1996 Mazda 626 Consumer Discussions

Mazda 626 Starting Issues

• i have the same problems

  Written by: gloving40 on Jul 10, 2011 10:47:16 AM

  i have a 1996 mazda 626 and got power to the inside of the car but nothing to the engine and the key will click but nothing else. i cleaned the terms and nothing but got everything to the radio and wipers and a/c but not to the enginre help me with this to figure out driving me crazy.

• 96 mazda 626 wont start

  Written by: jbustos22 on Apr 17, 2011 3:47:16 PM

  i have a 1996 mazda 626. car was working fine i went to clean the the acid on my battery, then when i went to leave it wouldnt start unless i pushed started it. thoiuight maybe i just drained the batt while cleaning the terminals but it didnt start later that night. took it to a autozone had them test my batt and starter said both were fine that it was ... Read More

Mazda 626 Troubles

• clutch slave/master cylinder

  Written by: iodome on Feb 18, 2010 11:31:53 AM

  just replaced my slave and master cylinders for my clutch. still not getting any pressure.doesn't seem like it is taking any fluid from the reservoir. any suggestions? 1996 Mazda 626 4-cylinder

Mazda 626

• Re: High rev during idle [navy_dude]

  Written by: pinochko on Feb 3, 2010 4:52:40 PM

  It happens when the level of your coolant gets low. Check your coolant system right away, because it might have a leak. I just had that problem the other day on a Mazda 626 lx 1996 and had to replace a hose, water pump and timing belt - quite expensive...

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Re: 1996 MAZDA 626 ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING [bt100]

  Written by: gyates on Nov 8, 2009 7:28:06 PM

  As far as the EGR flow issue, this is a very common problem with these cars. It is caused by carbon build-up in the throttle body. There are 2 small ports that go to the EGR valve that get clogged and must be cleaned out by hand. You have to open up he throttle body to get to them. You will need to purchase a throttle body gasket before you do ... Read More

• Re: 1996 MAZDA 626 ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING [saeedabidi]

  Written by: bt100 on Nov 3, 2009 1:39:14 PM

  I Own a 1998 Mazda 626 lx V6 automatic, I just purchased it 3 months ago in what I thought was great shape.. It has now began to have many different issues. First the check engine light stays on, then the RPM starts to go higher than before going up to 2500-3000 before switching. It felt like it was just delayed a few seconds more then normal. I then took it ... Read More

• Re: 1996 MAZDA 626 ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING [askperry]

  Written by: saeedabidi on Nov 3, 2009 6:04:26 AM

  Once on a freeway my mazda 626 1999 model car all of sudden died, in such a way that dash board lights and all electrical functions went dead and the car comes to a complete halt. This was simply due to a dead fuse, but the mechanic charged me $600 US$ and at that time I was not sure. My car was coming from a hot environment and then into a ... Read More

• Re: 1996 MAZDA 626 ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING [jmclelland]

  Written by: askperry on Nov 2, 2009 7:34:50 PM

  Yes, a timing belt failing will cause the engine to die. but there are lots of other things can cause the engine to stop. Top things that come to mind are, dead battery, failed alternator, alternator belt breaking, ignition coil failing, spark plug wire to ignition coil failing, overheating, engine fuse blowing and of course running out of gas.

• 1996 MAZDA 626 ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING

  Written by: jmclelland on Sep 30, 2009 11:16:51 AM

  i WAS GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND THE MOTOR STOPPED PULLING. BY THE TIME I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE ENGINE DIED AND WOULDN'T START. I HAVE HAD FRIENDS TELL ME THAT IT'S TIMING BELT. COULD THIS BE TRUE? AND I ALSO HAVE A MAJOR OIL LEAK INSIDE THE TIMING COVER THAT I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHERE IT'S COMING FROM.

• clutch

  Written by: demetriusnyc on Aug 14, 2009 6:14:51 AM

  ihave 1996 mazda 626 my clutch is all thw way to the floor does it have a clutch cable ? What could be the problem it will ot go in gear.

Mazda 626 Electrical Issues

• Dummy gauge problems

  Written by: d420baker on Apr 30, 2009 1:36:59 PM

  I've got a mazda 1996 626 Lx 4 cylinder. My windsheild is leaking so when it rains it soaks my interior, it leaks from top of windsheild in the middle where a seem was not sealed correctly. well just recently I had my breaks done, not sure if it has anything to do with it. when I start my car it starts fine idles fine reverses fine but as soon as ... Read More

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Re: 626 Mazda [parnell1234]

  Written by: kfpfla on Sep 12, 2008 9:53:48 AM

  Hello Parell1234, One quick question: Does the O/D light "Flash" when on extended highway trips? If it does, you might have a "known" Mazda Service Issue. I have a 1998 Mazda 626 4 Cyl Automatic and for some reason if I am Driving at 70 mph and let off the gas pedal my O/D Light Flashes and continues to do so until I stop and turn off the car, let it ... Read More

Mazda 626 Transmission Questions

• Re: 97 626 transmission problem [eharing]

  Written by: kfpfla on Sep 12, 2008 9:24:51 AM

  Hello Ernie, One quick question: Does the O/D light Flash when on extended highway trips? If it does, you may have a "known" Mazda Service Issue. My 1998, Mazda 626 LX 4 cyl 2.0 had a very similar issue that happened only after driving at highway speeds for about an 70 minutes. I spoke with a guy who rebuilds these transmissions. He said that when the O/D light "flashes", it is ... Read More

Mazda 626 Starting Issues

• Re: 1996 Mazda 626 Starting Problem [fishon5]

  Written by: pscantlin on Sep 4, 2008 7:24:07 AM

  I just fixed my 96 mazda 626. It was the Crank Positioning Sensor Wires. They were loose and almost broken. I found the broken wires, went to the junk yard and got a $2.00 part and now it starts fine. (when those wires are loose/broken the computer doesn't know where the crank shft is) This part sits on top of the harmonic balance. Good luck :)

• 1996 Mazda 626 Starting Problem

  Written by: fishon5 on Sep 2, 2008 8:42:30 AM

  Car will turn-over but won't start, will push start every time on the 1st try. I replaced the plugs, wires, distributor and rotor. The guy that had it before me said it overheated and would turn over after that (I found the water pump is bad and am replacing it). I also checked the following with good results; spark and compression form all 4 cylinders. Changed oil and didn't see any ... Read More

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Re: Issues [cstephens]

  Written by: mhhalabe on Nov 8, 2007 8:21:14 PM

  I have a 1996 Mazda 626 with 184,000kms on it. When I roll up two windows at a time, the drivers side goes faster than the passenger side. And recently, my car, when idle, smells like it is burning. It isn't oil leaking, and it isnt another fluid leaking. It only seems to happen in the winter. As for the engine light coming on, I can't say I have the same ... Read More

• Re: Issues with my 1999 Mazda 626 by gangling

  Written by: mhhalabe on Feb 26, 2007 12:48:52 PM

  My 1996 Mazda 626 Cronos is having some problems. I recently changed the battery because the car wouldn't start when we were experiencing the -50F weather in my town. Also, in the past 2 months, my check engine soon light has come on atleast 3 times and now it is on again. It doesn't blink, but is just staying on steady. I remove the battery post and it goes away, for ... Read More

• Re: 1996 Mazda 626 has no compression in all four cylinders [latino20782]

  Written by: urb0123 on Feb 13, 2007 6:37:20 AM

  No clue dadio, I just recently discovered that water or some other liquid is getting in my trunk on the passenger side. Pull up the carpet a little bit in the trunk and see if the felt underneath is wet on the passenger side. Is the antenna back there? I wonder if that is the cause. I have so many problems I am working on right now that it is a ... Read More

Mazda 626 Engine Questions

• Mazda 626 4 cyl. engine differences???

  Written by: ppgbodyman on Jan 31, 2007 8:53:53 PM

  I have a 1996 Mazda 626 with a bad engine. It has the 2.0L 4 cyl. with a manual transmission. It seems the only engine that will work is a 1996 or 1997 model engine. I can buy a 1994 2.0l worth the money. What is the difference in these engines? Both are DOHC engines and look the same. I have looked at the parts web sites and all the engine ... Read More

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Re: 1996 Mazda 626 has no compression in all four cylinders [dadio]

  Written by: nik626 on Nov 10, 2006 4:16:20 AM

  See if the engine is a interference engine. If it is that would explain alot. If it is the the values are bent. What is an interference engine? An interference design is such that the timing is just right to allow the valves to open into the cylinder where they share space with the piston. The valves must be closed in order for the piston to peak; the piston must be ... Read More

• 1996 Mazda 626 engine dies when coming to a complete stop

  Written by: edagger3274 on Oct 10, 2006 11:08:56 AM

  hi. im new here and i want to say thanks for having me. haviung said that, now i wonder if i could get some help with a problem that just occured. i had to change the water pump on my '96 626 and, as you all know, you have to take alot of engine parts off to get to it. well in the process, i figured i would change the timing ... Read More

• Re: 1996 Mazda 626 has no compression in all four cylinders [dadio]

  Written by: latino20782 on Oct 7, 2006 7:13:44 AM

  does any one knows why wehn it rains water comes in on the r/side of my 99 626 passanger side carpet is wet front and back...driver side ok????

• 1996 626 no power

  Written by: cooklio on Sep 19, 2006 2:57:32 PM

  I have a 1996 mazda 626 4 cyl atx....it has been running awful for about 6 months. Rough idle...almost stalls at red lights...very little power going up the slightest hill...if I let off the gas and step on it again it will take off but kinda jerky at various speeds..but will run 65 or 70 mph if you are patient enough to ease it up to there....i havent tried to run ... Read More

• 1996 Mazda 626 has no compression in all four cylinders

  Written by: dadio on Aug 31, 2006 1:04:40 PM

  My daughters mazda stopped running. she said it was ratteling a lot. now it does not start at all. It turns over but does not have any compression in all four cylinders. The timing belt is not broken and the distributor is intact and working. While the engine is turning over it just sounds like a long whinning sound. It does still pump oil up to the top end and there ... Read More

• 1996 mazda 626 Transmission help!!

  Written by: ddiggsy21 on Mar 8, 2006 8:03:59 AM

  I have already replace over $1,700 worth of stuff in my car and the last thing that is left is the transmission. IF anyone knows of a cheap transmission or a rebuild kit for a 1996 mazda 626 please let me know I would appreciate it

• Re: erratic idling and engine check light on [rohangrover]

  Written by: alibub on Sep 29, 2005 1:14:47 PM

  I have a 1995 Mazda 626 with close to the same problems you are having. Mine use to surge for no reason on the highways and a few times in town for no apparent reason. I had it checked four times by Mazda under warranty back in 1996. They could find no problem, they must have thought i was crazy. It happened again and for the fifth time i brought it ... Read More

• Hard Throttle Pedal !!!!

  Written by: iluvmymazda on Jul 20, 2005 5:29:12 AM

  Hi, the gas pedal on my Mazda 626 (1996) is very hard first thing in the morning or if the car has been parked for some time. If i start the car and give it upto a minute the pedal will be fine. Or unless i give it a good kick when i'm in a hurry, but not always happy doing this. Is this by design or is there a fault? ... Read More

Mazda 626

• Re: Wonderful car. Mazda got me for life [nannette]

  Written by: elmoro on Jul 17, 2005 2:29:40 AM

  Hi nanette, I would be greatful of you can post programming instructions for the keyless remote of Mazda 626. the car i have is 1997 but it think the same remote as 1996 model. Simon

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Fan Mysteriously Stopped Working

  Written by: iluvmymazda on Jun 28, 2005 9:28:59 AM

  Hi, I have a Mazda 626 1.8LXi (1996). The fan does nothing on settings 1,2 or 3 but works fine on 4. I have checked the switch and looks ok. The strange thing is that it worked the night before. In the morning, nothing. Can anyone help? Does it mean a replacement fan? If so, how easy a task is it to do? Many thanks

Mazda 626

• why the check engine light comes on?

  Written by: illmatic on Mar 28, 2005 7:46:07 PM

  I just bought a 1996 mazda 626 and it has some problems or it might have some problems. The check engine light always come on and I don't really know why. Maybe some of you guys can tell me what could be the cause or what kind of problems can i be looking for in my car. Also there is a sound that i here in the transmission box when i ... Read More

• Trans on 02 model 626:

  Written by: carguy58 on Jul 4, 2003 10:25:11 AM

  After the Mazda tranny problem or Ford should I say since 4 cyl trans is Ford(the 6 cyl unit is Mazda.) Mazda did improve the Ford Tranny in 1996 with a little tuning. Most of the problems with 626's were in the 94-95 4 cyl models.

• struts and more

  Written by: maxx4me on Mar 8, 2003 4:07:51 PM

  good decision never to own another Mazda. I hope everyone will vote with their pocketbooks, and send Ford a message by giving your business elsewhere. As for the struts, I had all 4 replaced in my 1996 626. Be prepared to spend a good chunk of money on the labor for the rear two. Apparently they are a bear to put in. I put in Gas Struts instead of Oil filled. ... Read More

Mazda 626 Troubles

• New Fluid in a rebuilt tranny

  Written by: maxx4me on Feb 23, 2003 7:25:16 AM

  I have a 96 626 LX with 87,000 miles. Thank goodness for extended warranties. I put $3,500 on the $650 warranty I bought in 1996. I am on my 3rd transmission which is coming up on one year since installation. I usually am the first person to have his tranny fluid flushed out with a BG machine every 2 years. However, this 3rd rebuild is running very well. 1. Is there ... Read More

• shifting woes here too

  Written by: naz_sparky on Dec 5, 2002 1:47:35 PM

  1996 Mazda 626 LX V6 same shifting problem every now and then. I bought this car 8 months back and have put on 9000 miles on it since. I have replaced the following on this car - new clutch - new front rotors and pads - new power steering pump - two new CV boots - new vacuum chambers - new alternator - new motor mounts it needs a new radiator ... Read More

Mazda 626

• Is this a good deal?

  Written by: maters04 on Jul 23, 2002 8:19:22 AM

  I recently found a 1996 Mazda 626 V6 LX for $3350. I was wondering if you guys could tell me if its a good deal. It has 136K miles on it. Interior looks great as well does the exterior. We are going to test drive it tonight. Let me know your thoughts! Thanks everybody!

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Just bought a used one...

  Written by: anc637 on Apr 13, 2002 7:45:36 PM

  I just bought a used 1996 Mazda 626 LX, last month. It has about 71k miles and an AUTO transmission. A couple of weeks ago, i noticed that there are some clicking noises somewhere in the front of the car...i can't figure out what it is, does anyone have this same problem??? I just need to know what the heck is wrong with it before i get it checked in and ... Read More

• 1996 Mazda 626 LX V6 5spd

  Written by: naz_sparky on Apr 13, 2002 7:29:46 AM

  The car has 88700 miles on it. Ran fine after I bought it at 88K miles. Then suddenly the CEL light came on and the engine started to idle erratically. I live at 7000 ft above sea level and the car spent the initial 88K miles down at sea level, could this be causing this problem? The CEL light now stays on and sometimes blinks. Any help will be appreciated.

Mazda 626

• 1996 Mazda 626 LX V6 5spd

  Written by: naz_sparky on Apr 12, 2002 11:21:08 PM

  The car has 88700 miles on it. Ran fine after I bought it at 88K miles. Then suddenly the CEL light came on and the engine started to idle erratically. I live at 7000 ft above sea level and the car spend the 88K miles down at seal level, could this be causing this problem? The CEL light now stays on and sometimes blinks. Any help will be appreciated.

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Spout Connector Location???

  Written by: pjsich on Mar 8, 2002 10:38:56 AM

  My wife owns a 1996 Mazda 626, 4-cylinder, automatic with about 70k miles on it. It has developed a slight knocking problem. After having only limited success with the after market fuel system cleaners, I thought I would check the base timing. The Mazda is very similar to the Ford Probe and I checked my Haynes manual and it describes the procedure - a key element of which is shorting across ... Read More

• Engine Troubles

  Written by: weebee3 on Mar 4, 2002 6:16:21 PM

  I just purchased a 1996 626 LX. It's a great-looking car, but I'm thinking that's the only perk! During the two weeks that I have owned it, it's been shopped twice within a week. The idle was a little rough and had a long cranking time, but didn't think anything of it. Last week the CEL came on-took it to a Mazda dealer who replaced the Air Flow Meter and the ... Read More

• car won't start

  Written by: whitemazda on Sep 1, 2001 6:31:14 PM

  We have a 1996 4-cylinder Mazda 626 (78,000 miles) with no previous problems. Yesterday it drove fine. Today it won't start, even with jumper cables. When the ignition is turned on, there is no sound. The only thing that works are the headlights--no radio, no interior lights, etc. I did leave the key in the ignition last night, and I may have left it turned partially on (to close the windows). ... Read More

• 1996 Mazda 626 LX Transmission

  Written by: chriscars on Apr 9, 2001 11:43:06 AM

  My transmission with 98,500 miles just had to be replaced. I paid $1800 for a rebuild, $150 shipping, and $270 for installation. This total of $2220 is ridiculous. I am wondering if anyone knows the correct route to go about reimbursement from Mazda. I do have Mazda's consumer affairs CA phone #, and the attorney generals CA phone #, but I would like some suggestions from those of you who were ... Read More

Mazda 626

• 4-cylinder transmission

  Written by: windowphobe6 on Feb 22, 2001 5:32:44 PM

  Most of the issues with the LA4A-EL (aka the Ford CD4E) have already been addressed in production; the major fixes were phased in between 1996 and 1998. It is, to my way of thinking, not quite as agile a tranny as Mazda's own GF4A-EL, but it doesn't spend as much time hunting for gears, either - a good thing, since no one is ever going to accuse the four-cylinder 626 of ... Read More

Mazda 626 Troubles

• '96 Mazda 626 V-6 Auto --- Transmission Repair #2

  Written by: raiderrick on Dec 28, 2000 3:18:29 PM

  I posted back in mid-August that I had to replace the transmission in my wife's 1996 Mazda 626 V-6 (auto) at 82,000. Well 10,000 miles and 19 weeks later....the transmission is slipping between 2nd and 3rd. Fortunately, the $2100 that I spent on the repairs in August came with a full 1-year warranty. I'm Hoping to God that when I pick it up Wednesday that I don't have to pay a ... Read More

• Help-Transmission problems

  Written by: zepp241 on Dec 18, 2000 3:02:05 PM

  I am one of the fools who bought a 1996 Mazda 626 4cyl. auto trans and the transmission is shot at 59,400 miles. Total estimate $3000. The car died on I-10 in Tempe, AZ after the O/D light came on for about 30 minutes. The manual doesnt mention what could be wrong if that warning light blinks on and off. How do I notify the DOT and start some legal procedings ... Read More

Mazda 626

• A/T problems - big surprise!

  Written by: kmascolo on Oct 29, 2000 11:48:16 PM

  I bought a 1996 mazda 626 used one year ago.I check consumer reports before purchase and it did not say anything about the a/t problem. Since the purchase I have had numberous problems. The oil sending unit went bad two months after I bought it (it had 45,000mi when I got it) then the check engine light came on. I immediately took it to the garage and they told me it ... Read More

Mazda 626 Troubles

• '96 auto transmission failure

  Written by: ucc1976 on Oct 21, 2000 3:57:51 PM

  I have a 1996 Mazda 626 and the O/D light stated flashing. I took it to the dealer and was told that the transmission had a sensor go out and it caused the fluid to overheat and the transmission need to be replaced. The car has only 54,000 miles. Also have a neighbor who experienced the exact same problem.

• HELP ME PLease!!

  Written by: jpg10 on Aug 21, 2000 8:30:59 PM

  Hello all, I am new and desperately seeking help from this board. I own a 1996 Mazda 626, 4 clylinder etc., and this is my story. One day at 80,000 miles the o/drive off button started flashing then a few days later the check engine light came on and then they both stayed on. Off to the dealership to learn that I had torc converter slipage and needed a new transmission ... Read More

Mazda 626

• Mazda 626 Trans problem

  Written by: breaksr on Aug 17, 2000 3:22:41 PM

  My 1996 Mazda 626 LX with the 4-speed automatic has been experiencing some problems when shifting. When changing from first to second or second to third the car lurchs and forces the passengers to be pushed back in their seats. This appears to be more noticeable when the vehicle is warmed up. I also noticed this problem appeared to start after bringing the car to Jiffy Lube for an oil change. ... Read More

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Transmissions in brief

  Written by: windowphobe6 on Jun 18, 2000 4:18:22 PM

  626 (four-cylinder) - '87-'93 - Mazda G4A-EL 626 (four-cylinder) - '94-up - Ford CD4E 626 (V6) - all - Mazda G4A-EL Millenia (base) - Mazda G4A-EL Millenia S - Jatco JF403E (Nissan RE4F04A) The current (F) version of the G4A-EL appeared first in '93. The peak years for CD4E problems were '94 through '97. (Ford redesigned the pump plate and gasket in late 1996, and the coast/forward clutch assembly in early ... Read More

• My car is in the shop as I write

  Written by: jtuck on May 25, 2000 7:42:22 PM

  Where should I start... I have 1996 Mazda 626 LX with about 70,000 miles on it. I've loved my car since the day I bought it but it's been tough. I'm tired of the huge repair bills and the arguments with my extended warranty company. I'm considering selling it and coming to terms with the huge mistake I made when I bought it. I should have bought a Honda like everyone ... Read More

• #1

  Written by: bnormann on Mar 24, 2000 5:27:00 PM

  (trinacria2) Wed 22 Mar '00 (07:00 AM) My 1996 Mazda 626 LX 4 cyl AT has been giving me idle problems since once the battery went dead and the codes were erased. The idle sounds rough, specially during cooler days, and it is very sensitive to any electric load; even a turning light makes it shift up and down; in general there is a significant delay in idle compensation after electric ... Read More