1999 Mazda Protege Stalling in Hot Weather

1999 MAZDA PROTEGE
85,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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SCHOODIC_PNT
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I have a 1999 Mazda Protege.

My wife was driving it a few days ago in hot weather and it kept stalling on the interstate. She would have to wait about 1-2 minutes before it would start again.

I drove it to a shop about 10 miles away where I usually have it serviced. On the interstate I kept it around 2,600 RPMs and it didn't stall. When I got to the bottom of the off ramp it stalled when the RPM's dropped to around 1,100. I waited about 1 minute and it started again.

Between the off ramp and the shop (about 1 mile) it stalled 2-3 more times in traffic when the idle spead dropped to around 1,100 again. Each time after about 1 minute I could restart it.

When it stalled the dash lights would flicker and the speedometer would bounce around 80-90 MPH even though I was stopped. It kind of sounded like the starter was clicking maybe (not sure of this). The speedometer and dash lights wouldn't stop flickering until I turned the ignition off.

The mechanic at the shop has driven it on and off for the past 3 days and can't duplicate the problem. Then again it hasn't been as hot out.

Does anyone have an idea of what could be worng?

I was thinking maybe the ignition coils are going.

Thank you.
Aug 12, 2010 at 11:23 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Hi Schoodic_pnt, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

Before you start the vehicle do below:

Check and test the coil's primary and secondary winding resistances, also the crankshaft position sensor resistance and gap, ignition control module, fuel pump pressure, and main relay. Something has to give here if its tested correctly-
Aug 4, 2020 at 12:18 PM
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SCHOODIC_PNT
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What would cause the speedometer to jump around and the dash lights to flicker after it has already stalled out?
Aug 4, 2020 at 12:18 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Could be the vehicle speed sensor and also the ignition switch
Aug 4, 2020 at 12:18 PM
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SCHOODIC_PNT
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Could a bad speed sensor or ignition switch make the car stall on hot days when slowing down to idle speed?
Aug 4, 2020 at 12:18 PM
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RASMATAZ
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No the VSS will not cause the engine to stall while slowing down to an idle it will cause the transmission to react if there's problem to it-

Why don't you try checking the idle air control valve, EGR valve, Throttle position sensor andthe airflow meter.

A failing ignition switch will cause a stall whether you are moving or stationary. What I gave you earlier are your possibilities those things that will cause a stall at any given time if its failing
Aug 4, 2020 at 12:18 PM
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SCHOODIC_PNT
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Ok. Thank you very much.
Aug 4, 2020 at 12:18 PM
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SCHOODIC_PNT
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My mechanic can't find anyhting wrong. Today it started stalling around town and on the interstate.

I finally got it to the garage. The mechanic drove it and it stalled on him. He pluged his diagnostic machine in but couldn't get a connection with the computer.

He said all the switched and speedometer were flickering like the computer was screwed up.

He's go to call the mazda dealer to see if they have a history of problems on this year and model.

Could the computer be gone?
Aug 4, 2020 at 12:18 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Could be the computer, if the computer controlled of the field generaton circuit of the alternator is defective
Aug 4, 2020 at 12:18 PM
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