2 questions for you experts that I think would take me forever to find in a search because it would be so vague:

1.) Seems my instrument lighting goes off randomly (i.e. check engine light, ABS light, red dots on temp and oil pressure). Two examples for ya. Picking the car up and driving it home 3 weeks ago the check engine light went on twice after starting back up after rest breaks. Never seen it since. Second example, today I started her up and the red lights on temp and press were on plus the ABS. As soon as I tapped the gas they went off. Good this be just some kind of instrumentation glitch/short??

2.) Haven't driven the car much because I'm waiting for my part/appointment to take it in for a tune up and FPD replacement. I start it up every couple of days when I have waxed it, just to get her flowing again. I noticed quite a bit of smoke for more than a minute or two the last two times. Wasn't oil type smoke, more like typical exhaust smoke you see in the morning on all cars when it is cold out. it goes away after the car runs a typical vehicles warmup time. BTW, no leaking on the pavement of anything under the car at all. Is this just something related to it sitting for a couple days with out starting? IMO it doesn't seem like it is "engine problem" related (knock on wood). I'm having a coolant flush doen as part of the tune up so I'm sure if there is a problem they should see it there right?

Thanks guys for any input. Like I said, these two questions would be very hard to find via search. "smoke at startup" and "instrument lighting" would leave me reading for days!!

 

The check engine light going on could be caused by any number of codes or faults reported by the ECU. The last time I looked, there are something like 73 + fault codes covered by the "engine-check-light" alone. However, if the "idiot- lights" are winking on then off again, Perhaps your low engine oil level sensor and coolant sensor are reporting deficiencies in oil and coolant levels. Suggest you check this out.

Also, You didn't state how many miles are on your engine & car. This information is important.

The exhaust smoke and vapor cloud (my term) on initial startup following extended down time may be nothing or it may evidence of a failing coolant seal. Again that's hard to tell based on your limited information.

Do you routinely check the coolant level when the engine is cold prior to initial startup? Loss of coolant in the system could indicate a possible leak somewhere or a failing coolant seal, in which case you'd see a significant vapor cloud on startup. This would disappear as the engine reaches normal operating temperatures.

If you have a Mazda service manual look up information on using the diagnostic bus, which is located behind your battery on the drivers side fender wheel of the engine bay. However, this is only necessary if the engine check light comes on and stays on. Bottom line is you have to trust your instrumentation and check the indicated problem areas. It'll save a large repair bill in the long run

Good luck

Rich

 

Thanks Rich, sorry about forgetting the year and mileage. It is a 1994 base, with 63,400 miles.