1997 Mazda 626 Consumer Discussions

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Happy w/ Mazda's..or am I just that way ?

  Written by: nebraska2 on Jan 15, 2012 2:40:54 AM

  I have 2 Mazdas---a 1995 Mazda 626 (I-4 5-Sp) (now-140K miles-bought used in early 2002) and a 1997 626 (I-4 5-spd) (now-190K miles-bought used in 2008). Both WHITE LX models. I always tend to pay cash for my cars--no notes/loans/comp Insurance, etc. I have put about $10,000 into these 2 cars (including their purchase) over a decade. Includes 2 pretty involved accidents for the '95 -a new clutch (complete) and a ... Read More

• Re: just bought a used 1997 mazda 626 having some issues [afroman707]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Nov 22, 2011 9:56:26 PM

  No I don't think it's worth fixing unless you want to take it apart just as a hobby.

• Re: just bought a used 1997 mazda 626 having some issues [afroman707]

  Written by: johnr16 on Nov 22, 2011 7:12:55 PM

  No.. These cars are not worth repairing.. They are junk... try to find a used Honda or Toyota..

• just bought a used 1997 mazda 626 having some issues

  Written by: afroman707 on Nov 12, 2011 5:57:25 PM

  its my first car i dont know much about cars either. it over heats in just a few minutes and blows out a lot of exhaust. there is rust on the radiator and it looks like it had some sort of oil leak in the past. i had the thermostat replaced and its still having the same problem and i noticed water leaking from what looks like the water pump. my ... Read More

• mazda 626 1997

  Written by: pchase on Oct 15, 2011 3:37:36 PM

  ive replaced clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, master cylinder, and slave cylinder, now when i try to shift gears my clutch stays on floor and wont shift, like my clutch isnt disengaging, reverse is the worst wont come out of reverse until i pop clutch let car die, then i can get it in netural and restart. Any ideals im going crazy

• 1997 Mazda 626 5 speed

  Written by: suzanne16 on Aug 19, 2011 6:38:43 PM

  Driven this car for 6 months no problems. Today drove to a friends, car sat for about 5 hrs., during this time in rained and hailed hard with my windows partially down. My car was drenched, even had water in the cup holders in the middle. Well when leaving I got about ten minutes down the road and my car stalled and I coasted over to a stop. Long story short, ... Read More

Mazda 626 Bad Idle

• 1997 626 Stalling

  Written by: blondie0427 on Feb 25, 2010 6:11:11 PM

  I just bought a used Mazda 626. When I stop, it stalls and seems to have a rough idle. Anyone having these issues and is there a quick fix?

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Idle Air Control Motor /transmission

  Written by: eve1969 on Jan 13, 2009 11:02:28 AM

  I Just bought a 1997 Mazda 626 and I'm having some problems with the car. at first it started to stall on me. and it seamed it was loosing power and the gears would not shift. I took it to the mechanic and he did the Diagnostic and found a bunch of codes which he said they were all related to the same part. so he replaced the EGR valve cylinoid ... Read More

• Car wobbles, burning smell, engine light

  Written by: jaganrvce on Dec 25, 2008 10:45:07 AM

  My car Mazda 1997 626 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 73000 miles was working great until all hell broke lose. Suddenly the car started shaking noticeably with a strong rubber burning smell. The car would still drive but the engine would make strange noise but would not turn off. The shaking reduces visibly if put in neutral gear. The heating does not show any heating etc. Also, the engine light ... Read More

• check engine light

  Written by: cbus722 on Aug 30, 2008 7:28:39 PM

  I have a 1997 Mazda 626 LX 2.0. Can't get it to pass the emission test. Code PO421 comes up and don't know what it means? Had Code PO133 on the test , but it's not coming up anymore after changing both o2 sensors,spark plugs,new spark plugs wiring. Can you tell me what Code PO421 is?

• rough idle

  Written by: zoomnomore on Aug 4, 2008 7:49:00 PM

  I just bought a 1997 mazda 626 the ideling at a stopped position doesn't bother me enough to give up on the car if anyone might know the first place to start I would be deeply thankful Also i have read that the 626's have power problems (I have had the experience the windows don't do good if you try to use them all at once and the car doesn't even ... Read More

Mazda 626

• 1997 Mazda 626 LX vs 626 Cronos owners manual?

  Written by: peteline on Sep 9, 2007 11:50:03 AM

  As a local commute vehicle, I have just purchased a 1997 Mazda 626 LX with 181,000 Km for $1500. I had a mechanic put it up on the hoist and check things over before making the purchase and he gave it a thumbs up, especially the price! I see from receipts in the vehicle that in July/07 the brakes were replaced all round ($450) and in Oct/06 ball joints, a wheel ... Read More

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Front hub bearing, 1997 Mazda 626

  Written by: czecho on Mar 25, 2007 3:19:27 PM

  How hard is it to change the front hub bearing (driver's side) on a 1997 626 with 5 speed? The bearning has been noisy, now it sounds like a 747 is flying above me. Thanks for any advice

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

• Taillight and dashboard light problem on a '97 626..

  Written by: ka1975 on Dec 31, 2006 6:25:03 PM

  I have a 1997 Mazda 626LX which has been problem-free for a long time. About a couple months ago, the dashboard lights started to shut down every time I used the left turn signal. Now the dashboard lights will not turn on at all, and my taillights are not working either. (Interestingly the headlights and all three brakelights are working perfectly. Upon examining the wiring diagrams in the Haynes manual, I ... Read More

• 1997 Mazda 626 Power Steering Belt

  Written by: dozer6 on Sep 9, 2006 11:14:59 AM

  Just replaced the belt on my 1997 626 and now when the engine is running fluid comes boiling out the top of the resevoir.

Mazda 626

• Speakers brand BOSE for Mazda

  Written by: juancho2 on Jun 7, 2006 1:18:37 PM

  who knows about speakers brand BOSE for Mazda 626 year 1997? Thanks.

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Re: 1997 626 - engine heats up within minutes and shuts off - URGENT HELP! [Mr_Shiftright]

  Written by: veerent on May 26, 2006 10:37:18 PM

  Thank you for your help/reply. Good news...The mechanic said, he has stopped the engine from overheating. He had to change the water hose for this. But he also told me that the compression is low/bad. He wants me to change the engine as soon as possible. 1) Can I drive my car with a low/bad compression? If so, for how long? 2) How will the low/bad compression effect the engine? 3) ... Read More

• Re: 1997 626 - engine heats up within minutes and shuts off - URGENT HELP! [Mr_Shiftright]

  Written by: veerent on May 24, 2006 11:31:24 AM

  Well, actually I had posted it wrong. Sorry! The dealer told me that the engine has "bad compression" or "low compression". The head and the head gasket are OK. But since the compression is low, he will have to change the engine. Is it a good idea to get it done from a dealer or a private mechanic? The dealer is quoting US $2600. Any idea's how much does the engine ... Read More

Mazda 626

• 1997 Mazda 626 - engine heats up and shuts off - URGENT HELP!!!

  Written by: veerent on May 23, 2006 7:51:04 PM

  Hi, I bought a second hand 1997 Mazda 626 V4 automatic 3 weeks back with 93K miles on it. The engine was doing fine until last week when the engine started to heat up all of a sudden and stopped in the middle of the road. I got it towed to the nearest Mazda dealer. He took a week to diagonize and told me that the compressor is bad and would ... Read More

Mazda 626 Troubles

• 1997 626 - engine heats up within minutes and shuts off - URGENT HELP!

  Written by: veerent on May 23, 2006 7:48:18 PM

  Hi, I bought a second hand 1997 Mazda 626 V4 automatic 3 weeks back with 93K miles on it. The engine was doing fine until last week when the engine started to heat up all of a sudden and stopped in the middle of the road. I got it towed to the nearest Mazda dealer. He took a week to diagonize and told me that the compressor is bad and would ... Read More

Mazda 626

• Re: mazda 626 1997 2.0L, check engine light on, code 0171 [p100]

  Written by: brandnew on Apr 17, 2006 6:05:51 PM

  Thank you very much. I cleared the CEL before I went to the garage for emission test. The readings are all in very good range, much below the limit. so I got the sticker renewed. but after a few km later, CEL came up again. I will read the book and try to clean them. also, last time, I used electronic cleaner to clean MAF sensor. today I just bought a ... Read More

• Re: mazda 626 1997 2.0L, check engine light on, code 0171 [brandnew]

  Written by: p100 on Apr 17, 2006 1:28:34 PM

  There is a possibility that you have clogged EGR valve passages in the intake manifold just past the throttle body. These passages cake up with carbon after some time. To clean them, you need to remove the throttle body. With insufficient or nonexistent EGR flow, the mixture will be too lean. You cannot pass an emission test with a lit engine check light.

• Re: mazda 626 1997 2.0L, check engine light on, code 0171 [brandnew]

  Written by: brandnew on Apr 14, 2006 5:37:51 PM

  air filter is also replaced. next I will try to clean MAF by TB cleaner. I went to Ford's forum and on Ford Expedition, PCV hose was reported to have a hole in a few cases, which causes 0171/0174 . not sure if it will help Mazda 626 as well?

• Re: mazda 626 1997 2.0L, check engine light on, code 0171 [brandnew]

  Written by: brandnew on Apr 14, 2006 3:57:58 PM

  and the mileage is 185,000KM so far

• mazda 626 1997 2.0L, check engine light on, code 0171

  Written by: brandnew on Apr 14, 2006 3:56:10 PM

  the check engine light is on for 2 months. the code is 0171, - bank is too lean. i have replaced fuel filter, spark plug, changed oil and oil filter, flushed engine when I did oil change. right now, I filled up with gas #91. the normal use is #87. after I changed fuel filter, the check engine light will be on again until 30Km or so. then 3 days later, ... Read More

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Re: 1997 Mazda 626 drive axle replacement [czecho]

  Written by: p100 on Mar 10, 2006 8:56:08 PM

  Some oil will leak out of the transaxle when you pull out the axle shafts. Be prepared to catch the oil by placing the pan under the transaxle. Alternately, to avoid this, you can drain the oil beforehand and then refill with fresh oil. Mechanics often use plastic plugs, which they insert into the tranaxle axle holes when they remove the axles. These plugs keep the oil from leaking out, so ... Read More

• Re: 1997 Mazda 626 drive axle replacement [czecho]

  Written by: alcan on Mar 8, 2006 8:39:55 PM

  Simple. Use a big pry bar or the straighter end of a crowbar and it pops right out.

• 1997 Mazda 626 drive axle replacement

  Written by: czecho on Mar 8, 2006 1:32:11 PM

  How difficult is it to change the drive axles on a 97 mazda 626, 4 cylinder, 5 speed trans? I know I can handle the part of the job at the wheels. How hard is it to get the shafts out of the manual transaxle? That's the part the scares me. Been quoted labor rates of $220 to $600. Is it worth the hassle of doing it myself to save $250??Thanks ... Read More

• Re: atx cooler mazda 626 1997 [aphexpusher]

  Written by: mazda626atx on Jan 27, 2006 10:29:07 AM

  I have installed an Imperial Maxi cool in mine. It is a plate and fin and was the second from the lagest size (STILL SMALL) Hayden is another hood one, and they are both made by the same company. Just a note , you need to buy another 4 ft of tranny fluid hose , make sure you get that, not fuel hose,and everything else you need is in the kit. ... Read More

• atx cooler mazda 626 1997

  Written by: aphexpusher on Jan 25, 2006 4:49:49 PM

  which brand of atx cooler is an affordable yet quality part? recomendations anybody?

• mazda 626 oil color change

  Written by: awaidya on Nov 9, 2005 11:28:11 AM

  I have a 1997 mazda 626. It had a complete engine overhaul 2 years ago. After every oil change (roughly 4 weeks) oil color starts to turn black and eventually burn rapidly. I have to add 1 qrt every 2 weeks. The problem had even before the engine overhaul. Any expert suggestion would be really appreciated. Thanks.

• Loosing power

  Written by: mickeyz1 on Nov 9, 2005 2:13:03 AM

  I have been having problem with my Mazda 626 1.8 LXi 1997 (manual) for last 3 weeks. Car has done 63000 and was very reliable for last 5 years. I have seen few mechanics, including Mazda service. Mazda suggested to change catalytic converter, which I did, but the problem is still there. I was trying to speak to the technician who diagnosed the problem, but they said that I have to ... Read More

• Problem for a kid who doesnt know too much about cars

  Written by: mikefox on Nov 6, 2005 12:10:33 PM

  I have a 1997 mazda 626, 5 speed. I got into it the other day and noticed that my car was staying reved at about 2000 rpms even with the clutch in, and the charge (battery) light came on, and on top of that my heat stopped working (i know, its a handful). I just put a new battery in it, but am a little stupped on what this problem could ... Read More

• 1997 Mazda DX Stalling

  Written by: dphatmon on Aug 6, 2005 2:56:48 PM

  I have purchased a used 1997 Mazda 626 DX a couple of weeks ago. It has a four cylinder engine. The car was in bood shape and rides fairly well. I have started to have stalling problems in low idle while sitting at a traffic light or making a slow turn. This weekend I have paid the Mazda dealer $300.00 to clean my fuel injectors, induction system, and increase the idle ... 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

• Re: 1997 Mazda 626 misfire and burning plugs [epw]

  Written by: tiemen on Jun 7, 2005 8:21:16 AM

  Mine did this once at 65K miles, the mechanic said the plug have moved somehow and used some type of compound or grease to prevent a repeat. So far so good. (dear lord, you have a quater of a million miles on that car?? how many transmissions did it take to get you there?)

• 1997 Mazda 626 misfire and burning plugs

  Written by: epw on May 16, 2005 7:43:20 AM

  Wondering if anyone has any ideas that may help .. i have a '97 626 with 254,000 mi ... it seems to be running very lean to the point the plugs get white and start misfiring after about 2000 miles .. also has fast idle at times .. as well as fluctuates between fast/slow repeatedly ... thanks in advance for your help

Mazda 626

• Mazda 626 engine mount

  Written by: osorio on Feb 23, 2005 5:27:35 AM

  Where can I find the part numbers for all the engine mounts of my Mazda 626 1997 ???

• Real service intervals

  Written by: lewshel on Jan 4, 2004 9:14:58 AM

  Yesterday I brought our 2000 626LX V6 Auto (66,000 miles) in for an oil change. After it was done the service writer said that the timing belt was due for a change. I checked the owner's manual which said that the interval in Massachusetts and four other states was at 105,000. I am anxious about this because while this has been a good car to own It has not been trouble ... Read More

Help! Repairs cost more than the car is worth!!

• I am in the same boat.- (sinking!!!)

  Written by: sue5727 on Oct 7, 2003 11:59:59 AM

  I also have a 1997 Mazda 626 whose transmission is on the outs. I have no second gear. I have found the same situation as you are. The value is less than what it costs to repair it. I have found that it is an expensive car to drive because of the maintenance costs- brakes- 4 times ( I have 103,000 miles) and I need struts- 4 at a cost of ... Read More

• Help! Repairs cost more than the car is worth!!

  Written by: cheapman1 on Sep 24, 2003 2:40:08 PM

  My wife and I have a 1997 Mazda 626 with about 80,000 miles on it. It started having transmission problems, so we took it to a national chain for inspection. The $50 inspection revealed nothing, so they had to seek our approval to open it up. They estimated the cost of repair to be around $2,000 if there was significant damage, around $1,000 if the damage was minor, and a flat ... Read More

Mazda 626

• 1997 mazda 626 LX has a lot of tappet noise on start up

  Written by: damogyz on Sep 30, 2002 5:57:02 PM

  I want to buy a 1997 mazda 626 LX, when I check the car, i found it has a lot of tappet noise on start up , after run 5--10 minutes, then no noise. What is the problem? is it hurt engine? if it is fixed, should this problem repeat often? can I buy the used car? please reply to my emailbox. capital@sina.com Thanks

Mazda 626 Troubles

• 1997 Mazda 626 transmission

  Written by: pegasus3 on Jul 16, 2002 7:48:49 PM

  I bought my mazda new in 1997. At around 87,000 miles the over drive light started flashing and the transmission started slipping. Luckily, I bought a 5 year extended warranty. I had a rebuilt transmission put in about 1 month ago (and an O2 sensor). Well, we went to Baltimore to visit friends and on the way back the light started flashing again! We pulled off, turned the car off, checked ... Read More

Mazda 626

• Radio reception

  Written by: agentduncan on Jun 26, 2002 12:22:22 PM

  I have lousy radio reception (one AM station only). I suspect the antenna is unplugged from the radio. My problem is I can't find any maintenance/repair manual for a 1997 Mazda 626 and have no clue how to remove the radio to check the antenna connection. Can anyone help? Or is radio reception just poor for everyone? Thanks Dan

Should timing belt be changed in 60K maitenance of Mazda 626?

• 626 maintenance

  Written by: sikhanda on May 23, 2002 1:34:40 PM

  I have a 1997 Mazda-626. The dealer wants to change the timing belt and driving belt during 60K mile maintenance service. Another mechanic said that there is no need to change these. Does anybody know? Thanks.

Mazda 626

• Tranny Flushing

  Written by: mrdetailer on Jan 2, 2002 4:21:18 PM

  I respectifully disagree with these Automatic Mazda Transmissions. My son had a CD4E tranny on his 1997 626. It worked just fine until 65K. Then, it wouldn't shift between 1st and 2nd without going into really high revolutions. Took it to my Mazda specialist. He immediately completely drained out all of the fluid, and added Lubegard. As a preventative, he recommends a simple drain and refill with Lubegard every 15,000 miles. ... Read More

• Jenny33 New Model.

  Written by: mrdetailer on Sep 25, 2001 11:56:43 AM

  If you are thinking about a new model, I would consider these factors. I own a 1991 with a 2.2 liter engine stick, my son owns a 1997 with the 2.0 and an automatic transmission. My wife insisted that I buy his older car when he bought the newer one. Frankly, it has been one of the best decisions we made. We both love our Mazdas. Here is my take. Engine. ... Read More

Mazda 626 Troubles

• Mazda maintenance

  Written by: craigs4 on Aug 3, 2001 1:41:29 PM

  A great source of Mazda maintenance information is www.probetalk.com It is searchable. The Mazda 626/MX6 and Ford Probe from 1993-1997 were the same vehicles under the skin. The 2.5 V6 has the 4EAT automatic transmission. It must be flushed regularly or it will die prematurely, Mobil 1 synthetic transmision fluid and a Magnefine inline filter also help. It also greatly benefits from an additional aftermarket transmission cooler installed in line after ... Read More

Mazda 626

• 1997 Mazda 626 Auto

  Written by: qz2000 on Mar 26, 2001 7:57:42 PM

  I forgot to mention above it is auto. But after reading the posts, I was scared. I checked the carfax and it was first registered as lease from 97/06/01 to 00/06/01. Then it was auctioned. So I do not whether I still have manufacturer warranty.

• 1997 Mazda 626 LX V4

  Written by: qz2000 on Mar 26, 2001 6:33:18 PM

  I saw a Mazda 626 here. 1997, LX, leather seat, ABS, moonroof, 37,000 miles ... Dealer asks $11,000 first and now decreased to $10,000. But I do not how reliable for this year's 626? And what is the reasonable price for this car?

• hey maltb...

  Written by: jstandefer on Mar 26, 2001 2:52:51 PM

  Could we bring back the 1993-1997 626? Unfortunately, I think Mazda made a mistake by going to the larger, softer, plusher, kinder 626 we have seen since '98. I liked the smaller, sportier, lighter 626. Oh, and can we have the MPS concept version from Europe? I remember something about all-wheel drive and a blown 2.5L with something like 275 horses galloping through a 6-spd manual transmission... Please.... :-)

• Mazda 4

  Written by: samdad1 on Mar 2, 2001 4:09:27 PM

  We took delivery of our fourth Mazda since 1979. In December we bought a 2000 LX V6 from Gallo Mazda in Worcester, MA. We have been using 87 in it with no ill affects. Neither of us speeds and with 4,000 mile on the car we are getting 21mpg mixed city/highway. We still have a 1997 626 lX 4 cylinder with 96,000 miles (it is on its 3rd auto transmission, all ... Read More

• vocus

  Written by: barich1 on Oct 24, 2000 7:20:25 PM

  The 626 V6 uses a Mazda designed and built transmission. It is far better than the one in the four. There is no reason to be worried. In addition, the 1997 was the last year for that body style, so they probably had all the bugs worked out by then.

• Used 626...

  Written by: vocus on Oct 24, 2000 4:37:28 PM

  I saw a used 1997 Mazda 626 S V6 automatic sedan with only 40K on it for $10,900. That sounds like a good price, but I am worried about the transmission's reliability. Is it any better in the V6 than in the Four? Also, does the 6 use a Ford automatic tranmission like the Four does?

• .

  Written by: barich1 on Jul 10, 2000 6:06:01 PM

  In theory, they fixed the AT for 1998 and made modifications throughout 1994-1997. It still isn't up to the level of Mazda's other AT that they use in the V6. But it is more reliable and I would recommend it only in the '98 and later models. Note, however, that I4/AT is apathetically slow. I know some of you won't buy a Mazda again, but please let me attempt to change ... Read More