Sometimes when I'm driving along and have to pause behind traffic or the lights, my car cuts out. Sometimes it will start straight away and other times it's a long time before it will start again. Any ideas as to the cause?

 

Does the car have hot start issues? Do you have problems in high RPM range?

 

What is the condition of the common failure points: ignition coils, spark plugs, fuel pump?
What intake is on the car? Auto or manual? Mileage? How old is the engine?

 

No to both.

 

Everything is in good condition as far as I know. Mileage around 100,000. The car is 2006 and everything is original. No mods.

 

It is suggested by my mechanic that it's a fuel pump problem. Do you think that's possible? Here in NZ they are horrendously expensive. But there is one being sold that has come out of a Mazda wreckers so is secondhand. Do you think it's wise to buy a secondhand pump if that's the problem?

 

I'd think if it's a fuel pump issue, then you'd notice something during high RPM range or high load driving(hill climbing, etc.).

I am thinking it could be intake related, like maybe a vacuum leak somewhere. Doesn't hurt to check.

 

Thank you. That's really helpful. Do you know how to check for that?

 

Cleaned MAF ?

 

MAF is?

 

You could just look around for cracks in the intake or a loose hose. If you have access to a smoke machine, that would be even better.

MAF is the Mass Air Flow sensor, which is located after the airbox, right before the accordion tube.

 

Great! Thank you.

 

Clean with electrical contact cleaner. Undo 2 screws

 

Okay, thank you so much. That is crystal clear. Will do.

 

You should also unscrew the 2 screws and take it out. Inside of it, you should see 2 little grey resistors. Use some dedicated MAF cleaner and spray them down to get rid of any dirt or oil on them.

 

Wait 100,000 miles and original ignition coils? You're about 3 times overdue. The symptoms have many possible causes, but this is one of them.

I don't follow.. you say you don't have hot start issues, but describe not being able to restart the car until it has cooled down...
Is the mechanic you're working with familiar with rotaries, and if not, can you find one who is? There are a few in NZ.

 

if you have 100,000 miles on original coils you need new coils, plugs, wires.......and most likely a cat and an engine

do not use electric cleaner on the maf, use maf cleaner

 

 

https://www.zoro.com/crc-electronic-...xoCKNsQAvD_BwE

this is what you want, anything else could damage the sensor, its delicate and its not cheap

 

 

shows mas air flow sensor cleaner for me

 

 

just google maf cleaner or go to amazon or any auto parts store

 

just google maf cleaner or go to amazon or any auto parts store