1998 Mazda 626 LX from North America - Comments

I have the same problem with my 94 mazda.

I had the same idling problem with my 1998 Mazda 626 LX. After cleaning the idle air control valve and the mass air flow, nothing changed. I finally brought it to the Mazda dealership and had them run the computer to it for $80.00. Turns out, it was a bad intake gasket. I bought the part for $20.00 and it is about 3 hour job for any mechanic to replace it. When it was replaced, the car runs perfect!

I have the exact & same idle problem on my 1998 Mazda 626 LX (Automatic, 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder).

The problem started after I had my timing belt changed at about 98,000 miles. I was told by the mechanic that the engine was "fine tuned" by him and I noticed the idling is bit high (above 1000 RPM) at parking.

Car will randomly idle low at stop lights, car almost stalls, then engine surges back up to normal idle speed. Happens every few seconds at stoplights and even while taking turns (where RPM comes down to about 500). Whole car body vibrates during this behavior.

I took it to mechanic and he replaced spark plugs, cable set. but still no difference..

No idea what the problem is - mechanic failed to fix it after taking it back twice (spent $480 totally).

Please send me if anybody had any luck in fixing this problem: cru090@gmail.com

I have a 1998 Mazda 626 4 cyl. I have cleaned the IACV. I know that if you take a little square 9 volt battery and touch both ends with wires to the leads on the IACV valve, it should click open and then shut when you remove the electricity. I wonder if the idle problem is from the ECU not sending electricity to the IACV to keep it open, therefore it remains shut causing the low idle and fluctuating idle especially in gear. The IACV unit is a magnetic solenoid; it only pops open or closed, no where in between. Does anyone know how to tell if the the circuit between the ECU and the IACV is getting electricity? Please let me know. thanks.

1998 Mazda 626 2.0 4 cyl .I found that the IACV was not getting electricity, although the wire was hot with 12 volts. I had to cut the wire and put electrical ends on the wires, then attach them to the IACV. The valve was not opening to let air in. The computer could not adjust for that. It idles quite a bit better, although I have not figured out the highness of the idle in park.

1998 Mazda 626 rough idle. Erratic idle. Have found that the the valve opens with the control of the ECU, but does not stay open - only a few seconds, then closes. I suspect the valve should stay open because the voltmeter says the wires are still hot. Will seek to replace the IACV valve. YOU can get them for just under $200 new.

I own a 98 626. Had the same idle issues for about 2 years. Cleaned the EGR valve, changed the IAC valve, spark plug, etc. I finally checked the intake gasket. There was a section about an inch long missing around number 3 cylinder. Changed the intake gasket... instant new car. If you want to try an easy test to see if it's the intake gasket do the following. Bring engine to temperature. Purchase a can of quick start fluid from your local parts store (fluid used for starting diesels when cold). While engine is running, spray the fluid around the intake manifold where it joins on to the cylinder head. If your engine revs up and gives you a dieseling affect (knocking) your gasket is gone. You might have to hold the accelerator at 1000-1200 RPM if your engine won't idle at all to do the test. The work took about 3 hours. I performed the work myself along with a Haynes manual. You will need an extra pair of hands to help when getting the lower intake manifold bolts out, etc.

Only wish I had done this simple test when I first had the problem. $15 gasket got me a new car.

OK wow I just came across this site and glad I did... I own a 1998 mazda 626 lx 2.0 4cyl and SAME idle issues... last year took it in and paid $400 to have the intake manifold gasket replaced!!! That solved the problem until now that is... I just had the timing belt replaced and water pump and now the car is doing same idling problem when I come to a stop it drops way to low and sakes and almost chokes out sometimes it stalls sometimes it won't but trying to sit at a stop light with your foot on the brake while the other revs the gas is just not a fun way to drive lol. Am bummed to see so many others having this same idle issue makes me wanna email you all and lets all get ahold of the Mazda car dealerships and see what can be done to correct this once and for all!!! LOL :) Otherwise my car runs terrific and I love it! Can't I just turn up the dang idle? lol wheres that switch... wheres my Haynes manual at lol :)

any other suggestions let me know anyone please lol runaelovesgreen@yahoo.com

Runae from colorado.