jdonnell

iTrader: (1)

I ran my codes and have a '17' which indicates in the book it is the 'Feedback System'. ??? It says to check the O2 sensor sensitivity among other things but the sensor is only a month old. Anyone ever get this code and fix it?

Jim D

PS: I'm mechanically inclined but stupid as hell when it comes to electrical stuff

Rattaan

I've pulled a code 17 as well in the last couple weeks. I also have a fairly new O2 sensor(bosch universal). I really have no clue as to why it caused the code to come up? I had done some work to the car with the exhaust off, and some screwing around under the hood with different things and thought I might have caused a short somewhere, but after resetting the system to check for the code to return it hasn't. It doesn't seem to cause the car to function improperly(also known as limp mode, or stupid mode, embarrassing the crap out of me in the middle of traffic mode). Just check all wiring for the components involved in the feedback system, unplug the battery for 20min? and drive the car to see if it still pulls the code.

Wankel7

I had the same problem with my 91 TII. The problem is a broken wire somewhere in the harness. This is grounding out or just not connected.

The simplest fix is this. Find the wire that goes from the ECU to the O2 sensor. Then cut this wire about six inchs from the ECU. Now, solder a new wire to it long enough to run from the ecu thru the fire wall to the O2 sensor. That should fix it. Worked for me.

I drilled my hole right next to where the AC drain hose is. That should fix the problem.

JAmes

jdonnell

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys. My situation is similar to yours Rataan with the bosch universal O2 and all (i thought it might be that), but I reset and the code still shows. I'll try hooking up the wire and see what happens.

Stupid question, where is the ECU?

The reason I ran the code was I'm running rich with heavy oil smell in my oil. I thought maybe running to codes would tell me why.

Jim D

Wankel7

If you are sitting in your passenger seat move your feet up the floor till it touchs the bottom of the dash. It is under that part of the floor that curves up at a 45° angle ( Where you feet should be). You remove the kick panel, long piece of plastic that says Mazda. Then you can pull the carpet back. Now you see a big metal plate. Find the nuts that hold it off and then pull that pan out.

You should see a box about the size of an internal CD player in a computer. It will have a plug with 40+wires in it. That is your ECU (Engine Control Unit)

This is where you need to reasearch. You need to find out which wire is your 02 wire. Then you do what I said to fix it.

Make sure you disconnect the battery before you cut. To be safe.

It does not matter what sensor you put there.

So, your oil smells like oil Sorry, could not resist. It is a rotary thing for your oil to smell like fuel. Something to do with blowby. However, I am talking out of my butt right now. So I will stop.


James

jdonnell

iTrader: (1)

Thanks. I finally did find the ECU in the book but mazda's instructions to get at it were really really vaque. I'll use your instructions and take care of it next weekend.

Yea, I have gas smell in the oil. I know rotaries normally have a fuel smell but mine got strong. Had the oil analyzed and it was 6% by volume gas. Not good, thats way to high.

Jim D

Wankel7

Sweet, where did you get your oil checked at?

Of course, I cannot name to many people that have done what you did. Maybe 6% is normal.

James

jdonnell

iTrader: (1)

Oil Analyzers did the analysis and it was less than $20. I like them because you can check your test results online + you get a paper copy. I had to call them on what all the stuff meant and they were real helpful and explained each one.

6% vol is way to high according to Oil Analyzers. The rep indicated I need to resolve that as soon as possible. 6% sounds high to me too and I doubt it can be considered normal. I dont know. If you decide to analyze yours I'd like to know your results.

Jim D

Wankel7

Was the rep from Oil Analyzers farmilar with rotary engines? If so what is normal?

James

jdonnell

iTrader: (1)

No, he was somewhat familiar with rotaries but was knowledgable on lubrication. I take people's rotary knowledge into consideration, you have to, and they usually are off base.

He told me how my 20W50 was reduced to a different viscosity (I forget??) that wasnt good for FL driving. It was in the summer when I talked to him but I do remember he seemed to know his stuff. Enough to scare me.

Jim D

Wankel7

Wow, I might start doing that also. Can they set up a trend monitering for you? Or is that extra?

James

jdonnell

iTrader: (1)

Im not sure about them setting up a trend? I suppose you can. Its worth it to check your oil from time to time. It'll give you indications of how good your oil filter is doing too.

My 94 Probe and motorcycle had their oils analyzed too and they got a clean bill of health.

Luke_Tech

see this thread and going to try it, so i thought i'd be of some help since i have this pic on my computer figured i could share it with everyone else

homebrewer

If you have trouble understanding your oil analysis results, post them online at www.bobistheoilguy.com in the forum section. There are many oil experts that will gladly help you out and recommend a strategy to fix the problem.

NZConvertible

You should use shielded wire, and ground the ECU end of the shield.

Hot_Dog

I've had the same problem on my 90 GXL when using Bosch O2 sensors. The problem went away after I changed to a different brand O2 sensor.

Hot_Dog
90 GXL
02 Acura RSX-S

Luke_Tech

i've done all this and its still the same, could it have something to do with the AFM???