1999 Mazda Protege Idle Fluctuation

YSMAZDA

MEMBER
1 POST

I have a 1999 Mazda Protege with 122000KM on it. Recently when it is not driven for a day or more, whenever I am driving and I stop on a red light or stop somewhere the RPM needle starts going up and down below 1000 and the car shakes a bit. After a day of driving it is fine. Last time I did not drive it for a week and the car shut off every time I stopped on a light because the RPM goes so low at idling the car shuts off, but again once I drove it for a while whithout stopping it is fine as long as I drive it every day.
Any suggestions to what the problem might be.
Thanks

YS

Jan 13, 2006 at 12:16 AM

2CARPRO JACK

✓Experienced Mechanic
11,533 POSTS

fuel injection service

Aug 4, 2020 at 5:18 AM

COSMO

✓Experienced Mechanic
347 POSTS

Would this 99 Protege happen to be a 1.8L engine...if so there is a good possibility that the egr valve is faulty, it is rather common on those engines.

Cosmo...Mazda Tech

Aug 4, 2020 at 5:18 AM

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Suggested Repair

Have a fuel injection service performed. If the Protege has a 1.8L engine, also inspect the EGR valve, a common failure that can cause unstable idle.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1999 Mazda Protege reports fluctuating idle below 1000 RPM, shaking, and occasional stalling at stops after the car sits for a day or longer; the problem improves after regular driving. One expert suggested a fuel injection service. A Mazda technician said a faulty EGR valve is a common possibility if the engine is a 1.8L.

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1999 Mazda Protege Idle Fluctuation

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