1994 Mazda Protege Engine hesitation

1994 MAZDA PROTEGE

170,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL

DAN GROVE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi there. I have a 94 Mazda Protege DX single OHC. My problem started during the Summer and is getting worse. At first it would hesitate a little when I pulled out and sometimes going up hills, all at lower RPMs. Now it wants to hesitate severely at low RPMs thru every gear. It will cruise just fine as long as I don't stomp on it. The severity is variable but always present and getting progressively worse. It will sit and idle just fine and starts up with no problem. My engine light is not on but I'm guessing it might not work since the car had 120 on the odometer when I bought it. I replaced the fuel and air filter about 4 months ago but it didn't help. I have been told it's the O2 sensor or the MAS. A new MAS is kinda salty so I want to be sure before I fork of $200 for a new one and I can't seem to find a test unit at the junk yard. A little help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan

Jan 16, 2008 at 10:27 AM

2CARPRO JACK

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
11,533 POSTS

Have you ever had the PCM scanned for codes? This could also be a cat converter that is going away. Try loosening the exhaust before the cat and drive it. Loud, but if the cat is partially plugged it will run better

Jan 16, 2008 at 3:36 PM

DAN GROVE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

[quote:e437bad9ec="2CarPro Jack"]Have you ever had the PCM scanned for codes? This could also be a cat converter that is going away. Try loosening the exhaust before the cat and drive it. Loud, but if the cat is partially plugged it will run better[/quote:e437bad9ec]

Some one suggested starting with a new rotor and cap. Did that and it runs great now. Go figure. A simple solution. Thanks for your input though.

Jan 17, 2008 at 10:12 AM

LOSTINMARS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
222 POSTS

i'd put good money on the ignition coil crapping out under load. this means a new ignition distributor is in order as the coil is part of it.

Jan 28, 2008 at 8:24 PM

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