Hi, we're new to this forum and need a little help adjusting the idle. There is a screw on the center top of the intake manifold and was wondering if that is the screw that adjusts the idle on a 1996 Mazda Protege. It idles so that when you put it in gear it tends to have a counter effect on your brakes. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your responses.

 

Without knowing the 96 protege specifically, I'll answer this in general terms. There should be a sleeved cable coming from the firewall (near the location where the gas pedal would be). Follow this cable and it should end at an actuator at the throttle body. With the engine running, move this actuator, to verify that it's the throttle. When you release this actuator, it should rest directly against a screw. This screw will always be the idle adjustment (on any car)...it simply forces the throttle plate to stay open slightly, and you're adjusting the limit of how far closed this throttle plate will go.

Mark in MA

 

Thanks so much, I'll print the response out and give it to my husband. Tammy

 

there is a diagnostic box under the hood in the l.f. corner. open the cover and with the engine running,put a jumper wire between the "ten" and "grd" terminals. if your idle speed changes, turn the idle screw on the throttle body clockwise to lower or counter clockwise to increase your rpms to match the speed with the jumper disconnected. or use a tach with the jumper connected and set to the idle speed recommended on the underhood sticker.