2005 Mazda 3 under performing

[fosterj]

My 2005 mazda3 2.3Liter (162000 km on it) has always been a peppy car with enough power to give you that "zoom zoom" feeling while driving it. But for the last month or so it simply doesn't have the gusto any more.

Most noticeably after it sits overnight, starting it the next morning is fine but pulling out on to the road the problem begins... it always has a very uneven feel when you step on the gas. Doesn't spit and sputter, but kind of feels that way as you drive. This is when it is most noticeable, if it's been driving for awhile it's not as bad but still can be noticed. Sometimes you can step on the gas and it really feels like it's under powered but then once and awhile it will bolt forward with the kind of power it used to have for a few seconds before dropping down again.

I've been reading through forums and at this point I'm thinking that it could be one of the following:


spark plugs
MAF sensor
Clutch
Air filter
fuel pump


Not sure how to really narrow it down from here or if it could be something else that I'm missing.

Any thoughts on what to try first, or other causes?

[m3mtl]

When the weather gets hot your car wont perform like it does in the fall.

[Default User]

I would start with Spark Plugs.

Also if you don't have one already, an SRI or CAI will bring back that living feeling.

[aris]

I'm going to assume you do a lot of city driving consdering you have low KM's ?

You ever put a fuel injection cleaner in side your fuel tank or even a can of sea foam?

I would try that first then take it on a long drive on the 401

[rzapata]

In my opinion, I would check the stuff that are easily accessible to you first then go from there:

1. Fluid levels especially the engine oil, see if it's burning oil or not.
2. MAF harness and sensor, making sure that there are no visible cracks or whatnot and that it's pushed in properly.
3. Engine mounts, perhaps?
4. Fuel mileage, etc.

There could be other stuff but sometimes, it's the obvious things that we might have overlooked..

But, having said all that, I'm thinking it might be the spark plugs or the MAF sensor. It might not be sparking to its full capacity or MAF might be reading the air flow wrong, hence not having the right mixture of air and fuel. There could be other factors but I think, you'll be able to narrow it down if you start with the easily accessible stuff first.

Good luck and I hope more people will be able to chime in.

[Skip]

I noticed on really hot days my car does kind of feel sluggish as well. Have you tried disconnecting the negative terminal on your battery for an ECU reset?

[Shawn]

Throttle Body. Grounded? Cleaned?
SparkPlugs for sure, if not done.
Injectors ever cleaned? These will make it really rough.

[bluemazda3]

do you have your A/C on full blast? maybe its that cuz my car feels sluggish at times

[fosterj]

Thanks for the input...
I'm going to replace the spark plugs and get some fuel injector cleaner first, and inspect the MAF at the same time. If it's still acting up after that I'll look into the other options.

[Kiyomi]

get cold air intake, so wont feel as sluggish on hot days, put fuel injector cleaner in the tank, i put a little everytime i fill up lolz, n since you got mileage, u could also look into getting ur engine revamped a bit. http://gordbushperformance.com/?page_id=7 <--- best place if you really feel ur engine doesnt have the same power as it used to, or low compression.

[Default User]

Thanks for the input...
I'm going to replace the spark plugs and get some fuel injector cleaner first, and inspect the MAF at the same time. If it's still acting up after that I'll look into the other options.

Keep us updated - Let us know what the final remedy is.