I have a 2003 Mazda Protege LX which is having problem staying cranked when im at a stop light. The problems started when I used gas containning 10% ethanol. Im throwing an oxygen sensor code and they say im running lean. When I asked a Mazda tech he said that the oxygen sensor wouldn't make the car studder and stall like that. Any thoughts on what might be happening?

 

ok i have a thought, maybe the dealership is trying to earn your business and take you for a trip to brokemans land. i have had this problem in the past and it WAS an 02 sensor, OR a catalitic converter issue. i'm almost 100% on this too. its a STEALERSHIP by the way. i had the same problem in my svt contour, and you know what those cars have 4 02 sensors. i changed all 4 and never had that problem again bud. i would get a second opinion on this issue you're having. what is the code number? my 97 protege is throwing a p0420 code which is a catalitic converter problem. i hope this helps you out.


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I would start by getting the O2 sensor problem taken care of first. If that doesn't fix it, a bad coil is not unlikely, as these vehicles have coils with a reputation for being prone to failure. When they fail, they often do so intermittently. Don't waste your time trying to figure out which one is bad, just replace both. I think they run about $30 each. If one is bad, the other is probably not far behind. All that heat on top of the engine takes its toll. [align=left] [/align]