Stalls out while driving?

Tiny
TGREER1108
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 MAZDA PROTEGE
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 300,000 MILES
I was driving down the highway and my car stopped running. Prior to it stopping it squeaked when first starting then faded as I drove. Also had a hard time getting it to accelerate. It now tries to crank but won't actually start. I have got a new battery, changed all the fluids, checked all the belts and changed the fuel pump. What other things can I try?
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Sunday, July 12th, 2020 AT 9:05 PM

46 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
Hi,

I need you to do me a favor. I need to hear it cranking. Is it possible for you to record it with your phone and then uploading it for me to hear?

As far as the no start, under normal conditions, we first check to make sure the vehicle is getting fuel and spark to the plugs. Here is a link that explains the most common causes of a crank no start condition:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

and

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

If possible, record it so I can hear what it is doing. If it is related to the timing belt, I should be able to tell.

Other than that, let me know if that link helps.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, July 12th, 2020 AT 9:27 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
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Hello, I'm Danny.

I would tend to think you're not getting fuel.Even though you say the fuel pump was replaced it could be possible a defective or weak pump.Was it replaced recently since this symptom started happening? I would suggest performing a fuel pressure test.If you don't have a fuel pressure tester most auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and can rent you one.Here is a tutorial showing what is involved:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

The fuel pressure specification for your car is 39-45 PSI. After you perform this test get back to us and we'll go from there.Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Sunday, July 12th, 2020 AT 9:48 PM
Tiny
TGREER1108
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I replaced the fuel pump yesterday, same with fluids and a new battery. The guy at the auto shop said it may be a sensor. I can't remember the name of it, but he said it cost $90.00. So I want to be sure before I spend more money on something that doesn't need to be replaced.
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Sunday, July 12th, 2020 AT 9:54 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
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Hello again.

Okay, I understand that. When all of this started happening was the check engine light flashing or illuminated? Any chance you remember the sensor they spoke of? Camshaft or Crankshaft sensor? Let us know. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Sunday, July 12th, 2020 AT 10:09 PM
Tiny
TGREER1108
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The check engine light was on and crankshaft I believe.
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Sunday, July 12th, 2020 AT 10:11 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
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Hello again.

Do you have access to a code reader or scanner to confirm this code? I will show you the location of the crankshaft position sensor but I would like you to double check.Would hate for to to keep buying parts and not solving the problem.If you don't have access to a scanner or code reader most auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and can rent you one.Here is a tutorial showing what is involved on how to check codes:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 12:24 AM
Tiny
TGREER1108
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This is what is sounds like. I have replaced the crankshaft sensor, the battery and the fuel pump
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 2:55 PM
Tiny
TGREER1108
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It's still not starting and I am depending on myself and only have a limited amount of money to try to get it running. I need help!
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 2:56 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

The cranking sounds normal and not related to timing. I need you to next check for spark and fuel. Here is a link that explains how to check for spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Before checking for spark, see if the engine starts for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then suspect it is fuel related. If it doesn't, then check for spark.

If there is no spark, then we can suspect the crankshaft position sensor.

Let me know what you find.
Joe
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 4:42 PM
Tiny
TGREER1108
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I already replaced the crankshaft sensor and the fuel pump. Could it be something else fuel related? Or faulty parts or I installed them wrong?
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 4:49 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I was first concerned about timing based on your original description of what happened, but it sounds normal when cranking. That leaves spark and fuel. You could have fuel pressure to the fuel rail and the injectors not injecting fuel into the engine.

The best thing to try is starting fluid. If it does nothing with starting fluid, then check spark. If it starts and stalls, let me know. I'll explain what to do next.

Take care and let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 5:14 PM
Tiny
TGREER1108
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I tried the starter fluid and it didn't work.
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 11:12 AM
Tiny
TGREER1108
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I saw this was broken. Will this affect anything? Someone told me I need a new starter. Could that be true? He plugged a reader to it and said there's no codes coming up.
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 11:33 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

That is the air intake tube that runs between the air filter box and the throttle body. It will certainly help it run better, but there is a good chance it has nothing to do with a no start. It will need replaced simply because it is allowing unmetered air to enter the engine. This will cause a lean fuel mixture and a check engine light to turn on.

As far as the starter is concerned, you mentioned that it is cranking but not starting. To me, that indicates the starter is working, so I don't feel that will change things. It sounded normal in your video.

Joe
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 2:48 PM
Tiny
TGREER1108
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Thank you! I thought that too when he said it was the starter. That being said, what else can I replace to get it running?
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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If it didn't start with starting fluid (when I say start, I mean for a couple seconds and then stall), I need you to confirm there is no spark. I noted that you replaced the crankshaft position sensor. Also, by any chance do you remember the code that was found when it was scanned? Do you have access to a live data scanner?

Let me know.
Joe
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
TGREER1108
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There was no code when it was scanned. I don't have access to one, I had a neighbor plug it up to read it with his and he said it had no codes.
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I need to know two things. First, is there spark to the plugs? Since it didn't even try to start with starting fluid, I don't think there is, but we need to confirm that. Here is a link that shows how to check:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Next, please ask your neighbor with the scan tool if it can read live data. If it can, I need you to have him/her check for an RPM signal when the engine is cranking.

Let me know.
Joe
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 8:38 PM
Tiny
RIZZIOD
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  • 2003 MAZDA PROTEGE
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 40,000 MILES
My name is David and a two weeks ago my car turn off on me while I was driving down the road. I had my foot down on the petal and you could feel the car starting "jerk". It wasn't a big jerk but if felt like I was kinda loosing power and getting in back. After the car died the car started right up with no hesitation. And yesterday it did the same thing. The car has driven smooth in between these two times. I don't know whats wrong, i'm not a mechanic at any means. Thanks
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
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You need to start some where
and you can do so by scanning for trouble codes
also check it for tune up and check air and fuel filters
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)

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