1996 Mazda Truck Truck shuts off

DFORTSON206

MEMBER
1996 MAZDA TRUCK
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
149,000 MILES

Truck shuts off while driving down the road. Tried checking codes on my code reader. The reader said it can't communicate with computer. Sometimes the truck will start back up after 1 min all the way to 15 min. Time varies not consistent. Where can I check for power going to the computer or where should I start?

7 Replies

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Ok first off are you using an OBD 2 scanner? Have you checked with the local parts stores to see if any do a free scan to check if you scanner is working properly? Is the check engine light on? Have you checked to see if you have spark when it dies? Get back to me with some answers and we will go from there. Thanks for your support and talk to you later.

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Friday, December 12th, 2008 AT 10:15 AM

DFORTSON206

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Yes the scanner is working fine. My check engine lights stays on because of an EGR problem any way. When the truck shuts off the check engine light will go out and my scanner will not communicate with the computer. When the trucks will start back up the the scanner will communicate with the computer again and everything is ok until it shuts off again. Could it be the power relay for the computer or a ground problem?

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Friday, December 12th, 2008 AT 11:16 AM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Ok do you happen to have any codes? This also could be the egr that is shutting it down. The Egr is really nothing more then a monitored vacuum leak to the exhaust to recirculate unburned exhaust gasses to the intake to be reburned. If the egr open completely or at all at idle it will die. What rpm is the engine at when it dies? I do need to know what series mazda this is so I know what engine is in it, so is it a B3000 or what? Have you checked for any vacuum leaks? Have you checked the mass air flow meter or cleaned it with mass air flow cleaner? Have you checked the tps? When it dies have you been able to find out if it has no spark or no fuel? You also could have an auto shutdown relay problem. Yes it could be a ground somewhere if the computer loosed ground it can't work right. But I prefer to start with the simple an go from there as and engine is an engine if there is fuel and spark it should run the computer is a montoring system for the most part. Get back to me with what you know and we will go from there.

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Saturday, December 13th, 2008 AT 9:19 AM

DFORTSON206

MEMBER
4 POSTS

The truck is a B2300 2.3L 1996 the only code I have now is a P0135 o2 sensor heater. I have replaced the sensor and I still get the P0135 code. I have reset the PCM and driven the truck to work about 15 miles and the code has not returned yet. Have not been able to check for spark or fuel at the time the truck shuts off being that I am on the side of the road without any help to turn the key. By the time anybody shows up the truck will start up and run again. Can you explain the auto shutdown you spoke of earlier? What would cause the PCM to shut down and is there a time limit for it to restart? I will drive it till it gives me another code or shuts
off again to see If I can give you more info.I know this is an unusual problem. Just for your info I had a high idle problem for about 4 months and my A/C compressor stays on no matter where the switch is set except when in the off position then it shuts off.I am looking for a breakout harness so I can find out more about the PCM. Thank You for your time and hope we can solve the problem.

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Monday, December 15th, 2008 AT 9:17 AM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

The auto shutdown relay basicaly keeps the O2 sensors heated by the PCM telling it what is needed. As for the vehicle shutting off that may not be connected so if by any chance you can find out if there is spark when it dies that will help alot as to were to go next.