[Pololo_MS3]

Just like the "stealer" manager told me... "We could not rule out the O2 sensor as it was not giving out any codes. Apparently it's working fine but I believe this is the issue. You need to replace the O2 sensor"...

In fact, I even told him..." if you know, and there is documentation about bad O2 sensors, why can't you replace this for free? The only thing you are doing is swapping parts".... and then I was amazed by his answer...."We have looked at the database, and it says that even though there are no failure codes, the O2 sensor is the problem. We know it's a problem on these cars"...

I don't know if you have a friend with a MS3, swap the coils and see what happens... If not, you need to change the O2 sensor, no question about it...

BTW, did you gap the spark plugs correctly?

 

[sumpirate]

Pololo,
Yeah, I did gap them correctly, but took a bit. I got Autolite Iridiums, and they call for a different gap than the Denso or NGK's, something with being a Fine-wire. But they are gapped to Spec, .050 IIRC.

Gonna try O2 I guess. BTW, the air straightener isn't $4.20, lol. Would have been nice for that price.

If it were a coil issue, I would expect a code to appear, even a flashing CEL for a misfire.

It's a bummer, between Konis, new endlinks, new tires, alignment, and plugs in the last month, I've shelled out a decent chunk of change. (Sorry, had to whine a little bit :lol

 

[sumpirate]

Was playing around a bit more, finally got a CEL, for P0441. So I pulled the purge valve, and applied 12V to the terminals. Nothing, no airflow thru it at all. Adjusted the screw inside the valve the back and forth, still no airflow. Before I get a new one, applying power to the purge vlave should make it open, correct? Thanks for all input, I appreciate it.

 

[Pololo_MS3]

[quote author=sumpirate link=topic=202274.msg4179303#msg4179303 date=1327775824]
Was playing around a bit more, finally got a CEL, for P0441. So I pulled the purge valve, and applied 12V to the terminals. Nothing, no airflow thru it at all. Adjusted the screw inside the valve the back and forth, still no airflow. Before I get a new one, applying power to the purge vlave should make it open, correct? Thanks for all input, I appreciate it.
[/quote]

Yes, it should... unless it needs a load to force it open. The good thing is that you got a code so you are getting closer to get this fixed.

Let us know how you are progressing.

Carlos

 

[pittsburghmazda3]

FYI: Just got my purge valve replaced at the dealer on Friday. This cleared the P0441 CEL I had. I was getting horrid gas mileage as well with the bad purge valve...just a little over 200 miles and already on E. And I haven't been driving the car hard or beating on it, and my work commute is 90% highway. Lets see if the purge valve did the trick.

Sumpirate, if you do end up replacing the purge valve, let us know how much it is. I had to pay $100 deductible (extended warranty), but on the receipt the price was listed as $130-$140ish. I thought these were cheaper? Hopefully you get this sorted out soon.

 

[sumpirate]

Should be in today when I get home from school. It was $26.99 at Autozone. Hopefully it helps, they want over $350 for an O2 sensor!!!! I know it's a wideband, but DAMN!!!!

 

[Pololo_MS3]

[quote author=sumpirate link=topic=202274.msg4180446#msg4180446 date=1328035533]
Should be in today when I get home from school. It was $26.99 at Autozone. Hopefully it helps, they want over $350 for an O2 sensor!!!! I know it's a wideband, but DAMN!!!!
[/quote]

Yeap, They told me, "it's because it a MS3 not a regular Mazda 3". However they wanted $251.00 here. Ask them if they can give you a discount on this part that it's known to be defective by Mazda. They could give you 20% discount on it...

Let us know how it goes...

 

[sumpirate]

purge valve didn't help. :x

 

[sumpirate]

Still very little improvement. No CEL either. So that I can try to figure out what's going on, I ordered a OBD II Bluetooth adapter, and I have the Torque program on my android phone. Any suggestions of what parameters I should look at? Air/Fuel ratio, fuel pressure, fuel trims, and timing all come to mind, but I am unsure of what they SHOULD be reading, and what values should cause me to worry.