1995 Mazda 626 Check Engine Light

MAZDA 626
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AARONC86
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I have an intermittent yet predictable engine light on my 1995 Mazda 626, 6L (133,000 miles). It only comes on when the car is warm (10+ miles of driving or so) AND I am either driving up a hill or traveling at highway speeds. It turns off when I crest the hill or let off the gas for 5 seconds while on the highway. It only appears in 4th or 5th gear. I don't notice any odd sounds or change in driving performance. Should I run to a dealer or can this problem wait? (I'm a thrifty college student) Thanks.
Feb 19, 2007 at 12:20 PM
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CHEVY22
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well i would have it checked , it may cost you more the longer you wait , most things dont get better on their own
Feb 19, 2007 at 12:29 PM
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KIN CHAN
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okay man....lets be practical and get u some real result ...not the generic run around internet hot air...agree?
alright..1st chk engine lite came on...it means ur car's
computer will store a DTC (diagnostic trouble code),so u gonna have to extract the code out from ur car computer or ECM ...now the information for how to and where is on this website or somewhere over the internet ...try google and keep looking...if u wanna do it urself and save some money...find me the code and we go from there...if this is just a question of advice where to fix ur car to do it right or some projected possibility whats ur problem...i don't mind giving u some theoretical elaboration...either way email me and I will follow up whichever u want...
Feb 19, 2007 at 12:35 PM
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COSMO
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I am going to assume this car is a V6 since there is no such thing as a 6L motor in ANY Mazda.

This all sounds like one of two problems that were common to those years. i know its a 1995, but 1995 was split into two build years for Mazda. So you car is either an OBD I or OBD II. The first thing your gonna need to get it the engine code that is present. Too bad if you have an OBD I system, you may have problems retrieving the code....sometimes the system doesn't store the code (even though it should).

Once you get the code I would be more than willing to help you out in making sure your not lead astray.
Feb 19, 2007 at 1:49 PM
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AARONC86
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OK, I followed a guide I found using google that had me connect a jumper in the diagnostic box and watch the blinking of the check engine light. This is what happened:

EDIT:
Two long pulses followed by 4 short ones
One long pulse followed by 7 short ones
repeat
So 24 and 17

Does anyone know how to interpret this?
Thanks
Feb 20, 2007 at 9:09 AM
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COSMO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 347 POSTS
Is it more likely that it is code 24 and 17....since there is no 27 and 14 is very very rare

This sounds like you have either one or both 02 sensors going bad.....which is NOT uncommon for the age and milage of the vehicle.

It is really up to you if you fix it.....it won't stop the car from running or cause a rough running....but it will cause poor gas milage/possible cat damage and possibly fail your emmision tests.

Cosmo...Mazda TEch
Feb 20, 2007 at 9:20 AM

Suggested Repair

Confirm the stored codes (reported as 24 and 17). They most likely indicate one or both oxygen sensors failing, which is common at this age and mileage. The car may still run normally, but replace the faulty sensors to avoid poor fuel economy, possible catalytic converter damage, and an emissions-test failure.

Conversation Summary

A 1995 Mazda 626 shows an intermittent check engine light only when warm and under load, such as climbing hills or at highway speed in 4th or 5th gear, with no noise or drivability change. After a jumper diagnostic, the owner reported blink codes interpreted as 24 and 17. A Mazda technician said these point to one or both oxygen sensors and advised confirming the codes; delaying repair can hurt mileage, damage the catalytic converter, and cause an emissions failure.

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