I have a04 mazda 3 and also a 08 but this the the 04.after fill up it takes a while to start and then runs rough for a while .Fuel filter? and where is it .anything else it may be?thanks

 

replace the evaporative purge valve, contact your dealer to see if you are still under warranty.
the valve is stuck open, during refueling the vapors "flood" the engine.

 

thanks ,i'll try that .used to work on them ,but had a company car for 20 years ,now have children driving .appreciate that.

 

good luck.. in the meantime you can locate the purge valve and give it a sharp "whack" with the handle of a srewdriver, that should "unstick" it for a while. the part is a dealer only item.

 

So where is the evaporative purge valve located on a 04 mazda 3

 

Literally in front of and below the throttle body. It has a weird hose, looks like a fuel line,that folds back on itself (180*+/-) and goes to what appears the be an in-line check valve mounted on a metal strap above and behind the engine.
Oh and BTW: The one I just had replaced was $160, not including tax, laboror diagnostics.

 

Thanks for the info ,surprised the service tech and mechanic by telling them what was to be repaired.Had to deny the diagnostic test (70 bucks)and paid $135.00 for a little line and a plastic filter.Saved the mechanic and other customer a lot of "testing" money.So happened another car came in at the same time I was checking warranty(not)with the same problem.I think she told him and problem solved for both of us .Yes.The mechanic was appreciative,he drives a mazda also.