Car won't start . Help me out

[TiKi]

Ok so my 94 protege lx started off by stumbling. It did that a couple of times. Then last week it turned off while I was driving but I was able to turn it back on. The next day it died on me while I was driving and I haven't been able to turn it on since. I did a diagnostic connector check and it gave me 2 blinks which means it pointed at the "Distributor NE signal" . I opened the distributor cap and found a bit of oil so I changed out the cap and rotor. I hope I don't have to replace the whole distributor cause that'll run me about $250. My car still doesn't start dunno what it could be any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[FE3-323]

a used disty can be had for $50 shipped, HiatianProtege is selling one in the for sale section.

check your spark plugs & fuel filter,
check for spark & fuel all together.
Check that the VAF connector is on correctly

[avtandil]

Ok so my 94 protege lx started off by stumbling. It did that a couple of times. Then last week it turned off while I was driving but I was able to turn it back on. The next day it died on me while I was driving and I haven't been able to turn it on since. I did a diagnostic connector check and it gave me 2 blinks which means it pointed at the "Distributor NE signal" . I opened the distributor cap and found a bit of oil so I changed out the cap and rotor. I hope I don't have to replace the whole distributor cause that'll run me about $250. My car still doesn't start dunno what it could be any suggestions would be much appreciated.

I've got same problem - cleaning and securing ditributor connector solve this for few weeks, but yesterday it came on again(3 minutes after start, driving on acceleration) - looks like a distributor. I have to check again connector (267k on my Protege DX 1.8 SOHC). I'll be glad of any suggestions.

[naprotejay]

Not sure if this is the same case for the SOHC, but failed distributor's on the 94 DOHC's are a common problem. From what I understand, Mazda changed the type of CAS within the distributor in the 94's (and perhaps later 93's??). It puts out the same signal as the earlier 90-93's, but it is not as 'rugged'. Optical vs Hall effect.

Anyways, if you can get a distributor off a '90 - early 93, that should fix your problem My 91 disty has given me no problems.

Wish I knew when they made the change..... all I know is that the 94's are pretty much a given to fail sooner or later - if they haven't already.

[Jho]

If you have oil in your distributor, you should replace it anyways.