1999 Mazda Protege Low power

CRUSHA01

MEMBER
1999 MAZDA PROTEGE
1.5L
2WD
AUTOMATIC

Hello, occasionally when I stop and about to move off my protege takes almost 5 seconds to respond to the gas. Even if I press right down it doesnt respond. Lately it is getting worse and it also starts back firing at times. What can possibly be causing this? This car is not fitted with a check engine light.

Saturday, November 15th, 2014 AT 10:36 AM

5 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Is your car EFI or carby? You car will have an engine check light if EFI, if it is not coming on with the ignition it may have a blown globe, check this first. You may have a problem with the throttle position sensor.

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Saturday, November 15th, 2014 AT 1:57 PM

CRUSHA01

MEMBER
19 POSTS

Is carby short for carburetor? If so then no. It doesn't have a carby.. I've spoken to other persons with same modEl but theirs doesnot have the check engine light either

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Saturday, November 15th, 2014 AT 2:25 PM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

There is a data link connector under the bonnet see pic for location, do a scan and report any codes.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Saturday, November 15th, 2014 AT 9:06 PM

CRUSHA01

MEMBER
19 POSTS

Hey. I got someone to run a diagnostic test but there are no store codes. Fuel pressure etc are good. He said it has to be a mechanical problem. Any ideas as to what could possibly cause it?

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Tuesday, November 18th, 2014 AT 4:51 PM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Valve timing, but if nothing has been done here I doubt that that will be the fault, worn spark plugs, double check all tune item and if the scanner you used has a live date mode, check throttle position sensor opening percentages are about correct with physical position of throttle valve.

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Wednesday, November 19th, 2014 AT 2:19 AM