problem solved: Firstly there is an OBD 2 plug. My problem finding it was because it is on a detachable wiring loom that had been forgotten and it does not seem to share wiring with the Mazda / OBD1 plug.
But a funny descovery that might help others was the reason for the limp mode: I could narrow it down to some problem with accelerator / TPS. I did have several fault codes related to that. Now the electronic accelerator pedal has 2 potis, one linear with a falling curve and one rotating with a rising curve. Through trial and error I discovered that a little rubber disc/backstop had fallen out. There is some stuff online about how to calibrate that sort of pedal but that seems to be not necessary. This little rubber disc missing, about 12mm dia and 4mm high is all it needs

to send the ECU in limp mode!!!