Mazda3 Stalling Issues and Idle Problem Thread - READ THIS FIRST

[MrLiou168]

So after months of researching and a CEL that goes on and off, and is now permanently on, I'm going to try to put all the info I've learned into this one thread, and hopefully ya'll can add and help me with a few last questions. Apparently this is an EXTREMELY common problem with our cars...

Symptoms:
Rough or erratic Idle
Idle Hunting
When coming to a stoplight, engine stalls
After coming to a stop, engine stalls
Hard start after filling gas tank
Loss of low-end torque
CEL codes: P2186 P2187 P0455

Culprit:
Purge Solenoid Control Valve

Just talked to a few Mazda stealerships who all said the same thing: "Mazda 3's eat these things up." Prices quoted for the valve ranged from $110-$179.

And for those shopping, is there a recommended website to buy OEM Mazda parts from?

[MrLiou168]

Update:

The correct part number for a 2005 2.3L is LF66-20-360K. I paid $105.23 thought a wholesale account at my local dealership. The dang solenoid purge valve comes as part of an assembly (brackets, hose clamps, etc), most of it you will not need.

To install:

1. Remove the hose and clamp from the aft part of the purge valve closest to the firewall. Separate the purge valve itself from the bracket assembly after undoing the single plug on top. I just pulled it out of the circular rubber piece that holds it in place.

2. LEAVE the hose that came with the new valve on! The junction is an updated one, and may help in preventing future leaks. Breaking this connection can cause premature failure of the new assembly.

3. Follow the line towards the front of the car to where it connects to the forward part of the intake manifold, just downstream of the throttle body. You will see a read plastic clip fitting.

4. Preferably on a warm engine, carefully spread the read clip apart to release it, and pull the old hose straight off. If the ambient temperature is very cold, this clip may break due to brittle plastic. No worries, the new hose assembly comes with new parts.

5. Simply install the hose until the red clip snaps into place, slip the new purge valve into place, plug it in, and re-connect the hose and clamp on the aft side.

6. Reset battery and voila! CEL and all aforementioned issues are gone!

[PJ 3i07]

not having this problem... but thanks for the information and walk through.

good job.

[specialbuddy]

Nice walk through. I just want to know why they sent me a bracket. I tried to take the old one off but the part that holds the engine cover was connected to a bolt. I can't figure out how to remove the two pieces so the old bracket will have to do.

[anthonyd]

Having the issue with hard starts and rough idle, no stall so far. But where can i get parts for the 2004 2.3L mazda, i only see 2005 listed.

[michaelallaire7]

I have these SAME exact symptoms thank you for writing this it realy helped