1994 Mazda Protege Car will not start after air filter chan

SKIARUN

MEMBER
1994 MAZDA PROTEGE
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
73,500 MILES

I must have knocked something loose when I replaced my air filter. Because immediately after, my car stalls after start (in about one second).

Could I have pulled some wire loose that is not visible to me?
This isn't the first time I've replaced my air filter myself and I am mystified what I may have done wrong.

I also pulled the wire out of the first fuse to view what type of socket wrench to use but realized my fuse size socket wrench is in storage.I got in the car to drive over and get it. That is when the car would not start. The battery is working.

Got a few ideas I might try myself?
I am broke, broke, broke. And would like to avoid expenses such as a mechanic if at all possible.

Thanks!

2 Replies

SKIARUN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I made a mistake in my post and said "fuse" when I meant to say "spark plug". Oops!

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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 6:17 AM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Hi skiarun, welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

You probably loosen the wiring connector to the airflow sensor-triple check it

Volume Airflow Sensor

PURPOSE
Measures airflow into the engine intake system with a potentiometer rotated by a spring loaded measuring plate.

LOCATION
Attached to air cleaner assembly on left side of engine compartment.

OPERATION
Incoming air moves the measuring plate in relation to volume (more air, more movement), overriding spring tension. As the measuring plate moves, contacts in the attached potentiometer also move, varying potentiometer resistance and the input voltage signal sent to the PCME.

Incorporated into the airflow meter is a fuel pump switch and an intake air temperature sensor. The fuel pump switch prevents fuel pump operation when the engine is not running and the ignition switch is "ON." The sensor measures ambient air temperature to allow PCME fuel compensation based on air density.

The PCME factors intake air temperature into its fuel quantity calculations because density varies with temperature (cold air is denser than warm). With both flow volume (measuring plate and potentiometer) and temperature information, the PCME can make precise mixture adjustments under a wide range of operating conditions.