Please HELP!!!2004 Mazda 3 Idle problem
 

Ok, so my GF's car idles really rough when its in drive and she is stopped. I have read that it may be the evap purge solenoid. If so can anyone show me a picture of it and maybe a part # so that I can replace it. And if if this might not be the problem what could it be? The CEL just came on last night so when she gets home I'm going to hook up the code reader to it and see what it says. Is there anything I should bee looking for or any better way to diagnos the problem. The dealershiup said that they would charge $80 an hour for the diagnostic and labor not including parts. We can't afford that so naturally I am going to try to get it fixed myself. Please HELP!!!!!

If there's a CEL then take the car to an Advance Auto, Auto Zone, etc. Most of the chain stores will read an engine code for free. Once you have the code let us know what it is and we can go from there...... there are just so many things that could cause a rough idle.

Also I think there was a TSB for '04 ATX 3's where a reflash would help with some hard shifting.... not sure if there was a rough idle one.

As for the purge valve do you know if the car ever had one replaced? Mazda had some bad batches in a lot of the '04 and '05 models.

As for the code, I have an OBD II code reader but it keeps saying link error. So now I have to try and get around that. The one at auto zone says the same thing so I think I'm not using the right one.... And no the purge valve has never been replaced. I have changed the spark plugs and air filter and ran sea foam through it and still not better.

OK! I got the codes:

P0102 - MAF or VAF A Circuit Low Input

P0113 - IAT Sensor 1 Circuit High Output

P0455 - EVAP Emission Control System Leak (Large)

P2229 - Barometric Pressure Circuit High

Any Idea's what the problem could be? The car Is getting noticably worse as of the last fwe days and it is almost to the point that it will stall if you come to a stop and sit with the car in drive.

Ttt

check the wiring on the maf sensor they are known for the pins pushing out of the connector i had a similar problem and same codes

i have the same problem with my g/f's 2006...we changed the purge valve solenoid and still no help...ours isn't throwing any codes though...i'm anxious to see how you get yours resolved....good luck

+1 on checking the MAF wiring. Does she have a CAI or the standard intake? You might try wiggling the wiring when the car's running okay and see if it runs worse.

Clear the codes and see which one returns first - in case one is setting off some of the others.

The intake air temp should be a stand alone issue, you may be able to get a reader to look at realtime data and see what looks out of spec.

P0102 - MAF or VAF A Circuit Low Input
P0113 - IAT Sensor 1 Circuit High Output
P0455 - EVAP Emission Control System Leak (Large)
P2229 - Barometric Pressure Circuit High

i took the g/f's car to Mazda after losing my patience with it and they suggested a cleaning of the throttle body and an intake/injection cleaning to the tune of $400...so i passed...but i did run some Seafoam through the intake valve where the purge valve solenoid hooks up and put some in her gas as well...it seems to be running a bit better...i have heard to put seafoam in the crank case too but it requires an immediate oil change afterward so i will do all 3 in about 2500 miles...you may want to give the seafoam a try though for your situation