sick baby :(

[MrsZR7]

A few weeks ago, my P5's engine light came on, and has been running horribly since. It's a manual transmission, and getting started has become really tough. I try to take off, and I can feel the engine shake and it seems like it's going to stall. I push the clutch in, and either give more gas or just shift into 2nd (either method seems to help a little), and then it also lunges with the clutch disengaged and steady on the gas. I've lost about 3-4mpg in fuel economy.
I did a tune up a little over a year ago, so I couldn't imagine that being the problem already. Bad fuel maybe? I took it to auto zone and asked them to hook it up to their computer, but they couldn't tell me anything from that.

 

[Cosmic Wonder]

When you say you did a tune up, what was included? What is the mileage on the car?

My first guesses would be coil packs, spark plugs and wires. But that's the reason for my question about tune up, what was replaced at that time?

 

[ms6_w]

they should be able to give you a code. If they dont know what that code means you can ask a dealer they should be able to say what it could be... could be that the engine is not getting enough fuel, hence why its stuttering ...you could guess all day but i would say try getting a print out of that code.

 

[MrsZR7]

When you say you did a tune up, what was included? What is the mileage on the car?

My first guesses would be coil packs, spark plugs and wires. But that's the reason for my question about tune up, what was replaced at that time?

That is exactly what I replaced. It's a 2003 with about 135k miles.

 

[MrsZR7]

they should be able to give you a code. If they dont know what that code means you can ask a dealer they should be able to say what it could be...i dont know much about the protege5's but sounds close to a clogged EGR valve if you guys have one .....if not could be that the engine is not getting enough fuel, hence why its stuttering ...you could guess all day but i would say try getting a print out of that code.

The guy at auto zone couldn't get a code on it at all. I have no idea why. The only thing he knew to do was reset it, which didn't last at all.

 

[Cosmic Wonder]

As ms6_w said, Autozone (or other store like that) should be able to read the code so maybe try somewhere else. If they can just tell you what the error code is then the dealership (or someone here) should be able to give possible causes. The nice thing is this site is possibly cheaper than walking in the door of a dealership lol.

 

[digitalslacker]

Sounds like what happened to my p5 a few weeks back. Ended up having a cyl 1 misfire code that was fixed with a new coil pack.

 

[MrsZR7]

I hope that a coil pack isn't the problem, since I just replaced those. I'll take it to napa tomorrow to see if they can hook it up. I'd hope that the people at napa would be more knowledgeable than the guy from auto zone.
I hope that it's the EGR valve and I can just clean it. Seems it would be easy enough to get to, right?

 

[destineal]

in theory. I didn't have any trouble with mine, but I hear the screws are easily stripped.

 

[tweety2300]

If the cel is on it has a code stored. People at autozone usually can't even change a headlight or tail light bulb. Go to other stores and see what they pull up

 

[MrsZR7]

If the cel is on it has a code stored. People at autozone usually can't even change a headlight or tail light bulb. Go to other stores and see what they pull up

That's what I was thinking. I think napa or maybe O'Reilly would be a more reliable shop to try.
In auto zone's defense though, I wouldn't expect they'd be able to change a headlight or taillight bulb on the P5. I've done both by myself and neither were easy tasks.

 

[Sport23]

Definately take it to another store and get the code checked. As tweety said, if the MIL is on then you have a code! Once you get the code we can help direct you better.

 

[Installshield 2]

Not defending autozone, but i've had that happen too...It sometimes is simply the scanner not communicating with the ecu properly, it happens occasionally...If napa has no luck either...reset the computer the 'real' way...disconnect the battery, pump the brakes a few times, then reconnect and start the car...try to drive around for a little while, and you should get the code back relatively quickly...then have it scanned again. That worked for me a few times when i couldn't get a proper code reading.

 

[MrsZR7]

Not defending autozone, but i've had that happen too...It sometimes is simply the scanner not communicating with the ecu properly, it happens occasionally...If napa has no luck either...reset the computer the 'real' way...disconnect the battery, pump the brakes a few times, then reconnect and start the car...try to drive around for a little while, and you should get the code back relatively quickly...then have it scanned again. That worked for me a few times when i couldn't get a proper code reading.

For some reason, to quote a post was the only way to get a picture to post from the mobile app (aka my only computer)....which I have taken to avoid typing all this out. I guess I'll be digging into this starting Friday evening, if I can get off work on time.

 

[MrsZR7]

Add Content

 

[Cosmic Wonder]

Read this, it might point you exactly where you need to look...

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123800451-Getting-a-P0171-Error-Lean-Bank-1

 

[MrsZR7]

Read this, it might point you exactly where you need to look...

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123800451-Getting-a-P0171-Error-Lean-Bank-1

Just what it looked like from the printout I got tonight. I'll be starting at the top of the engine this weekend. If the problem isn't there in that area, it'll have to go to the shop.

 

[Cosmic Wonder]

Hopefully it doesn't get far enough to have to go to the shop. But keep us posted with your findings, hopefully others who really know these cars well will catch something for you.

 

[P-Funk!]

Is the CEL flashing? If so - stop driving it until it is fixed (it will kill the cats! :O)

 

[MrsZR7]

I just popped the hood, changed the air filter (it was due anyway) then started digging into finding the problem. I haven't been able to fix it yet, but I'm certain that I found it. A gaping hole in the intake tube.

Now, my next question is....that's something that has to be an OEM part I'm sure, which is likely to be pricey. I know you know where I'm going with this..... I wonder if it would be cheaper or about the same price to do a CAI?? Thoughts and suggestions please?