2000 Mazda Protege doesn't starting after driving...

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drake1122@gmail.com - 15 Jul 2006 00:21 GMT

I have a 2000 Mazda Protege LX 1.6L, the first problem i had was the
car just wouldn't start at all. Consequently, I bought a fuel pump
(not full assembly, just pump) and voila, it worked...Later I found out
that if I drive for 15+ minutes and park somewhere (turn car off), wait
a while, and try to start it back up, it won't start, just cranks. I
have to wait at least 45 minutes and then it will start back up. I
replaced the Fuel Pump Relay (not Main) and the spark plugs as well,
today. I thought that might have solved the problem, but to no avail,
I was stuck in a parking lot for an hour. What else could cause this
problem? Sometimes, like at a drive-thru or a stop light, if it's long
enough, the car will shut off (does not like idling for too
long).....if that helps paint the picture any more...I would greatly
appreciate any help that anyone can provide. My motorcycle has a flat
tire and I'm out of money for the next two weeks.

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Don - 15 Jul 2006 01:54 GMT

>I have a 2000 Mazda Protege LX 1.6L, the first problem i had was the
>car just wouldn't start at all. Consequently, I bought a fuel pump
>(not full assembly, just pump) and voila, it worked...Later I found out
>that if I drive for 15+ minutes and park somewhere (turn car off), wait
>a while, and try to start it back up, it won't start, just cranks. I
>have to wait at least 45 minutes and then it will start back up.

This sounds like an electronic component -- perhaps ignition module or
ECM.

>I replaced the Fuel Pump Relay (not Main)

Why? Did you ascertain no voltage to the fuel pump?

> and the spark plugs

What was the condition of the old spark plugs? Spark plugs probably
were not relevant to this problem unless carbon-fouled from an extreme
rich mixture.

>as well, today. I thought that might have solved the problem, but to no avail,
>I was stuck in a parking lot for an hour. What else could cause this
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>appreciate any help that anyone can provide. My motorcycle has a flat
>tire and I'm out of money for the next two weeks.

Before you spend another dime on parts the PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE
DIAGNOSED. What you have done so far sounds like random guess work.
You made the typical assumption that because the engine failed to run
it must be failing to get fuel. On a modern car this is wrong
something like 50% of the time, but nobody seems to want to check for
spark. Fuel without spark might as well be water! Next time the
engine shuts down pull a plug wire half way out and see if you have
spark when the engine is cranked. Once you know which is lacking --
spark or fuel -- you will have at least cut the field in half. You
can also see if the engine will run if artificially fueled by spraying
carburetor cleaner down the intake.

Don
www.donsautomotive.com

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