Engine light on, car vibrates when idling

[lilac11]

I drive a 2005 GT and yesterday while driving the engine light came on. When I'm stopped (car idling) from time to time it vibrates...almost as if it's about to run out of gas..or the engine is about to stop. I'm not too sure how to explain this... When I'm driving I don't get that vibration and noise. Also I noticed that it's burning gas like crazy. I took it to the mechanic I don't know what he changed since I picked it up after business hours so I didn't get to speak with him. After I drove it for 5 mins the check engine light came back on and again I keep getting that vibration and noise.

Did anyone experience this? Do you have any ideas/suggestions as to what it could be?

I plan to bring it in again tomorrow. :(

[TheMAN]

your engine is misfiring
you need to stop driving it around because all that fuel blowing into the exhaust is going to ruin the cat converter, which will cost more than a thousand to replace!

likely causes are bad spark plugs and/or coil packs

[lilac11]

Thanks! he did say something about coils yesterday ...he said he'll change those..but it seems that I still have that issue. I definitely don't drive it around..just from the mechanic to home. Ahhh this is so unsettling ..

[peterm15]

Thanks! he did say something about coils yesterday ...he said he'll change those..but it seems that I still have that issue. I definitely don't drive it around..just from the mechanic to home. Ahhh this is so unsettling ..

TheMan can correct me if I'm wrong but you shouldn't need to change all the coil packs. It's a pretty expensive part. Just change the one that needs it done.

[lilac11]

Update: So I've gone back to the mechanic for 4 times, I still have issues. They said that it was the vacuum hose. They changed/fixed that. I have noticed improvement, it doesn't vibrate anymore but as I was driving this morning the light came back on. I am so upset. They just seem to not be able to figure out what the problem is. It was hooked up to the computer but no code showed up. I am at the point where I want to go to a Mazda dealer...what should I do?

[peterm15]

I find it odd no code is being pulled. But keep in mind there could be multiple issues that are just popping up all at once.

[Johns 08 3 GT]

Update: So I've gone back to the mechanic for 4 times, I still have issues. They said that it was the vacuum hose. They changed/fixed that. I have noticed improvement, it doesn't vibrate anymore but as I was driving this morning the light came back on. I am so upset. They just seem to not be able to figure out what the problem is. It was hooked up to the computer but no code showed up. I am at the point where I want to go to a Mazda dealer...what should I do?

Sounds like you should go to a dealer or a more competent mechanic.

[lilac11]

Sounds like you should go to a dealer or a more competent mechanic.

I am just completely baffled! He's in the business for 48 years! I am new to this forum so I'm not too familiar with things around here, do you guys mind recommending me a mechanic that you trust and worked on your zoom zoom?

Thnx!!

[Rob23]

i have a similar problem but it only happens after i have been driving for a good amount of time on the highway. Then when I come to red lights it shutters and the RPMs dip. No one can figure out the problem ive taken it to mazda dealers, jimmy at street performance and had many things worked on and replace and it still does it. Now I just don't care and im ready to sell it and move on. I don't think I will ever buy another Mazda again.

[pwdunmore]

EGR clogged or MAF sensor dirty? Just some ideas, the CEL codes that are being pulled might give some more insight if you are able to pull them and look them up. Sounds like its something to do with the Ignition or timing...

[Cab0oze]

I am just completely baffled! He's in the business for 48 years! I am new to this forum so I'm not too familiar with things around here, do you guys mind recommending me a mechanic that you trust and worked on your zoom zoom?

He's been in the business for 48 years and you have taken your car in 4 times for the same (obvious) problem? He's taking you for a ride. You have to be very careful with mechanics/garages because the vast majority are out there to bullshit you out of your hard earned money (while pretending to be really friendly/nice).... maybe even more so if you're female which I'm guessing you are.

There are definitely garages that people on here can recommend to you, unfortunately I cant help with that as I'm in mtl lol

[lilac11]

i have a similar problem but it only happens after i have been driving for a good amount of time on the highway. Then when I come to red lights it shutters and the RPMs dip. No one can figure out the problem ive taken it to mazda dealers, jimmy at street performance and had many things worked on and replace and it still does it. Now I just don't care and im ready to sell it and move on. I don't think I will ever buy another Mazda again.

Oh NO! I am so sorry to hear that!:( I just bought mine..2 weeks ago. What did they think the issue was? When did it first come up?

[Cab0oze]

i have a similar problem but it only happens after i have been driving for a good amount of time on the highway. Then when I come to red lights it shutters and the RPMs dip. No one can figure out the problem ive taken it to mazda dealers, jimmy at street performance and had many things worked on and replace and it still does it. Now I just don't care and im ready to sell it and move on. I don't think I will ever buy another Mazda again.Did either he or you clean your throttle body? This is a very frequent culprit of vibes + rpm flutter

[Rob23]

Did either he or you clean your throttle body? This is a very frequent culprit of vibes + rpm flutter

Yes twice in the past year. I actually just got that done a week or so ago.
The vibes/rpm flutter only happens when I have been driving a distance on the highway though.
Im going to clean my intake filter and see if that magically will fix anything.

[lilac11]

He's been in the business for 48 years and you have taken your car in 4 times for the same (obvious) problem? He's taking you for a ride. You have to be very careful with mechanics/garages because the vast majority are out there to bullshit you out of your hard earned money (while pretending to be really friendly/nice).... maybe even more so if you're female which I'm guessing you are.

There are definitely garages that people on here can recommend to you, unfortunately I cant help with that as I'm in mtl lol

This mechanic is also a used vehicle dealer. I bought the M3 from him. He didn't charge me anything. And yes it sucks that some mechanics out there take advantage of us females. It's very unfortunate that this is happening but I just need to learn how to go about it, this is one of the reasons why I am so happy and grateful that this forum exists!

[Rob23]

This mechanic is also a used vehicle dealer. I bought the M3 from him. He didn't charge me anything. And yes it sucks that some mechanics out there take advantage of us females. It's very unfortunate that this is happening but I just need to learn how to go about it, this is one of the reasons why I am so happy and grateful that this forum exists!

Well if he didn't charge you for it hes not taking advantage of you. The risk of problems come with buying a used car. Although i bitch about Mazda I know very well that it probably isn't they're fault, its the fault of the previous owner. Also my car is 2004, so about 9 years old.
BTW is your car auto or manual?

[Cab0oze]

This mechanic is also a used vehicle dealer.Lol redflag right there... used car salesmen are even worse than mechanics... they'll lie to the bitter end to make a sale.

When I was looking at buying a speed3 at a local dealership I noticed that the spare tire / jack / etc was missing. The salesman insisted that none of the first generation mazda3s came with that stuff. I pointed at my first generation mazda that I had driven there, and politely told him to go fnck himself.

[lilac11]

Well if he didn't charge you for it hes not taking advantage of you. The risk of problems come with buying a used car. Although i bitch about Mazda I know very well that it probably isn't they're fault, its the fault of the previous owner. Also my car is 2004, so about 9 years old.
BTW is your car auto or manual?

He didn't charge me anything, but still it worries me like crazy that they cannot determine what the problem is.
I know I said to myself, the next one I'm buying will be new and with a warranty. All of this worry and not feeling safe while driving is just ridiculous. Yes, it's gonna cost, but at least you have peace of mind.
Auto, mine is from 2005.... The thing is he said he knows the previous owner and he knows the car as well. He also said that it didn't have any issues before and that this is also baffling him as well. How true is that? I don't know..

Would you seriously not buy a Mazda ever again?

[silverstarmazda]

Lol redflag right there... used car salesmen are even worse than mechanics... they'll lie to the bitter end to make a sale.

When I was looking at buying a speed3 at a local dealership I noticed that the spare tire / jack / etc was missing. The salesman insisted that none of the first generation mazda3s came with that stuff. I pointed at my first generation mazda that I had driven there, and politely told him to go fnck himself.

LOL oh man thats rich

[lilac11]

Lol redflag right there... used car salesmen are even worse than mechanics... they'll lie to the bitter end to make a sale.

When I was looking at buying a speed3 at a local dealership I noticed that the spare tire / jack / etc was missing. The salesman insisted that none of the first generation mazda3s came with that stuff. I pointed at my first generation mazda that I had driven there, and politely told him to go fnck himself.

hahahaha. Good one! yeah I made sure the spare tire and everything was there. I looked there people up before I went and every single review was ok. Today I'm giving them one last chance

[Rob23]

He didn't charge me anything, but still it worries me like crazy that they cannot determine what the problem is.
I know I said to myself, the next one I'm buying will be new and with a warranty. All of this worry and not feeling safe while driving is just ridiculous. Yes, it's gonna cost, but at least you have peace of mind.
Auto, mine is from 2005.... The thing is he said he knows the previous owner and he knows the car as well. He also said that it didn't have any issues before and that this is also baffling him as well. How true is that? I don't know..

Would you seriously not buy a Mazda ever again?

I agree with Cabooze about used car salesmen. I wouldn't take what he says too seriously, go get a second opinion. In terms of me not buying another Mazda, it is more because right now there isn't anything in the mazda market for me, my next car will be RWD 4cyl turbo or V6. Unless Mazda come out with something good to replace the RX-8 I will be moving on to a Hyundia Genesis. I do still like Mazda and i hope they come out with something great that will interest me.

[peterm15]

As long as there not charging you, continue to go there until the problem is resolved. Or get a second opinion in writing and hand it to your mechanic.

Seems like they are attempting to warranty something for you.
Is the main business car sales or mechanic?

[lilac11]

As long as there not charging you, continue to go there until the problem is resolved. Or get a second opinion in writing and hand it to your mechanic.

Seems like they are attempting to warranty something for you.
Is the main business car sales or mechanic?

What do you mean by "warranty something for you"???
The main business is car sales, in particular BMW, Benzo and Audi. However during winter he buys cars like Mazda and Minicoopers, some Toyotas so that he has some sales.
I don't trust a word he says. But I'm not giving up, this just sucks because it's difficult to move around without a car.

I will get a second opinion for sure, I want to go to someone who is really knowledgeable with M3s ...but I don't know anyone, that's why I'm reading this forum like there's no tomorrow!

[peterm15]

If he hasn't charges you, but you purchased the car off him. I'd say he's trying to warranty something for you.

[Rob23]

What do you mean by "warranty something for you"???
The main business is car sales, in particular BMW, Benzo and Audi. However during winter he buys cars like Mazda and Minicoopers, some Toyotas so that he has some sales.
I don't trust a word he says. But I'm not giving up, this just sucks because it's difficult to move around without a car.

I will get a second opinion for sure, I want to go to someone who is really knowledgeable with M3s ...but I don't know anyone, that's why I'm reading this forum like there's no tomorrow!

You can try Jimmy (416) 450 6161 he is kinda hard to understand sometimes and is always busy, but hes probably the best bet to get your car fixed. Most people from this forum go to him.

[Flagrum_3]

What do you mean by "warranty something for you"???
The main business is car sales, in particular BMW, Benzo and Audi. However during winter he buys cars like Mazda and Minicoopers, some Toyotas so that he has some sales.
I don't trust a word he says. But I'm not giving up, this just sucks because it's difficult to move around without a car.

I will get a second opinion for sure, I want to go to someone who is really knowledgeable with M3s ...but I don't know anyone, that's why I'm reading this forum like there's no tomorrow!

I won't speak for PeterM, but did your dealer/mechanic give you a warranty with the vehicle? Alot of used car dealers, even small ones will have a 90 day warranty. So he may be trying to kill the warranty by 'delaying' and not finding the problem within the 90 days, hoping you'll still come back after, where he can soak you for whatever parts you need.

I'm curious that no codes were read, especially since your CEL came on. It should definitely show some code. If we knew the code we could help out alot better.

There are several people on board here, including myself that have code-readers, maybe, depending on your local, you can hook-up with someone and pull the code, as a code should be there. It only takes minutes.

_3

[peterm15]

I won't speak for PeterM, but did your dealer/mechanic give you a warranty with the vehicle? Alot of used car dealers, even small ones will have a 90 day warranty. So he may be trying to kill the warranty by 'delaying' and not finding the problem within the 90 days, hoping you'll still come back after, where he can soak you for whatever parts you need.

_3

Ohhhhh. I never even though of that. But for sure a good possibility.




I'm curious that no codes were read, especially since your CEL came on. It should definitely show some code. If we knew the code we could help out alot better.

There are several people on board here, including myself that have code-readers, maybe, depending on your local, you can hook-up with someone and pull the code, as a code should be there. It only takes minutes.

_3

Agreed. Post your general location and someone may help you out. I have one as well.
OR
go to partsource, they will read your code for free.

[Flagrum_3]

Anyways to the OP, it just happens one of the guys at work had the same symptoms recently, now that I think of it. We thru my code reader on it and came back with O2 sensor inoperative, or something to that effect, which could possibly be the issue with yours, but we won't know till you get the code pulled.

_3

[lilac11]

You can try Jimmy (416) 450 6161 he is kinda hard to understand sometimes and is always busy, but hes probably the best bet to get your car fixed. Most people from this forum go to him.

Thank you Rob23, if it doesn't get solved I will give him a call.

[lilac11]

I won't speak for PeterM, but did your dealer/mechanic give you a warranty with the vehicle? Alot of used car dealers, even small ones will have a 90 day warranty. So he may be trying to kill the warranty by 'delaying' and not finding the problem within the 90 days, hoping you'll still come back after, where he can soak you for whatever parts you need.

I'm curious that no codes were read, especially since your CEL came on. It should definitely show some code. If we knew the code we could help out alot better.

There are several people on board here, including myself that have code-readers, maybe, depending on your local, you can hook-up with someone and pull the code, as a code should be there. It only takes minutes.

_3

To be honest I didn't know and didn't read anywhere about a used car dealer offering warranty for free. Most people that did end up buying warranty like so said that it was useless. Interesting, I'll bring this up when I see him again. I bought the car 2 weeks ago. I met/talked with his mechanic and asked him if he checked for all the possible issues everyone here suggested. He said there is one thing he didn't check which is the MAF. That was the thing he will check now. He cleaned the throttle body. I also asked what the code was. So it seems that initially it didn't show a code but now it does..anyway he couldn't remember for sure but he said 2108. OH! and also he said that when the code shows up an entire list of possible issues come up. Is this true? Because if there are multiple issues then I can imagine how tedious it would be to find the problem. But then I'm not a mechanic lol

[lilac11]

Ohhhhh. I never even though of that. But for sure a good possibility.



Agreed. Post your general location and someone may help you out. I have one as well.
OR
go to partsource, they will read your code for free.

Useful to know I can get that info from partsource and I appreciate your willingness (peterm15 & Flagrum_3) to obtain the code. I'll keep you posted! :):blush

[6strings]

You can try Jimmy (416) 450 6161 he is kinda hard to understand sometimes and is always busy, but hes probably the best bet to get your car fixed. Most people from this forum go to him.

Also if you're going to see Jimmy, and you book an appointment for 12pm, book the entire day and evening off.

[peterm15]

P2103 Throttle actuator control motor circuit high input ON 1 CCM

[TheMAN]

Update: So I've gone back to the mechanic for 4 times, I still have issues. They said that it was the vacuum hose. They changed/fixed that. I have noticed improvement, it doesn't vibrate anymore but as I was driving this morning the light came back on. I am so upset. They just seem to not be able to figure out what the problem is. It was hooked up to the computer but no code showed up. I am at the point where I want to go to a Mazda dealer...what should I do?
he might not be able to pull the code if his equipment is too old... the Mazda3 uses a interface/computer system called the CANBUS, it only has been around for less than 10 years... many older tools can't communicate with this system and thus nothing shows up!

I am just completely baffled! He's in the business for 48 years! I am new to this forum so I'm not too familiar with things around here, do you guys mind recommending me a mechanic that you trust and worked on your zoom zoom?

Thnx!!
being a mechanic for 48 years doesn't make anyone a good mechanic... bad mechanic is bad mechanic... but given the benefit of the doubt, even if he's a good mechanic, there's a chance that this old dog couldn't learn any new tricks... cars have rapidly progressed in electronics these past 15 years, beginning about 25 years ago they started incorporating computer management systems... if this guy failed to keep up with these changes yearly, he's not going to be able to fix cars properly... I have a hard time keeping up myself!

I'm not saying old timers can't fix cars today (many can, the ones sticking around at dealers proves this), but if they refuse or can't learn the new stuff, they might as well pack up their tool box and go home!

[TheMAN]

P2103 Throttle actuator control motor circuit high input ON 1 CCM

the shop manual shows:

DTC P2108 Throttle actuator control module performance problem
• PCM detects either following conditions, PCM determines that throttle actuator control system has malfunction.
-TP sensor power supply voltage below 4.4 V
-TP sensor No.1 output voltage below 0.20 V or above 4.85 V (DTC P0122 or P0123)
-TP sensor NO.2 output voltage below 0.20 V or above 4.85 V (DTC P0222 or P0223)
-PCM internal circuit for TP sensor No.1 input circuit malfunction.

Possible causes:
• TP sensor NO.1 malfunction
• TP sensor No.2 malfunction
• Connector or terminal malfunction
• Open circuit between throttle body terminal A and PCM terminal 2AK
• Short to ground between throttle body terminal A and PCM terminal 2AK
• Open circuit between throttle body terminal Band PCM terminal 2AO
• Open circuit between throttle body terminal 0 and PCM terminal 2AP
• Short to constant voltage supply between throttle body terminal A and PCM terminal 2AK
• Short to constant voltage supply between throttle body terminal C and PCM terminal 2AL
• PCM malfunction

If the throttle sensor checks out bad, then the only way to fix it is to replace the entire throttle body as the sensors are part of the motor and throttle assembly

[peterm15]

^^^ you know better then I do on this one. And whoops. Read the number wrong.

P2108 Throttle actuator control module performance ON 1 or 2 CCM

This is where I got the info. Probably should have posted this the first time.
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123662124-Mazda-2-3L-CEL-Codes

[lilac11]

Also if you're going to see Jimmy, and you book an appointment for 12pm, book the entire day and evening off.

hmm why so?

[lilac11]

the shop manual shows:

If the throttle sensor checks out bad, then the only way to fix it is to replace the entire throttle body as the sensors are part of the motor and throttle assembly

WOW, this is amazing, where did you obtain this detailed information? I don't know what all those things mean but it looks super complicated. Apparently, they know someone who works at mazda so he will come take a look at it today. I have a feeling you guys are right, their computer just can't detect the issue properly. It seems they are really committed to get it fixed. But we'll see how things unfold today.

I am so looking forward to finding out what the issue is, and I am sure you all are curious as well.

[Flagrum_3]

It does sound like they are committed to solving the issue. Unless they have some antiquated reader, they should have been able to pull the code, since you had a (Check Engine Light) CEL. Anyways would be nice to hear what they discover, if anything.

As for where to get all that info; You can download the Mazda3 Shop manual, which along with lots of other stuff, has a list of codes and their meanings. I think there is a link to the online manual on here somewhere.

_3

[lilac11]

It does sound like they are committed to solving the issue. Unless they have some antiquated reader, they should have been able to pull the code, since you had a (Check Engine Light) CEL. Anyways would be nice to hear what they discover, if anything.

As for where to get all that info; You can download the Mazda3 Shop manual, which along with lots of other stuff, has a list of codes and their meanings. I think there is a link to the online manual on here somewhere.

_3

Hmm sounds like a good idea, I'll definitely download it, thank you! and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :P

[TheMAN]

It does sound like they are committed to solving the issue. Unless they have some antiquated reader, they should have been able to pull the code, since you had a (Check Engine Light) CEL. Anyways would be nice to hear what they discover, if anything.

As for where to get all that info; You can download the Mazda3 Shop manual, which along with lots of other stuff, has a list of codes and their meanings. I think there is a link to the online manual on here somewhere.

_3

the online manual is a start but it doesn't cover the 2.3l engines nor North American emissions/ECU systems.... it's an European manual and it only gets you so far

[lilac11]

So I've got big news!! I got Lynx yesterday :) and she's doing so good right now. Oh my goodness I am SO HAPPY, PHEW!!!!!! so the problem was a leaky vacuum hose. They brought in a Mazda specialist and he brought a device with some sort of dye. He attached that somehow and when the engine started the dye leaked where the problem was. It was in a awkward hard to get place, that's why they couldn't find it in the first place. They don't have this dye device. So THANK YOU all for your suggestions, patience and I've definitely learned quite a bit which is great!! Hahaha, it felt great to ZOOM ZOOM again :huge smile

[Rob23]

So I've got big news!! I got Lynx yesterday :) and she's doing so good right now. Oh my goodness I am SO HAPPY, PHEW!!!!!! so the problem was a leaky vacuum hose. They brought in a Mazda specialist and he brought a device with some sort of dye. He attached that somehow and when the engine started the dye leaked where the problem was. It was in a awkward hard to get place, that's why they couldn't find it in the first place. They don't have this dye device. So THANK YOU all for your suggestions, patience and I've definitely learned quite a bit which is great!! Hahaha, it felt great to ZOOM ZOOM again :huge smile

Awesome! glad to hear it. Now I will ask about this next time I take in my car. Thanks for the update!

[lilac11]

Awesome! glad to hear it. Now I will ask about this next time I take in my car. Thanks for the update!

Good luck, let us know how everything works out for you!!