2004 Mazda MPV sputtering problem

Tiny
JENIP
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 MAZDA MPV
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 74,000 MILES
My car will drive for a period of time then will sputter, the sputter is worse at slower speeds. The sputtering will increase greatly when the a/c is turned on to the point where it is almost impossible to drive. There is a foul odor that can be smelt when the car shuts off (like rotten eggs). I am current on all oil changes and there is no check engine lights on. I am at a lose trying to figure this out. There was an instance where the car completely shut off while driving but this has not happen again not sure if the two are related. Thank you for any help you are able to give.
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 AT 7:54 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
I would have it check for tune up
and monitor the misfiring count using scanner
also have this TSB, check it out
DESCRIPTION
On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or "rotten egg" odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components.
The sulfur smell or "rotten egg" odor is caused by high amounts of sulfur in the gasoline being used in the vehicle. Sulfur is normally eliminated during the refining process, but the EPA regulation of sulfur in gasoline differs from state to state. Vehicles using fuel containing high amounts of sulfur will most likely emit sulfur smell from the exhaust system.
When high sulfur fuel is burned, there is a chemical reaction in the catalytic converter causing the sulfur to oxidize. As the vehicle is driven, the oxidizing reaction odor in the converter will decrease with mileage and age.
RECOMMENDATIONS
CAUTION:Replacing the catalytic converter will not eliminate sulfur smell and replacement will just extend the period of time needed for the converter to "age" allowing it to reduce sulfur smell to an acceptable level.

Switch to a different brand of fuel and drive the vehicle for at least 100 miles. Monitor the decrease or increase in sulfur smell.
Do not add any type of "fuel additive" as this could add sulfur to the fuel and cause/increase the odor.
Try to avoid extended periods of short trip driving or aggressive acceleration.
Request information from your local fuel dealers on the amounts of sulfur in their gasoline. Try to use fuel containing the lowest amounts of sulfur.
Visit the EPA and gasoline company websites to stay informed on any changes in fuel or environmental regulations. A website to check is:
www. Epa. Gov
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Thursday, August 20th, 2009 AT 5:52 AM

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