Three problems related to check engine light on have been reported for the 1999 Mazda 626. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
O/d light flashes on and off at high speeds. Car starts smoking and transmission fluid flows out of a tube from the transmission. The transmission losses speed and begins slipping. Then check engine light comes on. I can only drive my car locally for fear of being stranded, as I have been several times.
Continuous 3 cylinder misfire, resulting in the replacement of the plug wires and spark plugs 4 times since I have purchased the car in Sep 2003. The check engine light sporadically comes on and does not throw code. When the check engine light comes on the transmission "hard shifts" and I lose significant gas mileage.
August 26, 2003 the Mazda was in an auto accident. Approximately 2 weeks before the accident the Mazda started stuttering. We had the Mazda put on computer and was told it needed new sensor. The check engine light continue to go on and off. Immediately before the accident the Mazda started stuttering and lost speed and that led to not being able to keep speed up and when we entered the traffice light it turned yellow then while we were under it it turned red and we were hit on the passenger side. Sept 26, 2003 I am approximately 115 miles from home the over drive light starts flashing and I lose speed again the engine is smoking. The car is towed back to charleston, SC where I live. I had to spend 3hrs at a rest area all alone with my 15 yr old daughter. This is the exact rest area were a woman was murdered 2 years ago. We were scared to death. The check engine light is back on. I am on my way to the Mazda dealership today for estimate. I think Mazda has a major problem in putting out lemons not cars. I want and will join class act lawsuit.