CEL & Power Loss

[iamcanadian]

Hello Everyone,

Would like your input on a problem I have been having with my 04 Mazda3 2.3L Auto.

- CEL is on.
- At a dead stop while in drive my RPMs will dip very low around 500rpm and then bounce up a bit more and back down.
- Lastly when I start of from a stop while in first gear the engine stuggles to move the car...at around 3000 rpm the power returns and the car accelerates as it should. It is almost like taking off from second gear from a dead stop (just feels like that)

I have had a mechanic who I don't fully trust check the CEL and he said it was my O2 sensor.

Just wanted everyones input on this.

The other weird thing is the CEL went off for the past 4-5 months and there were no issues with the car and just yesterday the CEL came back with the above problems.

Any help is appreciated.

[Thrizzl3]

what was the code?

[iamcanadian]

I didn't get the exact code. I will try to get it hooked up...(p.s. if someone has a code reader in Richmond Hill or Thornhill and wants to do me a solid it would be greatly appreciated)

When it was hooked up last time the mechanic just said oh its the o2 sensor but he didn't sound too sure of himself.

[bman13]

I didn't get the exact code. I will try to get it hooked up...(p.s. if someone has a code reader in Richmond Hill or Thornhill and wants to do me a solid it would be greatly appreciated)

When it was hooked up last time the mechanic just said oh its the o2 sensor but he didn't sound too sure of himself.

Someone help him out and/or take it to Street Performance since you're close enough.

[Thrizzl3]

if you were closer i'd scan it for you

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

The issues you are having sound like a bad O2 sensor, or something with the MAF (Mass Airflow Sensor).

I'd recommend to take it to Jimmy at Street Performance in Markham if you are close enough.

[iamcanadian]

I work in Markham...Is street performance on Woodbine?

Also I have a crappy job so if this is a pricey repair I am not sure I can do it right now

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Yup, he's right on Woodbine. About halfway down between Steeles and Hwy#7.

7605 Woodbine Ave.
Unit#17 & 18
Jim's cell is 416-450-6161

An O2 sensor is around $200.00 I believe, but not 100% sure. Jim's rates for labour are better than you will find elsewhere and he's honest and very, very good mechanically. He won't try and bullshit you at all.

See feedback page:
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?17212-Street-Performance

[iamcanadian]

Thank you very much for your help on this matter.
I will try to update this thread when we figure out what caused the problem so hopefully it will help someone else.

Have a safe drive tomorrow!

[thanu31]

im having similar problem, when im driving it chokes, like its going to stall.
I just got to school, and i checked the MAF, the wires seem to be cut, except for i think 2. :S

the car is barely starting up, and at idle, rpm keeps going up and down

plz help, could i make it home or is it gonna be tow truck time:(

And how much is it gonna cost to get a new MAF sensor, or could it be wired back together??

[Default User]

im having similar problem, when im driving it chokes, like its going to stall.
I just got to school, and i checked the MAF, the wires seem to be cut, except for i think 2. :S


WTF?

I'm assuming you might get away with stripping and tape them together if theres enough wire left.

Bought I'm assuming you don't have any tools with you (wire stripper)

[thanu31]

nopee:( im in class
talked to jimmy, he said drive it slow, and park it till he gets to fix it which is wednesday morning :(

[thanu31]

thanks for the offers to help

heres the pic
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_LAU04LOro-A/TVoFG54bcqI/AAAAAAAACcE/mXuDhrzAffQ/s912/Toronto-20110214-00369.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_LAU04LOro-A/TVoF8briB6I/AAAAAAAACcI/9FblViLg7fQ/s912/Toronto-20110214-00357.jpg

[iamcanadian]

How much did it cost you to fix if you don't mind me asking.
Heading to Jimmy today.

Also if I haven't changed my air filter in a few years would that cause such an issue?
(I am going to have it changed along with whatever else I need anyways)

[Donutz]

That will take you 10 minutes to fix in your driveway; 15 if you choose to solder the wire instead of using a crimp, or other form of wire connection / splice.

[iamcanadian]

Okay so I took it to Jimmy.
Turns out the sensor was just loose. When I was checking the MAF sensor I checked the wrong thing.

Jimmy tightened it up and reset the CEL and it hasn't come back.

He recommended I clean the sensor and something else which I had him do the work on it.

Now to blame my last mechanic for sabotage...