This has happened twice now and I'm not sure what is going on. The first time I got a flat tire and the car started cutting out and barely running. I limped to a parking lot and changed the tire and all was well. This weekend my lot tire pressure light came on while I was on the highway. Within a few seconds the car started bogging down and I could only drive about 50 mph. I even tried switching to manual shift mode and it would not come out of gear. I limped to a gas station and filled up one tire that was low (20 psi). Restarted the car and everything was fine. Any ideas on what is going on?

 

mhigh,

I'm sorry I can't help with your question, I personally have never heard of an issue like this occurring but I'm sure you will get an answer. But I would suggest checking your tire/tires for a leak. I would also suggest keeping a tire inflator in your car.

 

This reply reminds me of those people on Amazon who answer the questions that others ask about a product with, 'I don't know'.

Am I doing the same thing? Almost, but not quite.

 

I don't know what you are doing, except trying to be snarky.

While I replied to the OP stating I did not know the direct answer to his question, I offered him two worthy suggestions - taken from my own driving experiences. I hope others can offer a specific answer - if not, perhaps the OP can call Mazda Service. But I do hope the OP will accept my (albeit limited) response in the spirit in which it was offered.

 

Really interesting behavior. It sounds like the car is going into some ECU governed limp mode, which I cannot easily find in the manual. The behavior is consistent with what you are supposed to do with a flat and temporary tire. Do not drive over 50 mph, long distances, etc.

On a separate note, the I also saw that they say if the front goes flat, never install a temporary on the front. Handling will be affected, you could lose control on ice or snow bound roads, Move a regular tire to the front and install the spare on the rear.

Makes sense why they say not to put a spare on the front, but I just never saw that instruction before.

 

I have never heard of this happening before. A few years ago, my tire pressure light came on while driving, I stopped, checked all the tire pressures and added a little pressure to the one that needed it, but other than the warning light, the handling remained fine. So it is probably what you mentioned - that it is governed by the ECU, but it's worth a call to the dealer.

Interesting about the front flat and handling; I had no idea - but thanks for bring it to our attention.