No fuel flow; done all know to do - help!!

[Dennis]

I have a 98 Mazda Protege. Several months ago I was driving on interstate when the engine shut down. Couldn't get it started again. Have changed the fuel filter, the fuel pump and strainer, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and air filter. Have changed oil and oil filter. It uses oil (rings are worn). After all I have done, I still can't get the engine started. It turns over, but won't crank. Can someone help me out here. I'm really puzzled over this one.

[black_rob00]

Did your car overheat before it shut off?

[Dennis]

Did your car overheat before it shut off?
No, it just began to loose power and then the engine quit running.

[kcbhiw]

You didn't mention it, soooooo did you check the fuel pump fuse and relay?

Of curiosity, how have you confirmed that you aren't getting any fuel to the injectors?

Have you confirmed the presesnce of spark?

Are the injectors opening (possible electrical problem).

Some cars have fusible links in line with the fuel pump. I don't know if the second generation Protege does, but you may want to look into this possibility (and the possibility of them being open).

[Dennis]

You didn't mention it, soooooo did you check the fuel pump fuse and relay?

Of curiosity, how have you confirmed that you aren't getting any fuel to the injectors?

Have you confirmed the presesnce of spark?

Are the injectors opening (possible electrical problem).

Some cars have fusible links in line with the fuel pump. I don't know if the second generation Protege does, but you may want to look into this possibility (and the possibility of them being open).

I did check the fuel pump fuse and relay. I took loose the fuel line next to the fuel rail - no presence of gas there. I can hear the fuel pump running, but a friend of mine mention today that there may be a problem with the emergency fuel shut-off. I haven't checked that yet, but I appreciate the questions. They will help with the process of elimination.

[RyanJayG]

there is no emergency fuel cut off.... maybe your fuel pick up is shot.... take off the fuel line at the back of the car and see if when the pump is whirring if any fuel is coming out.

[Dennis]

there is no emergency fuel cut off.... maybe your fuel pick up is shot.... take off the fuel line at the back of the car and see if when the pump is whirring if any fuel is coming out.
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try that.

[kcbhiw]

If RyanJayG's suggestion doesn't pan out, can you tell if the fuel pump is running? I forgot to mention this in my initial post. Turn your key to the run position (without starting the car) and listen for the pump to run for a few seconds. You should hear a hum. You may need another person to be near it when it you perform this 'test'.

Again, forgive my ignorance as to the second generation Proteges, but do they use a MAF (mass air flow) or VAF (vane air flow) meter? I doubt it's a VAF, but if it is, it's possible that the fuel pump disconnect switch inside of the unit has failed (corrosion, arc damage, etc).

.....just throwing ideas your way.

[charles]

He said a few posts up that he can hear the fuel pump running. It is a MAF on second gens.

[kcbhiw]

He said a few posts up that he can hear the fuel pump running.
Doh! Missed that.

[Dennis]

Can you please explain what the MAF is and where it is located. Also, where is the fuel pump disconnection switch? Will either of those things be covered in a Haynes Repair Manual?

[goldstar]

Can you please explain what the MAF is and where it is located. Also, where is the fuel pump disconnection switch? Will either of those things be covered in a Haynes Repair Manual?
MAF = Mass Airflow Sensor. It is located between the air box and the throttle body. It measures intake air density and inputs this info to the PCM, along with IAT and O2 inputs, so injector flow can be adjusted for proper A/F mixture.

[BlkZoomZoom]

Take it to a dealer. Pay the $75 (or whatever the labor rate is) and have them diagnois it. We have tools and knowledge....in the end its cheaper than replacing everything.