Thanks for chiming in, I appreciate it. Should I check the upstream or downstream cat, or both?

And for an update, it threw an IAC code last night. I sure can't afford to replace that right now.

 

You can remove the IAC valve & clean it with MAF cleaner. Cheap option.

 

If you do have 2 cats, check then both.

 

Ill try and clean it. Bought some MAF cleaner last weekend, so I have that on hand. I do know that when I unplug it, there is absolutely no change in engine rpm. And yes, I have a warm up cat right off the exhaust manifold, then the other downstream. I found a "supposed new" IAC on ebay for 31.00 with a 6 month guarantee. Tempted to pull the trigger on that, but thats awful cheap compared to ones from a part store. Kinda scares me.

 

Just clean that IAC valve you have.

 

I cleaned it earlier. Gonna test it shortly. Unfortunately I cant find my multimeter to test it that way. Just a quick question, should it at least click or anything when key is turned on?

 

I am lacking specific knowledge. That would take me to Youtube. I.e.:

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?...&hsimp=yhs-004

 

Thanks, ill take another look. I think ive watched every IAC and Mazda specific youtube video that has been made to date. But, ill look at some more.

 

Well, im stumped for now. I pulled IAC apart again last night, and it seemed to be working great afterwards. Went for a short drive down the highway and through town. Perfect. Issue im having now, yes quite a few it seems, is high idle. Its not all the time. Its intermittent. Sometimes itll idle perfect at 750 rpms, then I drive it, turn the steering wheel, turn on the headlights, etc, any of those and sometimes the rpms will just jump up and stay at about 1500 or higher rpms, and for quite a few minutes when it does it. I can have the car completely warmed up, head down the highway for about 10 miles, exit to turn around and when I come to a stop its idling at 1500. But then the next stop I make its idling perfect. If I wasnt bald already id be pulling my hair out. I just dont know where to look next.

(I do have a multimeter now, so ill test the resistance of the IAC shortly.)

 

I am glad you are bald!
It seems so random. That makes me think you have voltage jumps. They can throw the computer for a loop. I would take out the alternator and battery and have them bench tested at a parts store. I prefer O'Reilly's when buying re-manufactured electrical things; I avoid Auto Zone.
While you are at it: clean the poles and the connectors really well, look for ground connections and clean those as well.

All the best!