1997 Mazda MPV Misses/hesitates when going uphill

HATTIECR

MEMBER
1997 MAZDA MPV
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
92,000 MILES

Going uphill, the engine slows way down - say from 2500 rpm to 1000 rpm and then will speed up again - no matter what I do. I thought at first it might be t;he fuel filter or just some dirty gas and had the filter changed but it didn't help. If it is a long hill, I will end up with my flashers on, about 20 mph. No problem on flat areas or even when passing or accelerating. Just uphill. At first, I thought it might be a problem with the fuel pump/gas level in the tank (the reason it only happened going uphill) so always kept the tank at least 1/2 full. This was fine until a few days ago when it happened when the tank was 3/4 full.

It only seems to happen when the engine and the outside temperature are hot -- not when I first start off but don't know that this has anything to do with it.

Any ideas?

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

1997 Mazda MPV Misses/hesitates when going uphill

Inspect and test all the following listed below:

Oxygen sensor.
Catalytic converter.
Fuel injectors dirty/sticking.
Mass airflow sensor/Airflow meter.
Throttle position sensor.
Manifold absolute pressure sensor.
EGR Valve
Fuel pressure regulator leaking or defective fuel pump.
False air leakage.
Fuel contamination.
Foul/defective spark plugs.
Open spark plug wires.
Ignition coil/Coil packs defective.
Incorrect ignition timing.
Cap and rotor.

Note:If it doesn't apply disregard