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Mazda MPV Starting/Stalling Problems

75 messages,  Last post on Feb 02, 2012 at 10:15 AM

You are in the Mazda MPV Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda MPV, Auto Repair, Van

Messages Page 1 of 8

#2 of 75 1996 mazda mpv no spark by wcarnes

Nov 15, 2006 (11:25 am)

While driving through the neighborhood. My mpv just died. It was though someone reached down and turned the key off. No warning, weird noise or anything. Checked the fuel system. Seems to be OK. I'm getting gas through the fuel filter when the ignition is turned on. I am getting no spark off of the plugs. I traced it back to the distributor and I am not getting any spark out of the distributor coils either. I am getting voltages into the distributor 12Vdc (battery voltage) and 5Vdc (maybe a control of some sort) but no voltage out of the distributor. Has anyone had any similar problems like this. It would be nice to know exactly what to check to determine if it is in fact the distributor, before I drop $300.00 (non-refundable) on it. It definitly isn't working, but I'm not sure if it is the distributor or something that isn't telling it to fire. Please help.

#3 of 75 Re: 1996 mazda mpv no spark [wcarnes] by once_for_all

Nov 15, 2006 (2:02 pm)

Replying to: wcarnes (Nov 15, 2006 11:25 am)
do you have spark from the ignition coil? You should be able to check if the coil is ok or not. If it is good, then it is something inside the distributor.
 
My guess is that the coil went out. I am not familiar with specifics on your engine as I have the 2002 with the Ford engine.
 
John

#4 of 75 Re: 1996 mazda mpv no spark [once_for_all] by wcarnes

Nov 15, 2006 (10:36 pm)

Replying to: once_for_all (Nov 15, 2006 2:02 pm)
no spark from ignition coil. Look more and more like the distributor. Everything is enclosed inside the dist. (ignition coil,ICM,etc.)

#5 of 75 Re: 1996 mazda mpv no spark [wcarnes] by once_for_all

Nov 16, 2006 (9:48 pm)

Replying to: wcarnes (Nov 15, 2006 10:36 pm)
just keep testing the components, I guess. One or more is bad. Good luck,
 
John

#6 of 75 2000 MPV Rough running - carbon tracking on spark plugs by jaw173a

Dec 29, 2006 (8:00 am)

My MPV started running rough. They changed the plugs several times now because each time they do they find carbon tracking. The last few times we've paid attention to the details, it seems like it's always cyl#2 and sometimes others. So then it runs for a month or two, and then the same thing happens.
 
When they investigate they find the same thing - carbon tracking.
 
Their explanation is they think the spark plugs must have invisible cracks in the porcelain and maybe there's a whole bad batch. I don't get why it would always be centered around #2 though.
 
I found one post in an older (now READ ONLY) forum that says both the plugs and the wires need to be replaced at the same time, but my dealer doesn't get why one would affect the other.
 
The other thing is that the dealer admits he's not sure why this happening and seems to be happy with replacing the plugs and giving me the car back.
 
Any suggestions on what might be happening here?

#7 of 75 Re: 1996 mazda mpv no spark [wcarnes] by 7777778

Nov 09, 2007 (6:12 pm)

Replying to: wcarnes (Nov 15, 2006 11:25 am)
I Just had he same problems with my 1996. did you ever find the answer? Help Thanks D Anderson

#8 of 75 Re: 1996 mazda mpv no spark [wcarnes] by pappaneil

Dec 04, 2007 (9:46 am)

Replying to: wcarnes (Nov 15, 2006 11:25 am)
Timing Belt!! To check, take off the distributer cap and note which position the rotor cap is in. Turn engine over, see if rotor cap is in the same position. If it is, you have a broken timing belt. Best way is to have someone turn the key while you observe the distributer cap to see if it turns while the engine is cranking.

#9 of 75 Re: 1996 mazda mpv no spark [7777778] by sickvan1

Dec 10, 2007 (10:33 pm)

Replying to: 7777778 (Nov 09, 2007 6:12 pm)
I just cam across this forum after doing a search re: our MPV. Mine is also a 1996 and we have had continuing issues with starting/stalling problems. I'm going to re-look into the spark-plug/distributor cap (know a few basics but don't do any work myself.) Is this a common problem with mid-90's MPV's? It's been an absolute headache. We frequently use gas-line antifreeze (helped in the past), had the timing belt replaced last year (I'll have to check the paperwork to see what other work was done at the time) and also use the EFI cleaner periodically. Our idle was slightly readjusted at one point - didn't seem to help much. We've probably had about five or so different mechanics/garages look at the problem over the past couple of years, had it in for servicing at points, and no one can seem to locate the problem. It will be OK for a while and then back to running terribly. Any ideas?

Messages Page 1 of 8

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