1992 mazda mx3 1.6 liter... having problems with the idol. it wants to stall out every time it is idoling. when it does die, it wont start back up. it cuts out badly when im driving and rpms hit around 3000. just changed the fuel filter... any ideas on what this could be?? check engine light isnt on. could IAC or TPS cause this problem?

It appears you may have a bad ignition coil that cuts out after it gets hot. Not uncommon.

• Check your timing also spark plug wires and coil timing may have jumped

Have you been able to figure out if you are lacking fuel or spark when the problem occurs ? Will it start back up with starting fluid ?

that is your idle air control valve and or your throttle position sensor. sending picture of both.

The first thing you need to do is check for fault codes, to do this go here and read the instructions.

the idle screw on the 4.9 liter is in front of the throttle body under the air intake cover. it sound like you may need to replace your idle air control valve it is located in the same area

things to look at would be the fuel filter, catalytic converter, or a vacuum leak to one or more sensors. hope this will help!!!

my old 1989 mazda had this problem as well but i traded it in before figure it out. my new but old 1999 started doing the same. it was the ignition switch. if u do buy it, buy it from an autoparts store with a life time warranty. the dealer offers ****, 10k miles or 6 mths? it has only 2 or screws,bolt? to take out and should take no more then 30 minutes to replace. pop off the steering column covers and its located where you stick the key in. its a little white and black cylinder looking plastic thing. very tiny, fits in your hand. my car would do the same work fine for months, then **** out and die and then work perfect 2 hours later. the dealer charges 200-250 for the part the auto store 100?. after installing it may act weird.. your car idoling will be off for a bit. turn it off and on for 10-20 minutes, drive it around the block if you can. turn it off again etc. until it starts to idol mormal. i think the master computer thing built in it has to reset itself since you disconnected the battery earlier and have just installed a part tht requires electrical contact. my car does that when i replaced it twice already but then resumes to normal. try this option and see if anything happens, if not return the part and get your money back.

Shelley,
This gentleman has written a pretty good guide for checking and adjusting your ignition timing and idle - http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/208.aspx
Try adjusting your idle - I wouldn't be surprised if this is not your problem (or only problem). If the idle is still drooping (or cutting out), you might like to think about checking, cleaning or replacing your air filter, cleaning your throttle body and possibly checking the correct function of your two clutch switches which can all cause similar problems.
The clutch switch problem is becoming somewhat more common now - have you tried idling the car without A/C? Then experiment with doing the same with the clutch depressed and then with the clutch depressed and a gear selected...if one of these combinations stops your idle problem, you'll probably find one of the clutch switches is dead. The purpose of the switches and the reason for the problem is a little complicated - if this turns out to be the case, reply and I'll try to explain it properly.

idle air control valve