2544 messages,
Last post on Apr 15, 2013 at 8:56 AM
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Mazda 626 Forum.
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Mazda 626, Sedan

#699 of 2544 Mazda maintenance
by craigs4
Aug 03, 2001 (1:41 pm)
A great source of Mazda maintenance information is www.probetalk.com It is searchable. The Mazda 626/MX6 and Ford Probe from 1993-1997 were the same vehicles under the skin. The 2.5 V6 has the 4EAT automatic transmission. It must be flushed regularly or it will die prematurely, Mobil 1 synthetic transmision fluid and a Magnefine inline filter also help. It also greatly benefits from an additional aftermarket transmission cooler installed in line after the factory one in the radiator, link them up using the lower hose. Finally, the 93-95 models have a famous distributor problem that you can learn more about at probetalk. The Magnefine filter was recently approved by Ford. See www.emergingent.com and the Magnefine subpage. The power steering system also benefits from getting flushed as the fluid deteriorates and most dealers or modern facilities can do this.
Aug 03, 2001 (2:53 pm)
How often should the power steering be flushed?
Frankly I didn't know it should be done regularly until recently.
#701 of 2544 Flushing the power-steering pump
by windowphobe6
Aug 03, 2001 (7:15 pm)
I'm thinking 60k, though there is no specific recommendation for it in the official literature. PS fluid is similar to transmission fluid - some cars actually specify transmission fluid to be used in this application - and it's subject to the same sort of deterioration, though probably not as dramatically as the Dexron floating around in the slushbox.
And I'd like to second the recommendation for probetalk.com. It is a valuable resource for anyone with a third- or fourth-generation ('88-'97) 626.
#702 of 2544 1990 626 Idling problem
by mrsnoah
Aug 04, 2001 (11:09 am)
Hi,
I am new to this board. I have a '90 626 that recently has begun to idle badly after the car is warmed up. While it is cold, the fast idle prevents the problem - although even then it's not perfect - but once it's warm the engine idles rough, inconsistent (up & down), and it has even stalled on me once or twice. A lot of times it nearly stalls, but recovers before it actually does. It is a 5-speed. Has anyone on this board ever had this problem and what is the fix? Thank you
Mary Kay
#703 of 2544 1997 power steering pump
by agt_cooper
Aug 04, 2001 (11:38 am)
I too have a '97 that had problems with the pump. It was replaced at about 20,000 miles... Noise only happened when temperature was below about 40 F, and would go away once the car was warmed up. Warranty took care of it, no problems since...
Aug 04, 2001 (1:58 pm)
This is an older car like my 1991. Have the spark plugs and wires been replaced? Has it had a recent tuneup? Have you gone to a mechanic (not Jiffy lube) and paid for a fuel injection decarbonization and cleaner?
#705 of 2544 Flushing Power Steering.
by mrdetailer
Aug 06, 2001 (10:59 am)
While power steering fluid may be similar, it does not have the same properties any mores. Not one of my 3 cars specified tranasmission fluid.
I changed the fluid on my Mazda when smelled the difference between 2 of my cars, and one that had the power steering pump replaced about 20,000 miles ago. It is a stinky fluid anyway, but the older ones, especially the Mazda smelled burnt, and looked a little bit cloudy. I put in lubegard for about $7.00 USD and spend about $50.00 to have the powersteering flushed.
It seems to work a bit smoother, and anything that I can do to save a power steering pump repair is helpful. On my Dodge, it went out 3 times. Fluid all over the road, and steering really hard, before they finally got a pump that held up OK.
#706 of 2544 Update on Power steering.
by mrdetailer
Aug 06, 2001 (11:09 am)
My son's 1997 626 DID NOT have a power steering problem. After replacing the power steering pump the first time they thought it was defective. They put in a second pump. It sounded exactly the same as before.
With good reason. It was the air conditioner bearing. The two in some models, this is an auto tranny with a 2.0 engine, are right next to each other. As it stands right now the air conditioner compressor is being replaced at 62,000 miles. Our mechanic is eating the cost for the steering repair. Their view is that they won't charge for an unnecessary repair. However we do have to pay another $235.00 for a new air conditioner. Total repair $635.00.
Have the air conditioners declined in quality? Is the new R-132 coolant more corrosive? My 1991 with R-12 coolant has had nothing more in five years than adding 8 ounces of coolant. And I have double his mileage.
#707 of 2544 97 M 626 Engine Light - Possible to Reset Light?
by dengle2
Aug 08, 2001 (7:57 am)
Is there anyway possible to reset the engine light switch on the car. The dealer I called said its probably on for a service interval (25k, 50k,75k) and no need to really worry about it. I'm trying to get it smogged and dealer wants $75.00 to check the codes and reset it. I just need it off for a couple of hours.
Don
#708 of 2544 Mazda Strut replacement?
by mrdetailer
Aug 08, 2001 (9:54 am)
I just replaced my original equipment front struts at 115,000 miles. It's been 10 years so I guess I can't really complain, but what's been others experience about how long struts last?