Hello I have an 05 and I just bought it almost a month ago. It only has 38000 miles on it, if that matters. It has cut off on me three times already. There is no check engine light on. It only cuts off when the ac is on and I am stopped. Please help me figure out the problem so I can get it fixed without causing damage to anything (if nothing isnt already damaged).

 

is the AC functioning properly? (cold air)
does the car stutter / shake at idle when the condenser cycles?

are you the original owner?
is the vehicle's maintenance up to date with all relevant TSB's peformed?
do you have any modifications we should know of? Have you inspected the Cat?

 

HOW does it shut off? Slowly, stumbling, shuddering, abruptly, does it do it under power or when stopped, both?, does anything else stop working at the same time?

It's as important when it doesn't shut off as when it does.

 

Have you had your battery checked? Test battery and alternator. I have had issues in the past where the car starts and runs (typically long starts) but it does start. After driving and using a lot of energy to power radio and air con the car would die. This was because the alt could not keep up with my power usage and the car would die.

Just a thought

 

Thank you for all the replies. I am not the original owner of the car. I have had a couple people look at the cat (no one at Mazda, yet) and both said it seems ok. Although inside the car it gets extremely hot even with ac on. The car shuts off just fine. It has only cut off on me with the ac on. With ac on it also takes off a bit slow and sluggish. The car does shudder a lot but all my problems seem to be happening only when ac is on.

 

That sounds like there is an electrical problem. Get your alternator tested (most auto-parts stores do it for free). Also, disconnect your battery at both terminals (negative first) and clean the posts and the clamps, then reconnect (positive first).

See if that improves the issue.

 

Thanks so much I will definitely get all those things checked out. Only thing is, I'm wondering if it has something to do with the ac. My car only acts up with that on. Thanks again.

 

Clariss: It could be an AC issue but I'm with RIWWP that it also could be electrical so it's best to rule out the little things first.
the Alternator on our car is very good but there have been a that have gone out (mine included) so lets start there just to be safe.

 

Its possible it could be the a/c, but don't forget with the a/c on it puts more of a load on the car. I would do like suggested above and get your alt and battery checked. Its easy and free, then go from there.