessing that if the wire is cut, the pump won't be working-- or is it the other way and it will be "overworking"?

Dale, did you mean to replace the OMP or just the wiring?

Thanks for any input.

 

Better pix of "colors" of wiring

 

So, if this is the wiring from the positioning sensor to the Oil Metering Pump, what happens when the wires are cut? Am I at risk for a limp mode?

Bought new belts tonight, but when they go on, I'm still without the signals that these wires carry wherever.

Any thought would be helpful.

 

If those wires are cut then the OMP wont be getting a signal from the ecu causing the incorrect amount of oil being injected (If any oil at all) into the motor causing a loss of lubrication. If I am thinking of the correct wires here, you should be able to just unplug it from the OMP and from the main harness and replace it.

 

If your ecu is stock then yes, your car will go into limp mode. If I recall your car will drive safely out of boost however your ignition tables will be whacky as well as your fuel.

-David Guy

 

Any idea "where" the wire plugs into the main harness?

I have a pix of an OMP that shows a gray plug at the pump and a black plug that I'm guessing goes into the harness somewhere down low.

Thanks for the help.

 

That wiring runs from the OMP underneath the water pump housing and comes up to a large plug that's near the oil fill neck.

I would get down in there and investigate, if that wiring got damaged it's also possible the plastic OMP lines got damaged. They run right along with the OMP wiring.

I think if you pull the intercooler and airbox out for room you'll have plenty of room to investigate and repair. I can't remember if the wiring harness to the OMP plugs in or not, you might be ahead of the game just getting a whole used OMP from somebody and having it on hand. It really shouldn't be that crazy to fix this.

If the OMP oil lines are compromised, that gets to be a pain, you'll have to pull the rat's nest to get enough room to replace them. I'm a fan of the Mazda OEM lines, they're reasonably priced, fit great, and last for damn ever. The stainless lines are a bitch to route, cost more, and may or may not last as long. IMHO it's not worth it.

Dale

 

OK, I traced the remaining wires both ways.

The one wire that has been eliminated was the 3 wire strand (pictured). The other wire group is still intact from the OMP to the harness.

So, what does the 3-wire part do and what impact will it have being "off-line"?

I have an OMP on the way, so I will be able to replace the compromised one, but What are my risks in the interim?

As always, Thanks for any help.

 

OMP on it's way

shipped ups ground today

no risk just run lots of premix. 1/2 ounce of really good stuff/synthetic per gallon or 1 oz of cheap stuff per gallon.

 

Thanks Fritz -- I'll pick up a new O ring and should be ready to get it in.