So, we’ve pumped $1,000 into my 2000 Protege after my car started self-accelerating on the freeway in December. The mechanic, who’s a friend of my husband’s cousin, replaced the idle air control valve. That cost $550 in mid-December. After the check-engine light came on again two weeks later, we went into the same shop and they replaced the exhaust gas recirculation valve. That cost $450 right after New Year’s Day.
It’s been 2 1/2 weeks and so far, no engine light. And let’s hope it stays that way… because if it doesn’t, the mechanic has another idea for what might need replacement — the throttle body. And from what I’ve learned, throttle bodies for Mazda Proteges can cost $500. Of course, they would then also have to charge labor. Yikes.
Another thing I’ve learned is that the fuel lines for modern, computerized vehicles need to be periodically cleaned out, especially if your pattern of driving is similar to mine. I drive short distances in the city. We live about two miles from Downtown San Antonio and everything I need to get to is within five miles. That’s great for our lifestyle. But apparently, it’s not good for computer sensors inside vehicles.
Because the car doesn’t get going at a fast speed and because I do a lot of stop-and-go driving on city streets, the pollutants and gunk stay inside the fuel line. It doesn’t go away, unless you clean it out with Gumout or something similar. My mechanics have advised me to put the stuff into my fuel line periodically (once a month, twice a year, it has varied) and to run my car up and down a freeway for 10 minutes.
If the pollutants and gunk stay in the fuel line, they interfere with the many, many computer sensors that maintain the proper air-fuel mixture (there are several of those, including the ones I had already mentioned — the idle air control valve and the EGR valve — there’s also the oxygen sensors, the airflow meter and who knows what else).
We are staying with the car for now because we are trying to save some money. At first I was pretty frightened of the prospect that it could self-accelerate again. But, I am aware of the symptoms that could lead to the problem reoccurring. And so far, we haven’t experienced those symptoms. I’m hoping that by writing this, I am helping other car owners and not jinxing myself!
I am not overly religious, but I will take prayers from anybody of any religion for my car. Light a candle for my Mazda. Send me your good car karma and I will send it right back to you.
