My 97 was travelling hard, almost stall then jump back up, and repeat. Read codes, it was TPS and MAF sensor. TPS is 400$ (OMFG) so i checked the breather tube, it was cracked.. 5 dollars worth of duct tape later, the car ran like brand new.. Alas, a NEW erratic low idle issue about 2 weeks later. Was already mad about spending 400$ on ball joints, transmission filter and fluid change, and synthetic oil change, so i just let it go. I know, BAD idea.. Broke down in the middle of nowhere, with no cell phone service. Checked the spark, there is none on any of the plugs. I assumed it must be a coil. To my greatest surprise, a coil is 125$ for a used one where i live (up north in canada here we weigh our junk like gold). Ordered one off ebay.. Will have to see if that is what the problem was. Im hoping to god, cuz the car might find itself in a lake otherwise .. If i get it running again.. i will surely replace the wires and plugs this time!

 

I bought a used 1998 Mazda protege Manual last month. Changed coolant, engine oil,transmission oil and topped up powersteering fluid and brake fluid. One day I noticed a strange problem. When travel above 80 kmph for a while and stops at a redlight, the engine stalls. I have to restart it again. This was quite embarassing for me. I gone through a couple of forums including this forum to know about what it is. At last I decided to start with cleaning the Mass Air Flow sensor.
I used a combination of lysol ,70% alcohol& hydrogen peroxide and sprayed lavishly on it. Waited for half an hour. Again sprayed lavishly with 70% alcohol& HD. Blown hot air with a hair dryer to dry it.
Now it is running fine. I donot know how long.

 

Variation in idle speed when stopping

 

vacuum leak.