Dies on startup

[takotruckin]

My wife's car has been having a stalling issue for a while now that I can't seem to track down. When the engine is hot and sits for a bit, like when you run into the store, it will start then idle really low and then catch itself, sometimes it stalls though. Other times it will catch itself and then stall when it is put into gear. I have replaced the idle control valve and set the idle with the air bleed screw as per the repair manual. The throttle body is clean, the EGR valve is clean. I did block off the EGR tube and she said that it doesn't seem to happen as often, but it did die on her once this week.

Are there any other common failures with these cars that will cause this problem?

 

[The_big_dill]

Any engine light codes?

There is a solenoid that deals with fuel pressure during increased temperatures called the PRC solenoid valve. I would look into that. If thats not it, check your EVAP system, specifically the purge solenoid valve.

Other than that, do the usual:

Check for leaks. Primarily the intake pipe.

EGR valve doesn't have to be clean to malfunction.

There is a chance the coils may cause this.

 

[takotruckin]

No codes. PRC solenoid is working properly. Purge solenoid is working properly, and it still does it with the hose blocked off. No intake leaks. EGR valve is ruled out when it still dies with the tube blocked off.

Leaning towards coils as they look to be some cheap aftermarkets, just not sure as it runs perfect otherwise.

 

[takotruckin]

Installed new Hitachi coils, still does it. Car pretty much always idles a little low on hot startup, then sometimes it will shut off all the sudden like you turned the key off. After that it is fine.

 

[Hank3]

How many miles on the car? I just fixed my stalling and no-start issues by replacing the fuel pump relay fuse. If yours is the original one, it might be on its way out. Mine would click, but under hot conditions it would falter.

 

[kms1990]

have you ever cleaned the throttle body and idle air control valve? if not they maybe gunked up. you may also have a failing idle air control valve

 

[takotruckin]

156k on the car. The throttle body is clean, the idle air control valve is new(OEM). The car always starts, just sometimes it cant keep itself running on its own. It seems like if I keep my foot on the throttle a tiny bit it is fine.

 

[Hank3]

Is there anyone close by that has a Protege? You could swap fuel pump relay fuses to see if it eliminates the problem? A new one runs about $60-$70 depending on who you go with online. Ebay also has some used ones for $20 - $30.

Mazda Fuel Pump Relay Part# B5B418821

 

[takotruckin]

Stalling problem fixed. I swapped out the crank and cam sensors while I was replacing the leaking water pump and all is good now. The wife is happy that her car doesn't stall in the parking lot at work.