1997 Mazda MPV Misses/hesitates when going uphill

1997 MAZDA MPV
92,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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HATTIECR
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Going uphill, the engine slows way down - say from 2500 rpm to 1000 rpm and then will speed up again - no matter what I do. I thought at first it might be t;he fuel filter or just some dirty gas and had the filter changed but it didn't help. If it is a long hill, I will end up with my flashers on, about 20 mph. No problem on flat areas or even when passing or accelerating. Just uphill. At first, I thought it might be a problem with the fuel pump/gas level in the tank (the reason it only happened going uphill) so always kept the tank at least 1/2 full. This was fine until a few days ago when it happened when the tank was 3/4 full.

It only seems to happen when the engine and the outside temperature are hot -- not when I first start off but don't know that this has anything to do with it.

Any ideas?
Jun 17, 2010 at 12:04 PM
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RASMATAZ
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1997 Mazda MPV Misses/hesitates when going uphill

Inspect and test all the following listed below:

Oxygen sensor.
Catalytic converter.
Fuel injectors dirty/sticking.
Mass airflow sensor/Airflow meter.
Throttle position sensor.
Manifold absolute pressure sensor.
EGR Valve
Fuel pressure regulator leaking or defective fuel pump.
False air leakage.
Fuel contamination.
Foul/defective spark plugs.
Open spark plug wires.
Ignition coil/Coil packs defective.
Incorrect ignition timing.
Cap and rotor.

Note:If it doesn't apply disregard
Jun 18, 2010 at 2:49 AM
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HATTIECR
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Thanks for the "To Do" list. Do you have any idea why this would happen ONLY when going uphill and not when passing or accelerating?
Jun 18, 2010 at 8:22 AM
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RASMATAZ
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I would start with the catalytic converter -get the exhaust system backpressure tested to rule it out
Jun 18, 2010 at 8:47 AM