The check engine light would sometimes come on while I'm trying to parallel park, or doing stuff like 3 point u-turn. Things that involve a lot of shifting and little pokes of the throttle. I would continue driving and it will feel fine. Sometimes I would restart the car and the light goes away. Any ideas?

 

I would bet you a buck that you have an EGR problem. I see that you are in California. CA cars have a sensor on the EGR valve that tells the ECU what position it is in. The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve will open at low load or during idle to reduce the production of hydrocarbons (I think). If the ECU does not sense that the EGR is opening at these times, it will make the engine light come on.

Try the self diagnostic mode to confirm this.

If it is the EGR valve, I would recommend getting it replaced so that it does not mask a bigger problem that could make the engine light come on (even though it is just an emmissions thing). It is located just above the turbos on the lower intake manifold. I just replaced mine recently (Yes, this is VERY common) and it took me about 2 hours to replace. You have to remove the air box, air pump, rear turbo inlet pipe, and the y-pipe to get to it. I got one from Mazda Comp. Parts for $109.85 + shipping. Make sure you get a CA EGR, because the others do not have the plug for the sensor!

Good luck!

Jeff

 

to check the codes, in case you don't have it handy:

http://www.jayspec7.com/errorcodes.html

mine does the same thing and it's the EGR... small pokes at the throttle are making the thing open and close more often than normal driving - hence if it's on its way out, this would be the time where it will start to show problems.

 

Brian, did you replace yours (egr)? Oh, and I don't think I'll make it to the motor tear down. I'm not sure.

 

Nope. haven't replaced it. If you're going to, let's do it together, that way if you screw up your car, I'll know what not to do. j/k

And I hope you're not using school as an excuse not to go to the tear down (which, upon further inspection, is actually a re-assemble). Let's get your priorities in order.