LookyLeasy
Electrical, Battery & StartingDiscussionCommunity Starter

USB ports and wireless charging both quit

TrailDadCommunity StarterApr 9, 20261993 Mazda RX-7 TouringNew York
1993 Mazda RX-7 Touring, about 62,000 miles. Phone charging stopped on both the wireless pad and USB ports, but everything else in the cabin seems normal. Before I pull trim apart, are these usually on one fuse/module or separate circuits? I'd rather test this logically than start replacing parts.
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22 replies

TrailDadCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 9, 2026permalink
I went back under the 1993 Mazda RX-7 and it only happens after a heat soak, not on a cold start. Next check is the cheap one I can do in a driveway.
GarageNomadCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 9, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Move a coil or plug on the 1993 Mazda RX-7 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
PixelTraveler15Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 10, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: Two 1993 Mazda RX-7s can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. That's the branch I'd chase this week. On “usb ports and wireless charging both quit,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
PistonCollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 9, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 1993 Mazda RX-7, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
DetailTech81Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 9, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 1993 Mazda RX-7 does it — then decide on parts. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. On “usb ports and wireless charging both quit,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Did the worksheet show tax yet? Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
NewCarMilesCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 11, 2026permalink
Fair point. Counterpoint: Move a coil or plug on the 1993 Mazda RX-7 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. That's my plan before I call anyone.
TurboBuilder93Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 9, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 1993 Mazda RX-7, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. That's the branch I'd chase this week. On “usb ports and wireless charging both quit,” that was the fork that mattered for me. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
TurboBuilder93Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 10, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 1993 Mazda RX-7, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
TireFan58Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 10, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 1993 Mazda RX-7 and see if the fault moves. That's the branch I'd chase this week. This is from a 1993 Mazda RX-7 in New York with 62,000 miles. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
WrenchDaily20Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 10, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, loaded-suspension checks on the 1993 Mazda RX-7 catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. Save the big job until that test fails. The universe charges extra for guessing. I already checked the easy fluid levels.
ApexGal99Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 10, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 1993 Mazda RX-7, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
TurboBuilder93Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 10, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Loaded-suspension checks on the 1993 Mazda RX-7 catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. I'll poke at it this weekend.
PixelTraveler15Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 10, 2026permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 1993 Mazda RX-7 does it — then decide on parts. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. I keep a notes app thread for this now.
TruckMom63Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 10, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 1993 Mazda RX-7, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. Save the big job until that test fails. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. No warning lights, which is why I'm documenting it.
PixelTraveler15Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 10, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 1993 Mazda RX-7 is losing coolant with no puddle. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “usb ports and wireless charging both quit,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
CityEnthusiast92Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 10, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 1993 Mazda RX-7, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. The universe charges extra for guessing. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
PixelTraveler15Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 10, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 1993 Mazda RX-7, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. Save the big job until that test fails. On “usb ports and wireless charging both quit,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 1993 Mazda RX-7 in New York with 62,000 miles. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
TrailDadCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 10, 2026permalink
OP update: scanned the 1993 Mazda RX-7 again and still only have the one pending code, no new lights. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
TireFan58Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 10, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 1993 Mazda RX-7, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. Checking again after work.
TurboBuilder93Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 11, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Two 1993 Mazda RX-7s can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
PixelTraveler15Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 11, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Move a coil or plug on the 1993 Mazda RX-7 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
PistonCollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 11, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, capture voltage while the 1993 Mazda RX-7 is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. I'd rather be boring and correct. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
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