2001 323 stops on hot day

2001 MAZDA 323
90,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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SKW
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Hi There, I have a 2001 323 mazda, 90,000 km and on a hot day after 20 minutes in traffic it shuts down, i have checked the spark and there is none while it wont start. I have replaced the crank angle sensor and it still plays up. driving me crazy, can drive up the coast on the highway no problems but a hot day in traffic and it cuts out, 20 minutes later it starts and gets me home, any ideas?
Feb 19, 2011 at 5:22 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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I have had a few of these with bad coils, shorting out when they get over heated, worth a look.

Mark (mhpautos)
Feb 19, 2011 at 5:28 AM
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SKW
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Hi Mark,
The 1.5 litre engine has 2 coil packs and when I check the spark at each pack there is nothing, I thought it was unlikley that they both would fail at exactly the same time? Have you experenced a double failure of the coil packs?
Feb 19, 2011 at 5:33 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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mine were single coil ignitions, have you done a scan as yet, not all faults will show a MIL.

Mark (mhpautos)
Feb 19, 2011 at 7:33 AM
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SKW
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I do not have a scan tool but there is no codes loged by the computer. do these engines have a ignition module or dose the coputer take care of that? Its driving me crazy
Feb 19, 2011 at 8:36 AM
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SKW
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Hi Mark,

What is MIL?
Feb 19, 2011 at 8:37 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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I will have to get into the data base and check out the ignition circuit, i will get back to you on that, MIL malfunction indication light, tech jargon sorry.

mark (mhpautos)
Feb 19, 2011 at 8:41 AM
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SKW
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Thank-you for your help so far, if you could let me know what the ignition circuit is I will know where to look next.
Feb 19, 2011 at 9:04 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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There is a capacitor for the coils that may be affected with heat it feeds both coils, see pic for schematic and location.

mark (mhpautos)
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Feb 19, 2011 at 9:52 AM
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SKW
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Hi Mark, I have located the capacitor and when removed from the harnesss the engine will still start and operate normally. Is it possibile that the capacitor shotrs the two coils together or to ground and stops them? Is there any other way I can test it without having to purchase a new one. It seems like a likley cause as the capacitor is bolted directlt to the side of the head at the height of the tappet cover so it will get hot. I cannot find anything from mazda either but this cannot be the first mazda 323 to have the problem. Cheers in advance for you help
Feb 20, 2011 at 6:58 AM