Choking in idle

SIONNA

MEMBER
2002 MAZDA PROTEGE
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
145,000 MILES

I have a 2002 Mazda Protoge, 2.0L Manual Trans. I runs beautifully when in motion, but when it idles it nearly dies and the rpm's go to nearly 0. My cat. Converter was replaced about 1.5-2 years ago on a recall. Alternator and battery are new. Regular oil and filter changes since it was bought new, coolant flushed about 2 months ago. Air filter changed a couple weeks ago. Just had some minor body work done this week and was oil sprayed. Any suggestions as to what is causing the choking/near stalling in idle? Thanks.

1 Reply

MARK AUSTIN

MEMBER
1 POST

You have all the symptoms of a stuck EGR valve. Very common on the protoge. If you're a do it yourself person you can probably fix this with no parts. The EGR is on the back side of the motor under the throttle body. You have to pull the air box to gain access. You then need to unplug the solenoid. The EGR is held in with two bolts with 12mm head. You'll need a 1/4 drive ratchet & 12mm socket. You'll he doing this blind and by feel as there is just enough room. Once you have the valve off generally what happens is the valve sticks open due to carbon. You can use carb cleaner to loosen the carbon and work the valve back and forth until it moves freely. You can even use the gasket (steel) over again. The hard part is putting it back in. But just be patient and you can get it. Good Luck