My '97 mazda 626 Check Engine Light came on. I took it to my dealer; he hooked it up to a computer - the code was 'Car running too lean on fuel'. The dealer told me that the problem could either be that I am using regular-grade gasoline while the car needs premium-grade, or it could be a problem with the O2 sensors.

I filled premium-grade gasoline and ran the car, but still the light has not gone off. By the way, is it really necessary to put in premium-grade gasoline in a 626 (I don't have the car-manual).

So, I guess the real problem is with the O2 sensors. But, I read some emails on this forum saying that replacing the O2 sensors won't work sometimes. Does anyone know if there is anything else I should get fixed (which would be cheaper than replacing the O2 sensors) before going for O2 sensor replacement ?

Thanks,

adisaraf.

replace the oo2 sensors some models of 626 have ou to four make sure it the right one. no its not necessery to run premium grade fuel run 87.make sure you air filter is clean and are running the correct spark plugs for that car. driving alot may damage to catalistic converters.

i had a similar problem with my 00 626 try changing the spark plug wires it made my check engine light turn off maybe u have the same problem

Go to Autozone and have them read the code using the OBD II Scanner for 1996 up model. There is no way to know without reading the code what cause the check engine light, it is a free service anyway.

If Your Check Engine Light Goes On For No Reason The Computer Codes Jump Send Me Email I Tell You How To Fix It Its So Simple. My Car Had The Same Problem. DONT NEED TO TAKE TO AUTOZONE OR DEALER. JUST A WASTE OF TIME AND GAS

If I have done something stupid, please forgive me. This is the first posting I have ever done.
I hope someone can help. Every couple of weeks the check engine light comes on. My 1997 626 4 cl. 2 liter, has about 180,000 klm. Living in Canada we don't have Autozone so no free check of codes. I read on one of the postings to disconnect the battery. I do this and the light goes out for another couple of weeks.
The car is great, everything works, but I have no experience with this light. As a former Plymouth "K" car owner, you could access the codes by turning the key on and off a specific number of times. You would get a flashing light that would give you a 2 digit code. Is this kind of thing
available on my 626?
Have I bought myself a way to send my mechanic's kids to college.
Thanks, Ray in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.

Have a same problem today on my Mazda 626, suddenly the check -light is on. Need to check with dealer next Monday. Is it all about the sensors ?

Well The First Guy May Have A Problem With A Intake Gasket Leaking Causing It To Run Lean Or Problem In The Mass Air Flow Meter (make Sure Its Tight Agaist The Box And No Missing Bolts) Never Use After Market Spark Plugs Use Only The Factory Suff On These Cars

check engine light stayed on for over 3 yrs on wifes car before it started running ruff. I took it and had all the computers read it. They all said that it was the O2 sensors. They were all wrong. I replaced the Mass Airflow Sensor (little metal thing connected to air intake box) and the car is running great. In fact, the light turned off on its own after I replaced the part and took the car for a drive.

I hope someone can help. Every couple of weeks the check engine light comes on. My 1997 626 4 cl. 2 liter, has about 180,000 klm. Living in Canada we don't have Autozone so no free check of codes. I read on one of the postings to disconnect the battery. I do this and the light goes out for another couple of weeks.
The car is great, everything works, but I have no experience with this light. As a former Plymouth "K" car owner, you could access the codes by turning the key on and off a specific number of times. You would get a flashing light that would give you a 2 digit code. Is this kind of thing
available on my 626?
Have I bought myself a way to send my mechanic's kids to college.
Thanks, Ray in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.

Hi Ray, there are several things that can cause the light to come on. Also, an O2 sensor failure reading does not always mean that the O2 sensor is bad. All the components have to work together in the new-fangled rides. Another component preceeding the O2 sensor can fail, but because the O2 sensor is ahead in the logic tree it appears to be malfunctioning. Anyway, the point is that many things can make the little light come on so the AutoZone check is usually worthless, as is the quickie dealer check (the expensive, full diagnostic is better).

Having said that I will add that O2 sensors do fail and are a frequent cause of the little light coming on. Another simple thing to check is the gas cap seal or (and I think this was already mentioned) the airflow sensor on the intake.

If Your Check Engine Light Goes On For No Reason The Computer Codes Jump Send Me Email I Tell You How To Fix It Its So Simple. My Car Had The Same Problem. DONT NEED TO TAKE TO AUTOZONE OR DEALER. JUST A WASTE OF TIME AND GAS


My check light goes on and off every 1-2 weeks. It is on now and I would like to know how to turn it off. Many thanks !!!

My check light goes on and off every 1-2 weeks. It is on now and I would like to know how to turn it off. Many thanks !!!

my haynes says that for obd I mazdas (pre 96), you disconnect the negative battery cable and depress the brake pedal for more than 5 seconds. i haven't tried this. but i was getting skeptical when i blew the "meter" fuse every time i used the jumper procedure to blink my codes on the dash. neve did see a code blinked.