2000 protege 1.6 running like crap!
 

I have put in fuel system cleaner, cleaned the MAF needles, cleaned Air Filter, changed spark plugs, changed the spark plug wires (not the coil packs), put in fuel system cleaner AGAIN, had the trottle body cleaned all over the course of the last couple months and it still runs like crap. The problem? Whenever i accelerate my car wants to stall out (i have an automatic) and occasionally it actually does stall out. I have very little horsepower and i have to slam on the gas pedal to get the car to move from a stop or it will chug chug and want to stall out. any other suggestions for me before i take it to mazda because i want that to be my last resort. another note, i have had a modified intake (i think from a aftermarket intake from an acura) for a coupel years now and havent had any problems until the last couple months.

Are you throwing a CEL of any kind?

yea, ive had a CEL on ever since i put the intake in (i was told that a custom intake would do that since the MAF is sensitive), but im guessing ur gonna tell me to go get the codes pulled huh? ;)

that is your problem. the 1.6's don't like air intakes. try resetting your ECU and that should fix it for a couple of weeks.

to reset it, unplug the negative battery terminal and pump the breaks 15 times, then plug the negative back on and let the car idle for a couple of mins.

ok i went to go see what codes the car was throwing and i got back MAF, VAF and IAT.... anybody help me with that?

I know the 1.6s really hate intakes. Sounds like you might have a bad MAF, though.
macdaddyslomo is the 1.6 guru around here, he'll set you straight.

You have either have a bad MAF or there is a problem with the plug(more likely if the IAT is bad too)....that is EXACTLY how the car runs if your MAF is unplugged...check the connection....

If in fact it is you MAF I have an extra one I'll sell you for $40 plus shipping that I KNOW is good(tested)...and thats WAY cheaper than dealer price for a new one

You must have used a really generic-ass code reader BTW....we dont HAVE a VAF :yelrotflm

im definately down for buying the MAF ur selling. Should i paypal you or what? and what is the IAT.... btw i went to discount auto parts to get the codes read, not my fault ;)

Haha, I was wondering about that...

PM sent

dear dafoo21, what's up...I also have the same engine a 1.6L but on a 99 that seems 2 b giving me the same problem sluggish response as you & I was just wondering how it worked out w/ getting a new MAF??? If it made a difference on your acceleration; does the car pick up quicker into gear..???and I'm pretty new @ car codes but what does "VAF & IAT" mean...???

Hey people I'm SORRY I also 4got 2 mention this b4 but my 1.6L recently also has been giving me a really rough idle, like the egine on idle is vibrating A WHOLE LOT... I mean she looks like she wants 2 cut -off.... I was wondering if it has anything to do w/ my pulley problem and I am very open 2 any suggestions to what may cause these symptoms 4 her...??? THANKS again.. would reallie appreciate your help....

LEE

i dunno, i havent gotten the MAF yet

it's oTW dafoo !! should be there by wednesday !

i got the part, ahem! on saturday, but w/e ;). the part fixed my problem. car runs soooo much better. only problem now is that i have a really low idle and the car almost wants to die sometimes. any suggestions? it didnt do this before.