Engine Symptom Troubleshooting

2008 Mazda 6 s Sport, 4D Hatchback, StandardSECTION Engine Symptom Troubleshooting
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  • Verify malfunction symptoms using the following diagnostic index, then go to the appropriate troubleshooting chart.

Diagnostic IndexΒ 

DIAGNOSTIC INDEX

No. TROUBLESHOOTING ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 Melting of main or other fuses -
2 MIL illuminates MIL is illuminated.
3 Will not crank Starter does not work.
4 Hard to start/long crank/erratic start/erratic crank Starter cranks engine at normal speed but engine requires excessive cranking time before starting.
5 Engine stalls. After start/at idle Engine stops unexpectedly at idle or after start or both.
6 Cranks normally but will not start Starter cranks engine at normal speed but engine will not run.
7 Slow return to idle Engine takes more time than normal to return to idle speed.
8 Engine runs rough/rolling idle Engine speed fluctuates between specified idle speed and lower speed and engine shakes excessively.
9 Fast idle/runs on Engine speed continues at fast idle after warm-up. Engine runs after ignition switch is turned off.
10 Low idle/stalls during deceleration Engine stops unexpectedly at beginning of deceleration or recovery from deceleration.
11 Engine stalls/quits. Acceleration/cruise Engine stops unexpectedly at beginning of acceleration or during acceleration.
Engine stops unexpectedly while cruising.
Engine runs rough. Acceleration/cruise Engine speed fluctuates during acceleration or cruising.
Misses Acceleration/cruise Engine misses during acceleration or cruising.
Buck/jerk Acceleration/cruise/deceleration Vehicle bucks/jerks during acceleration, cruising, or deceleration.
Hesitation/stumble Acceleration Momentary pause at beginning of acceleration or during acceleration
Surges Acceleration/cruise Momentary minor irregularity in engine output
12 Lack/loss of power Acceleration/cruise Performance is poor under load.
(e.g., power down when climbing hills)
13 Knocking/pinging Acceleration/cruise Sound is produced when air/fuel mixture is ignited by something other than spark plug, (e.g., hot spot in combustion chamber)
14 Poor fuel economy Fuel economy is unsatisfactory.
15 Emission compliance Fails emissions test.
16 High oil consumption/leakage Oil consumption is excessive.
17 Cooling system concerns Overheating Engine runs at higher than normal temperature/overheats.
18 Cooling system concerns Runs cold Engine does not reach normal operating temperature.
19 Exhaust smoke Blue, black, or white smoke from exhaust system
20 Fuel odor (in engine compartment) Gasoline fuel smell or visible leakage
21 Engine noise Engine noise from under hood
22 Vibration concerns (engine) Vibration from under hood or driveline
23 A/C does not work sufficiently. A/C compressor magnetic clutch does not engage when A/C is turned on.
24 A/C is always on or A/C compressor runs continuously. A/C compressor magnetic clutch does not disengage.
25 A/C is not cut off under WOT conditions. A/C compressor magnetic clutch does not disengage under WOT.
26 Exhaust sulphur smell Rotten egg smell (sulphur) from exhaust
27 Fuel refill concerns Fuel tank does not fill smoothly.
28 Fuel filling shut off issues Fuel does not shut off properly.
29 Constant voltage Incorrect constant voltage
30 Spark plug condition Incorrect spark plug condition
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.