2002 Mazda Protegé Misfires Under Load

Misfires under load (acceleration) can be caused by leaky spark plug boots. When a spark plug boot leaks, it allows the spark to arc, or jump, to the cylinder head . New spark plug wires will be needed.

Affected Model Years

This issue affects Mazda Protegé model years 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, .

34 people reported this problem

  • 2002 120,000 Miles
    Engine chugs, jerks or bucks. The idle is rough and car often refuses to start. It takes several attempts for ignition to take place. Got a P0304 code and replaced Cylinder 4 coil. Also adjusted the idle. Have yet to notice any results.

  • 2002 104,000 Miles
    Misfires only during heavy acceleration. This began after replacing one coil and 4 spark plugs. no solution as of yet.

  • 2002 130,000 Miles
    Misfire under load. Bucking and jerking under load. P0304 and P0090 codes

  • 2002 108,345 Miles
    Misfire under heave acceleration and no CEL, I replaced plugs, wires, and coil boots and cleaned the MAF with no results, then I pulled a plug to check the gap and it was .30 larger than it was supposed to be, set the correct gap of .30 and the misfire is gone!

  • 2002 0 Miles
    misfire code report, car stop,

  • 2002 210,000 Miles
    Engine hesitates during acceleration and jerks

  • 2002 235,000 Miles
    Put 4 new sensors, filter,mas hose , spark plugs and wires car sounds like it not getting enough acceleration and it uses a lot of gas