Mazda Scrum '05: Engine Cuts Off, Black Smoke, Bad Gas Mileage - Looking for Solutions and Experiences

Hi there, sorry to hear about your troubles. I've got an '02 Mazda Axela and had similar problems last year. The engine was acting up, right? Cutting off, losing power, and worst of all, it was blowing out black smoke just like yours. Turned out it wasn't a fuel issue after all, it was a damaged cable/plug. When I took my car to the garage, I found out that the troublesome signs were primarily due to a defective spark plug and somewhat faulty ignition cable, which had been causing the engine to misfire quite a bit. This can also lead to the issues you mentioned: power loss, rough driving, and excessive black smoke from the exhaust. So, basically my Mazda was running lean due to the malfunctioning spark plugs, causing it to consume more fuel than normal. Of course, I can't guarantee that this is your problem, but the symptoms match up well. It wasn't a quick fix but it wasn't a major overhaul or something either. The mechanic just replaced the cable and spark plug, and she was right as rain. Hope this helps! Best of luck sorting it out.

Hey, it's a relief to know someone else had similar issues and got them sorted out. Based on what you mentioned, it sounds pretty spot-on for what my Mazda Scrum's been showing. I like the sound of a spark plug and cable fix better than messing with the fuel. Do you happen to recall how much the repairs set you back? And just for my peace of mind, have you noticed anything else weird with your Mazda since getting the fix, or has she been behaving herself? Cheers!

Hey again, glad to know my previous experience could be of some help. As for the repair costs, replacing the defective cable/plug dented the wallet by about 95.00 €. It may not be the cheapest fix, but it's a small price for peace of mind, right? Since the mechanic had a look-see, the ole' Mazda has been running smoother than a new pair of roller skates. The nagging fuel composition errors we worried about earlier were put to bed. Haven't noticed anything weird or out of place. So, fingers crossed, no foul exhaust or sudden power losses anymore. Keep us updated once you get your Scrum checked out, yeah? Best of luck!

Thanks for the quick and detailed response! The cost does sound a bit steep, but you're right, peace of mind matters the most. A smooth ride with no more engine woes is indeed worth it! I'll definitely take it to a reliable mechanic soon to get the cable and spark plug checked. Appreciate your advice and the luck! Cheers.