14th Mar 2005, 12:21

My Mazda (which is currently in the shop for transmission problems) also has the Engine light problem where it is on for a few days and off for a few days. I spoke to a few mechanics, and they told me that my catalytic converter is the cause for the Engine light. Some symptoms for a bad catalytic converter are 1) Markedly decreased low rpm power; 2) Engine runs a little hotter than normal at constant cruising speeds; 3) Exhaust leaks near header that won't seal in spite of new gaskets; 4) Bucking or hesitation while accelerating; 5) Cat's exterior surface temp cooler near outlet. Aside from getting my transmission rebuilt twice and the regular maintenance problems that a high mileage car has (approx. 122,000 miles), my Mazda has been relatively dependable.

22nd Jan 2006, 00:29

You all right... peace of crap! have all the problems mention above plus overdrive light comes on at all times while I drive. I am going to dump it over the river.

These was a $12,000 mistake... I want my money back.

12th Apr 2006, 07:48

I have a 97 LX 5 Speed since new and it has been really good to me. I too have the constant-on check engine light, over three years now. I disconnect the battery a day or so before going for emissions (it needs to have some miles driven after that) and it passes with no problem. Than about a week later the light comes back. I was told it was the O2 sensors.

I'm on 108K miles and am just having the clutch changed. probably could go a few 1,000 miles more, but hey it's time. I have changed the timing belt and water pump (as mechanics usually sugest). Also put a new muffler.

Other than that I have had no problems with the car. It still looks very good, the interior is intact, the engine runs strong and starts up everytime. Even the paint is nice and glossy.

As the Mazda ages I know I will have to put money into it for things that just are at the end of their service life: Starter, Alternator, Shocks/Springs etc. Bottom line, it has been good to me and I try to be good to it.

5th Jun 2006, 16:40

I own a 1997 Mazda 626 LX with 136K miles and also have the eternally on "check engine" light for 2 years now and I bought it with it on. No matter what gets fixed the light is off and then it comes back on again. In the last 3 weeks I have spent more money on this car than it is worth. I have had a tune up to include new wires, plugs, fuel filter (all 2nd time in 2 years), distributor cap, rotor button, rebuilt transmission, Idle Air Control motor, and an Ignition Coil. All of this was about $2400. Last year I replaced the water pump and timing belt ($400), Mass Air Flow Sensor ($300), alternator belt ($80) and various other small repairs. I don't mind doing repairs because cars are man made and they will break, but if I have to basically rebuild a car from scratch then that is just ridiculous. I was told by my Mazda dealership that they don't even rebuild their own transmissions they just replace them with new ones and that says a whole lot right there. I wish that I had researched this before I bought this car, but I was in college and needed some new wheels after I wrecked my 87 Honda Accord (darn good car). Even after all that, I really love my Mazda. When it is working, it is a really great car and good on gas, but when the maintenance bill comes be prepared to spend the farm on it. I have decided to keep it a few more months after I replenish my funds and then I am going to sell it and end my misery. Maybe I will get a Camry, Nissan something, or another Honda (old faithfuls).

12th Jun 2006, 19:14

That's funny I have the 1997 Mazda 626 with the same problem with the engine light on. And I need help. Does anyone's car stalls when they stop, sometimes turning off? It comes right back on, but sometimes the car won't even start. I have heard it was an idle problem and maybe get the air filter cleaned. Has anyone had this problem? What works and what doesn't. I'm so mad that I brought this car, I just got a transmission rebuilt and like the other girl I'm a broke college student and got this car without researching, I really learned my lesson.

12th Jun 2006, 20:45

This is amazing... I thought I had just bought a lemon with this car! I've only had the stupid car for a year, and it only has 80,000 miles on it... I bought it for 4,000 and in the SHORT YEAR that I have had it I have had to put 3500 in repairs, including replacing the transmission... My check engine light comes on too, and after panicking a few times I've given up. This car is a piece of JUNK and I can't WAIT to throw it to the wolves!

1st Sep 2006, 14:58

I had a check engine light problem. It was due to the O2 sensor failing. You can pay about $60 to have your car hooked up to determine where the fault is. If it is the O2 sensor, I paid about $120 part and labor to replace. I did notice another web site that says it does not cause any further problems for the engine if it is not replaced.

I am currently researching a problem similar to the one above. My 1994 Mazda 626 (manual tr) has 186,000 miles on it. I am having a problem with loss of power (rpms drop to 0 while driving), stalling, high oil consumption, and sometimes trouble with restarting after stalling. I am researching this on-line because I am tired of mechanics not being able to correct the problem. The car has been great otherwise! I bought it new and have pretty much only done regular maintenance.

28th Nov 2006, 10:04

This is crazy. I can't believe we all have the exact same problems! I'm a broke student and I spent my savings on this car because I thought it was a great deal. And I have the same problems. One is with the engine light.

ALSO! My car stalls when I stop and sometimes I can put it in neutral and start it up again, but sometimes it won't even start. I replaced the mass airflow sensor as suggested by a mechanic and I still have same problem.

Did you ever find out what it was??

Like you I am also mad I bought this car, should have bought the Honda.