I own a 2002 mazda protege that has a recently building problem. I am hoping someone might help me narrow down some possible sources.

Over the past six months I have noticed decreased response when I try to accelerate from a stopped position. I'll be at a stop light, hit the gas, and it just lags. There is no problem once I get going or when I try to start the car... just accelerating from a stopped position.

A couple days ago, my "check engine" light has come on. Apparently, my "system is too lean." About a month ago I gave my car a "gumout" fuel additive and have recently increased the octane level of the gasoline i'm using to no avail. Also, someone suggested it may be the MAF. The only way I have to test the MAF is to disconnect it and look for a change. When I disconnected it, the problems compounded x10 and returned to the previous state when i reconnected it.

Any ideas where to start figuring out what's wrong?

 

maybe your injectors need to be cleaned out but honestly for how much it costs to have them cleaned you might as well buy new ones. im having the same problem its not the maf ive already tried that like it seems really under powered right? im going to try cleaning out my throttle body that might be it to. do you have any aftermarket parts on it?