New to Mazda - Performance Problem

[romeroom]

I hope I've found the right forum for all questions Mazda. (After posting the same questions at Mazdaforum.com and not getting even an acknowledgement, I've decided to move on. I'm looking forward to benefiting form your expertise. I've been a backyard mechanic for about 5 years and enjoy getting my hands dirty and the challenge of it all.

Just purchased a 1995 Mazda MX3 for $800. It has 122K miles. Recent repairs include: brakes, new clutch and flywheel, new timing belt.

Two quick questions:

1. Where can I find a "users manual" for my 1995 Mazda? (the kind in the glove compartment that comes with the car, but is missing in mine).

2. Is there anything unique I should know about this car? Hints. Tips. Things to look for?


More specific performance problem questions: Symptoms are simply rough idle and acceleration. On the way home, I took it on the highway and was able to cruise at 75 mph; while at there was no "sputtering" at that speed, it did take longer than usual to get there since acceleration was slow.

I will be doing the following in the next couple days: (Please comment with hints/tips/concerns regarding these if you have any wisdom)

1. Fuel filter check/replace
2. Fuel pressure (where is the port?)
3. Spark plug condition check.
4. Look for obvious vacuum leaks.
5. Spark plug wires check.

Questions:

1. Is there a service manual "online" somewhere for this car? (other than AutoZone)?

2. I was going to do an ignition spark "test" with one of these but could not get it to fit on the wire. Any ideas?

3. I can use an OHM meter to test the plug wires. Any information on what resistances I should be looking for?

4. I did not see any "service engine" light on, which surprised me as rough as its running. Is this an OBD I or II? (I've had 1995 vehicles that are both.) Where is the port located?

5. (Unrelated question): The gas gauge is not working. Suggestions?

Thank you in advance. If there are other Mazda forums I should be familiar with, please let me know.

 

[romeroom]

Replies

Since posting over a week ago on this and another popular Mazda forum, my postings have received over 180 views, zero replies.

I'm wondering if I'm posting the question in the wrong forum section or if there is a forum with a more active membership open to interacting with members who have car related questions.

As stated, I'm brand new to Mazda. As with my other cars, I heavily rely on the contributions and expertise of fellow forum members. I hope to find such a body of experts here. If not, please direct me to one that is. Thanks.

 

[fspmx6]

as for the acceleration. what engine do you have in it? remember, these got one of the smallest motors mazda makes ( non rotary) so they werent heavy in the 0-60 department. as for the manual.. you might try looking for someone parting one of these out and see if they'll sell you their manual. i dont know what the resistance of the plug wires should be, but they aren't expensive so it might be worth replacing them. as well as the air filter. you'll also want to check the ignition timing and likely change the spark plugs as well. these are and obdII equipped car so if its not showing a code you should be ok.

 

[aceaspade]

check the junk yard for the ownere manual they will usually let yo get it for free or just a few dollars

 

[JKPgt96]

To check spark, just put a spare plug in the end of a plug wire. Set it on the valve cover, and crank the car to see if you have spark.

Do the servicing that you have planned and get back to us.

 

[NETC_Redd]

I hope I've found the right forum for all questions Mazda. (After posting the same questions at Mazdaforum.com and not getting even an acknowledgement, I've decided to move on. I'm looking forward to benefiting form your expertise. I've been a backyard mechanic for about 5 years and enjoy getting my hands dirty and the challenge of it all.

Welcome to the board!

1. Where can I find a "users manual" for my 1995 Mazda? (the kind in the glove compartment that comes with the car, but is missing in mine).

Ebay is going to be your best bet, as MX3's can be hard to find in a junkyard.

2. Is there anything unique I should know about this car? Hints. Tips. Things to look for?

Do you have the 4cyl or 6cyl? The MX3 came with an optional 1.8l V6, but you can actually swap in a 2.5l V6 from a Probe or MX6. Also, the chassis is very similar to an Escort or a 323. The motors will run forever if you keep up on the maintenance.

More specific performance problem questions: Symptoms are simply rough idle and acceleration. On the way home, I took it on the highway and was able to cruise at 75 mph; while at there was no "sputtering" at that speed, it did take longer than usual to get there since acceleration was slow.

Was the car sitting for awhile? It could be a number of things, bad gas, fouled plugs, carbon buildup etc.

I will be doing the following in the next couple days: (Please comment with hints/tips/concerns regarding these if you have any wisdom)

1. Fuel filter check/replace
2. Fuel pressure (where is the port?)
3. Spark plug condition check.
4. Look for obvious vacuum leaks.
5. Spark plug wires check.

Not sure where the filter is on those, and I know on my car the fuel pressure is just a vacuum port on the drivers side of the fuel rail. To be honest, at 122k miles I would just replace the plugs and wires and call it a day. They're not terribly expensive or hard to do.

Questions:

1. Is there a service manual "online" somewhere for this car? (other than AutoZone)?

A quick google search found this: http://www.mx-3.com/manuals/index.php

2. I was going to do an ignition spark "test" with one of these but could not get it to fit on the wire. Any ideas?

Do what the above poster said, or just replace them.

3. I can use an OHM meter to test the plug wires. Any information on what resistances I should be looking for?

A basic Haynes manual should be able to tell you.

4. I did not see any "service engine" light on, which surprised me as rough as its running. Is this an OBD I or II? (I've had 1995 vehicles that are both.) Where is the port located?

If you look under the hood on the drivers side (I think near to the firewall) there's a port with a ton of connections.

It looks like this:

You'll want to take a paperclip and jump the top GRD and TEN pins. Then turn the car on (don't start, just on) and if there's any codes then the CEL will flash. If it doesn't then I bet you don't have a light there, so you'll want to pop out the gauge cluster and insert a bulb. If you get to the light flashing then let me know and I can help you further.

5. (Unrelated question): The gas gauge is not working. Suggestions?

Thank you in advance. If there are other Mazda forums I should be familiar with, please let me know.

Could be a relay or fuse, again check the manual.

 

[bazooka joe]

haha...you've come to the right place and Redd will be one of the more exp people on this board to help! good luck man!

 

[NETC_Redd]

yeah, I'm the queen of old, non-hamster-powered Mazdas