As of this week, my 1999 Mazda Protege LX has been idling really poor, as if it wants to stall or cut out on me when generally this car runs well.

How do I adjust the idle? And where is it located? At a stand still idle the rpm are usually at least at "1" on the gauge. Currently, it is idling much lower at the next line just below which is giving it a choking like idle when the engine is warm and idling in my drive way. It has never idled that low since I have owned the vehicle these past 7 years.

Specifics would be great when replying, as I am not a professional mechanic.

Thanks,
A. J.

 

hello! i have the same problem my mazda is in P idle at about 500!!!!! and in D is at 400!!!! can somebody tell me what is the problem??????
Thank you in advance!!!!!!!!!

 

The first thing you need to do is get the engine at normal operating temperature and make sure all electrical loads are turned off (ie headlights, A/C, heater fan, rear defroster). Now locate the DIAGNOSIS connector which is in left rear corner of engine compartment by the wiper motor. See first pic below. Open up that cover and use a paper clip to short the pins labeled TEN and GND together. See second pic below. Once that is done you are ready to set base idle speed. Make sure the cooling fan is not on when checking. Idle speed should be 700rpm +/- 50. If it is not then adjustment is made by turning the Air Adjust Screw on the throttle body near where the throttle cable connects. See third and fourth pic below for location of this adjustment. Turning clockwise will lower idle speed. counterclockwise will increase idle speed.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/9B1E26B47E204770869B8EDFFF9486EE.jpg[/IMG]
This is the Diagnosis connector location

[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/520AE86BB7444489A37624D87EE65C13.gif[/IMG]
Short TEN and GND together with a paper clip.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/BB3F3D6FC388493F9BAFB154D19BB9FC.jpg[/IMG]
Close up of air adjust screw.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/8E81B8C86032401EB9FD418C58B59B17.jpg[/IMG]
Air adjust screw location from further back for reference.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/0F2C6B9D85B046BFA515AA01EEE260B4.jpg[/IMG]
This is where the screw is on manifold that is no longer on the engine for more reference.

 

I AM GOING TO TRY TO DO THIS BUT MY CAR IS NON CALIFORNIA . AND I THINH IS DIFERENT THAT WHAT YOU SHOW ME IN THE PICTURES.
THANK YOU VERRY MUCH!!!!

 

Hi, Iown a Mazda 323F 1.6. With a ZM engine. I live in England.See web for more information on the ZM engine http://www.protege323.com/content/24.../index.php?#zm

I was wondering if babyhuey could confirm, is the idle adjustment screw in the same location as you have mentioned above. And concerning the shorting out of TEN and GND is this the same for the ZM engine? The reason why I ask is that in the last photograph the inlet manifold shows an EGR valve. My engine does not have one fitted.

I was also wondering if you could direct me to a webiste which gave some instructions on how to adjust the tappets.
Thanks

 

Hi.

Just wondering if it was possible for a mod/admin to make the photos visible?

A few times I have come across this site whilst Google-ing, and the photos don't appear as their location appears to be invalid (being 2006).

TIA