I am hoping that someone may have some help or advice for me. I have a 2001 protege, 1.6L. I bought the lease out 3 months ago and then started getting the the check engine light on (figures right). While I am driving the engine will lose power (but not stall) for a few seconds and then return to normal. This happens while on the highway and I have been doing some long distance driving for a few weeks with no other problems. The first two times the check engine light came one I took it in and the computer codes were not saying what the problem was. The third time a new mechanic pointed out the problems with Mazda and the EGR. Now the EGR is disconnected but I had the same thing happen with the engine, loss of power for a few seconds and then fine... I think the problems are unrelated. Any advice or help? I have been fleeced by mechanics in the past and know if I go into Mazda I will be in for a big bill and possibly not the right solution. Cheers to anyone who may have some info. for me.

 

the CEL will ALWAYS tell you what the problem is. Sounds like whoever checked the codes either didn't understand it or didn't think they'd make any money off fixing it.

I replied in your other thread about this.

 

holy poop... do the american proteges threow CELs all da time??

i had mine for 2 years now (family had car since 99).... and not a single CEL lol...

the only problem i had was a screwed up ignition coil (cylinder 4 i think)... and was a factory recall hehe

 

99 or whatever newer model Protege had a recall for the MAF(Max Air Flow), well thats the problem a stupid created non adjustable peice of resistor improperly installed crap, other then that nice car. Bec u notice when u unplug the battery It runs like a sports car, then it blows a code cel & goes into pinto slow crap mode.... 7yrs or so miles its out of warranty, 150bucks to fix unless u have a nearby salvage yard...

 

Also, disconnecting the EGR will throw a CEL also....

Check your wiring to the MAF. I had 'stretched' mine to reach the SRI and it eventually pulled apart. Soldered/taped a new section in and no CEL since (years ago).