OK....so heres the situation....my car is a 95 protege 1.5L.....i've been researching a proble i've been having with it to determine the best way to go about fixing it. When i get into my car and turn the key, the engine has to turn a few times before it will start. (only when hot) After i pull out, the car drives good. When i stop at a light, the cars rpm's drop from about 900 to 300 and it continues to fluxuate between those two for the duration of the stop. When i take off again, i have to step on the gas very slowly in order to get a clean acceleration. If i step on the gas too hard, the engine misfires for a second or two, but then its fine. I've also noticed that when i add a bottle of gas treatment or fuel injector cleaner, the problems go away for a few days. However, i dont suspect the fuel injectors because i recently had a full fuel system cleaning. And the check engine light is on. Now, i've suspected a few things myself after reading the previously posted forums.Please feel free tocomment on this topic. I suspect the fuel pump and or the fuel pressure regulator. I have not had a chance to have the pressure checked yet. But i will. The check engine light i suspect may be the EGR Valve. I also suspect that the check engine light and the misfiring problem are related, but different problems. Any suggestion would be appreciated.

 

OK, first thing to do is get the code read. That might give you some clues. I don't know where you live, but if you have any of the auto superstores, (autozone, schucks, advanced, kragen, etc.) they will pull the code for you. Get the code number and write it down. I have a mazda shop manual that we can use to get the exact code, not a maybe guess. I will be back online tonight. Send me the code number.

The other thing to look at is the standard tune up stuff(plugs, wires, cap, rotor) and very important FUEL FILTER. These cars are very finicky if the fuel filter is dirty. If you can't remember doing it, it is time. On a 1.5 it is pretty easy to get to, it is between the engine and the firewall, do a search at Autozone.com to see a picture.

 

Fuel pressure regulator is a common problem. If it sticks at high pressure it slams the fuel pump check valve into the seat at higher than normal pressure causing it to stick and the pump to strain to overcome it. This causes the pump to draw excessive amperage and over time damages the pump. Remove your back seat bottom and access the fuel pump. Pull the connector off and inspect the terminals for overheating.While your there remove the pump and check the condition of the fuel tank. Sometimes the tank coating will break loose and cause a real mess in the tank. If so replace pump and regulator.