My 99 mazda protege sputters when i put in reverse and acts like it will die. What causes this?
Check that the reverse lights are coming on when the gear shift is put into REVERSE. If not, tell your mechanic (transaxle range selector).
Have fresh spark plugs installed. Fresh air filter, pcv, fuel filter, etc.
Clean the MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor with MAF spray cleaner. Clean the air intake tract (into the engine), iac (idle air control) valve pintle and passage, and throttle body (internally) and throttle plate cleaned with Carb/Throttle Body spray cleaner. Results? As always, RSVP.