Piston Slap: Cracking the Code, Sans The (OBD-II) Code? (Part II)

TTAC commentator Igozoom writes:

Hi Sajeev,

I’ve been reading your postings for years and decided to actually share my (maddening) issues with you.

I have a 2006 Mazda3 S five-door (five-speed manual, 2.3-liter) that I purchased new in December 2005. It only has 101,000 miles on the clock but has had a few significant problems along the way despite regular maintenance. However, the most recent issue has me stumped.

Last week, I was driving home and ended up in gridlock. During this time, my check engine light came on. I did my old standby trick: disconnected the positive battery cable when I got home and the light stayed off after I reattached the battery the next morning. I’ve no idea what is causing the light to come on, but I’d really prefer to do everything I can if I can figure it out and fix it myself.

When I was researching an issue with my emissions test, I also read about another related issue: apparently, there’s a coolant temp sensor that’s prone to failure after the 10-year/100,000-mile mark. Should I start there first? The part is about $40 and it looks relatively simple to install, so I’m thinking about trying that.

Where can I start to look for the sources of these problems before I spend the money for a mechanic to figure it out?

Sajeev answers:

Igozoom, you seem like a cool dude and I thank you for reading my work.

Like I said over 6 years ago: forget about World Peace, everyone needs to talk in code. And it’s so simple.

Check it: a basic (engine) code scanner is dirt cheap and there’s an app for that. Or go to an Autozone type of place, that’ll generate code(s) for free. Once you get the code, Google it, research on a brand specific forum and email your boy Sanjeev Sajeev so we can give infotainment to the people.

And son, if you ever throw parts at a problem a la “the part is about $40 and it looks relatively simple to install, so I’m thinking about that” without an error code, we’re gonna have a big problem. You never, ever throw parts at a problem unless we’re talkin’ about this:

No such excuses exist today!

[Image: Shutterstock user mattcabb]

Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.