2003 mazda protege idles rough and shakes, almost stalls

SOURCE: 2001 mazda protege keeps stalling

my 2001 mazda protege starts hard, idles low and high at various times (never normal) and it acts as though its going to stall at all times. sparks and wires are changed no help, changed air filter no help. any idea on what to do?

SOURCE: For 2003 Mazda Protege ES model 2.0L 4cyl engine;

Check the air inlet boot going from the air filter to the intake for rips or holes. If rips exist, this would allow air to bypass the filter and mass air flow sensor and will lead to a check engine light appearing. The code would read "too lean, bank 1." If this problem is allowed to continue for long periods of time, the EGR ports will have to be cleaned out and maybe even the intake.

SOURCE: engine light on 2002 mazda protege is on even after changing o2

Try cleaning the Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor. My 2002 Protege check engine light came on and it started stalling at stoplights if I didn't keep the engine revved a little. Manager at AutoZone checked the computer code for the light (P0171?), and it said it was running lean. He suggested I try the MAF sensor cleaner they have ($6.99) rather than replacing the 02 sensor, etc.; it made a *significant* difference. (I think I need to do it again to get it totally cleaned out, but the can is for at least 4 cleanings.) The MAF sensor is the large component that air goes through right after the air filter. If you don't have the repair manual for the car (search online for PDF's), you search for the part online to see what it looks like. Mainly, it's a tube about 4" across with some small wire things inside. The cleaner can said it was a 10 minute job; mine took 20 minutes, but only because the tube leading from the MAF sensor to whatever is next (a kind of bent elbow tube, with a couple of accordian-style ripples) tore, and I had to duct-tape that up to seal it. (Still haven't gotten that replaced - found them online for ~$40. Maybe this weekend...)

SOURCE: 2001 mazda protege will not start

well, with all that you have changed the only two possible things that are left PCM and the ECM....

Do you have an alarm system on this vehicle? If you purchased this car second hand it may have something that is inhibiting the engine from firing. From what you have told us here that would be where I would start looking.

I really hope this is helpfull

SOURCE: 2003 Mazda protege had rough idle and wants to stall when I stop.

I have a 1999 protege and it would stall and run rough at idle, also it would hesitate badly when trying to accelerate. I thought it was the egr - it turns out it is the snorkel (air hose). IThe rubber had hardened and cracked, once replaced the car ran perfectly.