Question1996 MAZDA PROTEGE DX, 1.5L 5 spd., 110500 miles.
Problems:
The check engine light goes and stays on.
I took it to CheckerAuto and their machine said the problem was: EGR booster sensor. An acquaintance pulled the clip out of the sensor, removed its hose, blew into it and put it back together. This made the light stay off for about 2 hours.
a. can one get a EGR sensor from a salvage yard? IF so, will all 1996-1999 models be potential candidates to take one from?
b. Does one need to by a refurbished one instead? Or, an aftermarket one? Do you know of reasonable stores?
c. Can I just unscrew the part, pull its clip and hose and install it myself?
d. Something I read mentioned carbon buildup in the throttle body as a possibility. I'm a girl with limited funds and knowledge. If that was tried, is it something a CheckerAuto employee can point out and I could clean, if he directs me?
e. Also there is a high pitched squeak when I turn the car wheels. It seems to be in the front. What might that be?
f. If it is the brakes, does that mean pads or pads, rotors and calipers? I bought the car used and don't know how old the breaks are.
I do have an acquaintance that can do some simple things for a car. IF given directions, I might be able to do things too. Thanks for helping me, if you can.
p.s: Does this model have a Japanese engine? Does FORD have anything to do with the manufacturing of this car?
AnswerHI Mar thanks for asking
well these cars where never bad for blowing egr valves they where common for blocking the port to the EGR valve on the throttle boddy., all you have to do is remove the breather tube and the egr valve, look inside the throttle body and you should see this little hole going downn to the egr system. use air intake system cleaner and spray it down there untill there is a stream of it coming smoothly from the other side where the egr vavlve is supposed to be. For the high pitched squeeling noise while turning I would check into replacing the accesory drive belts, or its possible that just one of the belts are loose, If the belt is loose it will try to turn a pully with load on it but it cant so it will drag along the pully giving this high putched squeeling noise. And Ford doest hane much to do with this vehicle at all..
Best of luck
Chris P
