Stalls when driving?

Tiny
ARIASALEX1
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 MAZDA PROTEGE
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 221,000 MILES
Whenever I turn the wheel the idle drops and sometimes shuts off. Doesn’t happen when cold only when at operating temperature.I recent had the water pump replaced not sure if this has anything to do with it?
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Saturday, January 4th, 2020 AT 10:46 AM

47 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
Hi,

Since you just had work done, I suspect you have a vacuum leak. Here is a link that explains how to locate and repair one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

If nothing is found, the next suspect would be the idle air control valve. This component is what is responsible for maintaining idle speed. When you place a load on the engine such as from the power steering, the IAC adjust engine speed to compensate.

IF you look at the attached pic, I circled the component. It is on the throttle body. Check to make sure nothing is disconnected or damaged there.

________________________________

Honestly, since you just had work done, chances are it is a vacuum leak rather than the IAC. Check that and let me know if it helps.

Joe
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Saturday, January 4th, 2020 AT 8:59 PM
Tiny
JACKDORE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 MAZDA PROTEGE
Engine Performance problem
1997 Mazda Protege 4 cyl Automatic 131.00 miles

after I had a taken the car to the dealer, done a tune up, coil, distributor, one fuel injector replaced, and the computer, still I come home and the car have the same symptoms, runs better do, I had an engine light come on, it is the egr valve, I took it out cleaned, replace the hose and the gasket check, replace oil filter transmission fluid and pcv valve, while I was at it, the first test was I put back the platinum plugs, when I turn the engine on the lengine light went off.I test and drives almost the same but as before but stalling and esitating, I put back the nkg regular plugs and it runs better no stalling or choking, do you think the egr valve is bad or it could be someting else, it only gets worse when I put the platinum plugs brand new, but sometimes the car is running and it does a stall, almost fells like a small cough.I had a nightmare with the mazda dealer they charge me about 800$ and the problem it is still there, aprreciate your proffessional opinion, any help is appreciated. Thanks jack
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi Jack,

Are the Paltinum plugs of the correct rating?
Seems the EGR valve is not functioning as well as it should.

Is the Check Engine Light still showing? What is the exact DTC retrieved?
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KANDDAVIS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 MAZDA PROTEGE
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I have owned this car for about 4 years and haven't had too many problems with it. It is easy on gas and with today's prices this is an issue. However, a few weeks ago, it started to not idle when waiting at a red light or even a stop sign. It would run just fine, but when you had to stop somewhere, the motor would race up and down like it wasn't idling right and would then die. I would throw it into neutral and things would be okay but last evening, it started "jumping" again and this time it totally died. I couldn't get it to start again. When you turn the key over, it acts like its out of gas, however it is not, just won't start. I was thinking that it may be the fuel filter but am not sure. I lost the manual book and do not know where it is located. Any suggestions?
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
You need to check for spark and fuel pressure
check if its due for tune up
check timing belt
check for vacuum leaks
for more inf. on how to do that
check our video collection
https://www.2carpros.com/video.htm

Let me know what is missing
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MIEKETOWNSEND
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 MAZDA PROTEGE
The car doesnt seem to be overheating or anything like that. It died and wouldnt start again. Went out next day to try to start it and it did. Im too afraid to drive it anywhere because I dont want to be stuck on side of road with my kids. What are you suggestions on what to look at? Plenty of gas, good spark, fluids are topped. Car smells like gas really bad when it is running.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
The fuel smell is a concern. Make sure there are no fuel leaks. Next, you need to run the engine till it dies again. When it won't start, you need to check for spark and fuel to the engine. There are directions on the homepage under the DIY section. One will be missing, fuel or spark. Once you identify that, then you can focus on that circuit. NOTE: If the check engine light was on, have the computer scanned to identify trouble codes. That will point you in the right direction.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SOOBAMA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1996 MAZDA PROTEGE
  • 136,000 MILES
1996 Mazda Protege 1.5l. My car starts fine but when you put it in gear to take off it won't pick up speed, when idle it runs fine. I try and take off and it will barely pull or not pull at all. I have changed out the fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel pressure. The mechanic has changed out everything. He said the problem is electrical.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Go to this link for more information

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-hesitates
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SOOBAMA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
All these things have been checked.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Have you check the exhaust system for restriction?
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SOOBAMA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
He checked the exhaust system and catalytic converter, he said it wasn't those things.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACK 271
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1996 MAZDA PROTEGE
  • 160,000 MILES
My 96 protege just shut off while driving pretty sure the fuel pump is working but not sure its getting fire to the plugs any ideas
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check/Test the MAF and TPS sensors
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Check for spark and fuel.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SOOBAMA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
He changed the MAF, that is what the diagnostic test said it was, but it wasn't that. I will ask about TPS sensors. When he pinches off the fuel return line the car runs fine.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACK 271
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Its not getting spark but is getting fuel
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the fuel pressure regulator with/without vacuum
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SOOBAMA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
He changed the fuel pressure regulator.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)

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