1997 Mazda MX-6: CE light

[flashpass]

Hello all, this is first time posting. I was hoping one of you might be able to diagnose my car a little bit. The check engine light seems to be turning on every other time I drive, and when it does it stays on without a flicker the entire drive. Then other times I'll turn it on and no CE light.

When it comes on, I go open the gas tank lid and close it tight again, and do the same with the engine oil lid. Even though they were both already pretty darn tight, the light seems to turn off most of the time. Also, the car feels like it's has a bit of trouble starting up, like when I turn the key all the way I hold it and after a few seconds it revs and starts up. This happens only sometimes.

I don't know if either of those are important or have nothing to do with the light, any ideas?

BTW...whenever the light comes on I planned to go get it checked out and then I start the car up again and it's turned off.

Thank you all in advance,
Daniel

 

[xelderx]

Most of the time a code that goes away by itself is just a small misfire code. Without having the code checked it's tough to say though. I would definitely try to get it by the autoparts store and have the code read the next time it pops up. Things you can double check in the meantime:

Sparkplugs
Plug Wires
Air Filter

 

[boahx]

hey u can go 2 crappy tire & get it scanned 4 like 50 bucks or so ask first before u get it done haha i got mine 4 free (attn)

 

[flashpass]

Most of the time a code that goes away by itself is just a small misfire code. Without having the code checked it's tough to say though. I would definitely try to get it by the autoparts store and have the code read the next time it pops up. Things you can double check in the meantime:

Sparkplugs
Plug Wires
Air Filter

Thanks for the response! However, I don't know a ton about cars...what would I be looking for when checking the plugs and wires to determine if they're good/bad? I'm assuming the air filter will just be filthy haha.

Thanks again,
Daniel

 

[xelderx]

See this for a good diagnosis on spark plugs.

http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk/pages/technical/diagnosis.htm

Usually plugs are so cheap that if you aren't sure how old they are it's worth it to just replace them. With the wires you are looking for cracks in the insulation or loose connections with the plugs or coils. A dirty air filter can wear the plugs out prematurely which is why they are usually replaced at the same service intervals as the plugs.

 

[alphanumeric]

i suggest going to autozone, checker, or any of those types of auto parts stores, i believe they do code checks for free there. while you're there, you might want to pick up a haynes manual because it has a trouble code chart that would help.

 

[Asuna]

Is your car a v-6 or a 4cylinder need more information.

Sounds like your distributor cap, rotor button, plug wires and spark plugs need to be replaced. When was the last time you had all that done? If you do replace the plugs be sure to gap them to the specified .004 gap setting.

Our distributors have an internal ICM, This can cause bad starts and will leave you stranded if it goes. when it does go (if its your problem) the car will die and you will have to buy a brand new ditsy. I recommend a second hand one eBay has them as well.


Lastly you can check your own CEL with a paper clip on the Mazda mx-6's,

For more information on how to read the codes and what they mean check here.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mx6-uk/malf/malfcode.htm

 

[alphanumeric]

Is your car a v-6 or a 4cylinder need more information.

Sounds like your distributor cap, rotor button, plug wires and spark plugs need to be replaced. When was the last time you had all that done? If you do replace the plugs be sure to gap them to the specified .004 gap setting.

Our distributors have an internal ICM, This can cause bad starts and will leave you stranded if it goes. when it does go (if its your problem) the car will die and you will have to buy a brand new ditsy. I recommend a second hand one eBay has them as well.


Lastly you can check your own CEL with a paper clip on the Mazda mx-6's,

For more information on how to read the codes and what they mean check here.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mx6-uk/malf/malfcode.htm

it's an obd-II bro, i do believe it's a different connector from us obd-I folks. u are right with the disty--they're notorious for going bad on us... also check for the HEI mod, which i heard isn't too difficult

 

[Asuna]

Yeah I thought about that tonight. Oh well no probs he can get it read anywhere for like $50 haha

I would give it a major tune up if you cant remember the last time you have and go from there. But I would almost bet its a ditsy going bad.

check here for the HEI mod

http://www.clubprotege.com/wil/howto/hei/index.htm

 

[Sleeper626]

on that connector, all u have to do is ground the ten pin and turn on the key and count the flashes of the check engine light and it will give u the code or codes

 

[Asuna]

on that connector, all u have to do is ground the ten pin and turn on the key and count the flashes of the check engine light and it will give u the code or codes

I know this works on the 92 model and up to the 95 we just aren't sure if the OBD 2 will do it. does anyone know for sure?

 

[alphanumeric]

I know this works on the 92 model and up to the 95 we just aren't sure if the OBD 2 will do it. does anyone know for sure?

afaik, obd-2 cars have the connector inside the car, under the steering wheel/knee pad... i believe it's the connector the smog testers use