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Mazda CX-9 Problems

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Comments

  • davichodavicho Member Posts: 190
    Never had that issue but have seen many clogged drains for sunroofs. There is no manual on how to clean them, the focus is on keeping them clean. So try to not park under trees and when you wash your car, open up the sunroof and clean the rails and the surrounding area.
  • tomhawk1tomhawk1 Member Posts: 12
    well took it to dealership today. It was not the fuse, which I knew. Apparently the car has 2 horns. Both horns must have short circuited. I'm guessing from when the body control module went bad. So they are ordering new ones and will replace hopefully in the next day or so.

    So now hopefully this is it for awhile. I asked them when the parts come in to please check out the rest of the electrical on the car. I don't need anymore problems. Will see what happens.
  • steveofsteveof Member Posts: 4
    I had the same electrical issue symptoms, but all symptoms happened within 3-4 days. According to the dealer, the cause was water damage to the Body Control Module (BCM) caused by clogged sunroof drains.
  • ozeyozey Member Posts: 18
    Anyone knows how?

    Thank you
  • gkoreagkorea Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2010
    Folks -- Just have been noticing when turning down a steep hill from an uphill grade -- the TCS kicks in and hold the car back. Almost like a rubbing effect until the car straightens out. Dealer said nothing is rubbing, no computer faults. The dealer could not replicate -- we were fortunate to have the service tech come to our home so we can show him what happens -- He has saw but cannot duplicate it. Has anyone heard of this or know of a TCS update or problems. This is very frustrating on a extremely reliable car (so far)

    Thanks
  • steveofsteveof Member Posts: 4
    davicho - since you have seen many clogged sunroof drains, do you know what happens to the water overflow once the drain is clogged?
    From my understanding, the water drains into the roof /headliner section and flows down the windshield side supports and sometimes into the dashboard and behind the cabin walls. The BPM is located behind the driver's left foot and in my case, right into the overflow of water.

    Can you confirm if my understanding is correct. thanks
  • davichodavicho Member Posts: 190
    Exactly what happened to your CX-9 is what happens. Since the water does not drain properly through the tubes and outside the vehicle, the water accumulates and eventually either seeps into the headliner or somewhere behind the dashboard as in your case where it can cause electrical damage to whatever component happens to be in its path. Clogged sunroof drain tubes and clogged A/C evaporator drain tubes are the major cause of water damamged electrical components inside the cabin as well as water damaged carpets.

    The main cause of clogged drain tubes (at least from what I have been exposed to here in a dealership setting) is lack of or unproperly cleaned areas around the perimeter of the sunroof (when open). Also helps to not park underneath trees that tend to drop lots of leaves, pine needles, debris, etc.
  • tomhawk1tomhawk1 Member Posts: 12
    Well today I have new problems. I think I will be checking into the lemon law. It rained alot last night. I woke up this morning with the TCS light on, the BSM light on and the traction control light on again. This after I already had the BCM module replaced 2 months ago. This is ridiculous. If it is because of rain in the moonroof like someone said then I would say the car has a defect.
  • carfanctcarfanct Member Posts: 7
    Is the Electrical problem still present in 2010 model or only in 2008 model? Is 2010 model reliable overall?
  • davichodavicho Member Posts: 190
    It is not a matter of the problem being present in certain model years. This problem was a one off that came about a clogged drain tube. The tube could have gotten clogged either while in transit or while ownership and it can happen to any vehicle with a sunroof. CX-9 are very reliable overall.
  • tomhawk1tomhawk1 Member Posts: 12
    Well after only a month or so, they are again replacing the BCM module. Apparently due to water leak because of moonroof. This is the 3rd time of fixing this. I never even open my moonroof. I have had them in all my cars and never had a problem. Now lets hope my horns, locks, etc all work.
  • davichodavicho Member Posts: 190
    I am begining to think that you are getting faulty BCMs out of the box and not being damaged by water from the sunroof drains but rather from water damage from the storage warehouses or shipment.
  • tomhawk1tomhawk1 Member Posts: 12
    ok, well its starting to be a joke.

    They said the tubes were kinked which then ripped causing the link. They replaced the BCM again. Now I was driving home and my sensors on the mirrors are not working. They are turned on. I called and they are going to talk with a tech and call me back.
  • davichodavicho Member Posts: 190
    Honestly tomhawk, after you get this whole BCM thing resolved, since they already started this whole thing, you need to find another more capable dealership. Sounds like those techs /dealership are a bunch of parts replacers rather then actual technicians.
  • frandallxfrandallx Member Posts: 1
    We have the same issue on slow moderate turns on pavement with speeds under 20 mph. Does not matter if it is left or right, wet or dry, up or down but it is in the same curves most of the time (~60%).
    Was able to duplicate it once for the Mazda service department supervisor on their lot. He said he thought it was a TSC "feature' and that there was not parameters for changing the programming of the system (AKA They could not fix it.) and that Mazda the corporation would not do anything to fix it unless they were forced to. That was five months ago and it is at the dealer service department today getting the heated seat problem fixed, an oil change, and the grinding ("rubbing effect") problem looked into by the new Mazda service department supervisor. (Nine hours later they say they need to keep the car...)

    This could be a neat car if it were not for curves...

    Let me know if anyone has better luck with a fix for this "feature".
  • cericceric Member Posts: 1,092
    Seriously, if your local Mazda dealer's master technician can't fix the problem, go to another one. Some master tech is better than others.
  • steveofsteveof Member Posts: 4
    davicho, i understand the sunroof drain tube clogged, but why is the BCM (& other electrical components) located where water drains as designed?

    This is clearly not a one-off issue and is a serious design issue.
  • ozeyozey Member Posts: 18
    when I break, the car front wheels and steering shake and the steering wheel sometimes spin to the right. They first they shaved the disks, then changed it, but still the same. Any suggestions? Thank you!
  • horseygirlhorseygirl Member Posts: 13
    My keyless entry FOB was starting to act funny and intermittently not working unless I pulled it from my pocket and held it out. Yesterday, it just stopped working so I replaced the battery thinking it was the battery. I have already changed the battery once about 6 months ago and prior it worked for over a year. So, any ideas what the problem could be? I had to use the key yesterday...and I don't like it as I've gotten spoiled by just pressing the door handle and turning the ignition!! :confuse: Also, I pressed the exclamation mark (!) on the fob one time and it seemed to work but I guess I just got lucky that one time.

    Thanks in advance for any advise or insight.
  • jcpharmjcpharm Member Posts: 92
    did u recently get a new cell phone with a strong wireless signal? perhaps there is some new interference with any new electronics you may have?
  • horseygirlhorseygirl Member Posts: 13
    Nope, same phone I've had that has never had an effect on it before.

    Do these things go bad? I wonder if it matters which way the battery goes in...you know + or - up or down. Hmmm.. ??? :blush:

    Thanks for the thought and reply :-)))
  • davichodavicho Member Posts: 190
    Definately matters whether + is up or down. I would check that first and foremost.
  • horseygirlhorseygirl Member Posts: 13
    edited July 2010
    BINGO!!!! + side facing up and viola, it works!!

    Guess I won't make that mistake again!!

    Thanks!!
  • mazdazoomzoommazdazoomzoom Member Posts: 1
    Just FYI, Mazda will have a fix for this "Feature" available to all CX-9 users in January. I have been dealing with this exact issue and my Dealer was nice enough to get Mazda Engineering involved. Basically the ABS module needs to be reprogrammed. They are installing a "Pre" distribution module on my car this week that they say will fix the issue. They also said that Mazda CX-9 owners will begin recieving letters in January 2011 to have them come in to have the ABS module reprogrammed with the new software fix they came up with. I asked why would take so long to get the fix out to the general public and I haven't gotten an answer on that yet. Sooooo, with that said, know that there IS a fix for it, it has to do with the ABS module's programming. Mazda Engineering INSISTED this is NOT a safety issue and the car is fine for driving even with it causing the TCS light to turn on and the slippery lights to come on, on curves at 20-30mph on perfectly dry pavement. Its just a programming error that needs resolved.

    So I got to give kudos to my dealership for NOT dropping the issue originally when Mazda's original answer was to just reset the module and reprogram it, as that never fixed it for me. They pushed it with Mazda Engineering, they say the new module with the updated software will fix it. YAY!
  • wdhytewdhyte Member Posts: 92
    so where do we find instructions on how/where to inspect for a clog(s) and remedy if found?
  • davichodavicho Member Posts: 190
    There is no instructions on how to check for clogs. Its all about preventative measures...open up you moonroof and clean around the track area every time you wash your CX-9, try not to park underneath trees that may produce debris, etc.
  • wdhytewdhyte Member Posts: 92
    we park under trees only when necessary (in 100+ temps here in TX!!)...otherwise its garaged...where are the drains? Leading or trailing edge of the opening? One on each side I presume? I'll pay extra attention to the track, et al, of the roof opening but I'd sure like to know what I'm looking at/for...guess I could ask the dealer the next time in as we have a few *issues* that need to be looked at.
    Thanks...Dave
  • davichodavicho Member Posts: 190
    My CX-9 does not have a sunrrof/moonroof so I cannot tell you precisely where the drains are located, however, in previous vehicles and from my experience working in a parts dept. they are usually located on either side on the front part of the moonrrof and they look like just a small hole on the sheet metal. Hope this helps.
  • bruce91bruce91 Member Posts: 1
    I recently had all four tires replaced because the dealership told me the rear tires were worn. I had Costco install new tires same size and model as when I bought the car. Costco told me the tires were worn not because of the miles (50k) but because of an alignment/suspension issue. I brought the car back to the dealership for an alignment and they found that the nuts to perform the alignment were frozen/corroded and it would take them hours to try to get the nuts loose and/or they may break the nuts and the costs may go up. I pulled the car from them and since have tried to deal with Mazda Cust Service who declined any assistance stating it was outside influences. Has anyone else had this problem?
  • robh63robh63 Member Posts: 4
    I saw your post since we had water in the passenger side of the cabin. Our '08 CX-9 was previously owned. The problem is the drain lines from the sunroof and the evaporator line from the A/C were clogged with leaves, dirt, pine needles, etc. The water somehow overflow into my front ventilation system and sat in the fan housing. Therefore when I had the a/c fan on and turned, I'd see water coming out the passenger side under the glove box. At this point I think you know all this but just to add my confirmation.
    It took two visits to the dealer to remedy. The problem only occurred when the A/C was on, which is why it didn't happen the first three months when the weather was cooler. The lines were clogged and the a/c condensation kept building until it overflowed.
    The first time the dealer flushed the sunroof drain lines (I think four) and lots of leaves and dirt flushed out. We took it home and had the same problem a day later. You could hear the water shifting in the fan housing as you turned just enough to allow the blades to contact the water and throw it in the cabin.

    The selling dealer helped much by calling out the hidden drain line under the exhaust that services the A/C evaporator line. They have to remove part of the exhaust to clean out this port. The dealer had to put a hanger up there to finally clear it and they got a shower of water and debris. All is fine now.

    Lesson: Don't park your CX-9 under trees apparently. Not sure if the owner did this with his sunroof open, but who knows. It all seem ridiculous to me. Never had this problem with a cheapo Escort GT with a sunroof. In addition, if it did clog, why not have the over flow go outside the vehicle? If you garage them, you shouldn't have a problem, so they say. But if your cx9 is in dusty, dirty, leafy conditions, you may want to flush the lines from your sunroof annually.

    Hope that helps.
  • robh63robh63 Member Posts: 4
    We recently had water in the passenger side of the cabin. Our '08 CX-9 was previously owned.

    The problem is the drain lines from the sunroof and the evaporator line from the A/C were clogged with leaves, dirt, pine needles, etc. The water somehow overflowed into the front ventilation system and sat in the fan housing. Therefore when I had the a/c fan on and turned, I'd see water coming out the passenger side under the glove box.

    It took two visits to the dealer to remedy. The problem only occurred when the A/C was on, which is why it didn't happen the first three months when the weather was cooler. The lines were clogged and the a/c condensation kept building until it overflowed.

    The first time the dealer flushed the sunroof drain lines (I think four) and lots of leaves and dirt flushed out. We took it home and had the same problem a day later. You could hear the water shifting in the fan housing as you turned the vehicle just enough to allow the blades to contact the water and throw it in the cabin.

    The hidden fix was when the selling dealer helped by calling out the hidden drain line under the exhaust that services the A/C evaporator line. Many dealers don't know about this, and they only found out by calling Mazda direct. They have to remove part of the exhaust to clean out this port. The dealer had to put a hanger up there to finally clear it and they got a shower of water and debris. All is fine now.

    Lesson: Don't park your CX-9 under trees apparently. Not sure if the owner did this with his sunroof open, but who knows. It all seem ridiculous to me. Never had this problem with a cheapo Escort GT with a sunroof. In addition, if it did clog, why not have the over flow go outside the vehicle? If you garage them, you shouldn't have a problem, so they say. But if your cx9 is in dusty, dirty, leafy conditions, you may want to flush the lines from your sunroof annually.

    Hope that helps anyone who has a similar problem.
  • robh63robh63 Member Posts: 4
    When we have the rear ventilation control button activated on the dashboard, the rear controls don't seem to work. The dealer says they're working normally. However, when you turn the fan control knob it either turns it on or off. The heat/cool knob seems to work fine. Anyone having a similar problem?
  • ozeyozey Member Posts: 18
    is the car still under warranty? So what was the reason they don't want to fix it? I would take them to court.
    I found out that the car is as good as the service. I wish Mazda know that!
  • ozeyozey Member Posts: 18
    My rear knob came off and the vent fall into the hall and I could not get it out, shabby construction. Not covered by warranty!!! They told me my kids pushed it in on purpose!
    So far I found that Mazda services is not up-to my expectation.
  • shokshok Member Posts: 2
    I was reading your post today (Sept 26 2010) and noticed the same problem driving down i70 off Eisenhower/Johnson tunnel heading to Vail. The brake was pulsating when I tried stepping on it. Mine is 2008 w/ 15,000 miles on it. I'm not sure what the problem is, I only notice it on downhill braking. Did you take your car to dealership and what was the problem?
  • ozeyozey Member Posts: 18
    they replace the rotor twice, now is fine.
  • bberkebberke Member Posts: 26
    Ok, I hope this does not get buried at the bottom of the thread. My wife first discovered a clunk noise sounding like it came from the rear when she accelerated and turned. Latter the noise came from just accelerating going up a hill. The dealer cannot find the problem. They first replaced the rear differential on the mfg advice. Did not fix it. Now they have it up on a rack comparing part by part to the other all wheel drive they have on the lot.

    The car will have been in the shop 2 weeks Thursday. How long should we wait? What are our next steps? Do we contact mfg direct. What advice do you have?

    They cannot figure out the problem. They gave us a loaner car, it cannot hold all the kids my wife picks up from school so it is very inconvenient and concerning to have a new car with 8000 miles on it and no one can tell us what the problem is.
  • cericceric Member Posts: 1,092
    I am betting on the bearings.
    Tell your dealer mechanics to check the bearings.
  • bberkebberke Member Posts: 26
    Not the bearings, I asked. Now 15 days in the shop on car with 9000 miles and they are calling Mazda again. They don't have a clue, but Missouri lemon laws apply soon. I am not sure how they could have absolutely no clue. They replaced the rear differential and now are checking the motor mounts! Wow.
  • cericceric Member Posts: 1,092
    You did say "come from the rear", right?
    How could it be motor mount, I wonder?
    Ever thought about taking it to another dealer that is more capable?
  • bberkebberke Member Posts: 26
    When I heard the problem several times, it sounded like mid to rear, not the front. How the heck does a dealer change the rear differential and then say we should check motor mounts? Crazy.

    This is warranty work and they are the only Mazda dealer in this area. Otherwise I would pick up the car now and take it somewhere else.
  • bberkebberke Member Posts: 26
    Mazda is stating that they need to replace the 4WD unit now. We are only 13 days from this car falling under the Missouri lemon law and they are required to replace the vehicle. What a cluster F****.
  • osobearosobear Member Posts: 3
    Has anyone heard of the CX9 having fuel gauge problems? Our gas light keeps coming on after filling the car up with gas (when it has a full tank). It doesn't tend to happen immediately, but when starting the vehicle the 2nd or 3rd time after filling up. And then it either stays on, or adjusts itself once the tank is truly below half a tank of gas. It's such a pain and we have to be super diligent to hit the TRIP A button and keep track of our mileage so we don't run out of gas. :mad:

    Mazda Dealership has looked at the tank itself and found nothing, and last week they removed the whole dash...including the odometer (which we were not happy about-resale effect?!). They thought it was an electrical glitch. We got the car back, filled the tank with gas, and again, the gas lights came on. Have another appointment tomorrow....urgh.
    Anyone have any thoughts?
  • davichodavicho Member Posts: 190
    Sounds like you have a faulty fuel sending meter which may come as an assembly with the fuel pump.
  • tomhawk1tomhawk1 Member Posts: 12
    Anyone ever have this problem. The air was turned off in my car. I was driving home, pulled in my driveway and turned off the car. Once I turned off the car the rear vents started blowing air as if I just turned on the a/c. I turned the car on and it stopped. I turned it off and it happened again. I'm sure if I go out there and do it now the same thing will happen. After a little bit it eventually shuts off.
  • davichodavicho Member Posts: 190
    Its been discussed here before...

    REAR/FRONT BLOWER ISSUE
  • cericceric Member Posts: 1,092
    edited October 2010
    Known issue with earlier models.
    Two relays need to be replaced. They are poorly grounded,
    causing A/C to blow when ignition is turned off.
    Don't worry, it will shut off in 30 secs anyway when the accessory power is cut off.
    Take it to the dealer. It is an easy fix. There is a TSB for it. They know about the issue well.
  • k1200k1200 Member Posts: 40
    been there....several times with this issue 2007 CX9
    True it did shut off after a while.... definitely more than 30 seconds in my case.
    Had the relays done at least 4 times. Not gonna beat up on Mazda, I do like the vehicles.... but man oh man 13 times to the shop in less than 1 yr.
    The last thing was a unusual "click" only heard for a moment when accelerating , or putting it into drive. I was told it was the "clips that are on the brake pads"
    LOL.... I ask how can that be, when I hear it when I just let the car slow down without using the brake.
    ....It was the transmission. 2 other things too. I started to hear a constant tapping coming from the rear (inside) passenger third row..... took a long time to find it. But found the spot welds under the carpeting and in the rear qtr panel were separating and that i was hearing was the sheet metal rattling against itself on any bumps... had to listen to that for months... the other thing was no matter which way you turn the wheel, the creaking and clunking noises like the front end was made from an old wood ship.... :sick:
  • davichodavicho Member Posts: 190
    k1200..

    Clicking is coming from the axle shaft splines having a slight play between them and the splines in the hub assembly. The fix is to have them greased up to stop the clicking...works like a charm!

    Creaking/clunking noise from the front end is coming from the bump stops rubbing on the strut rod. The fix is to raise the vehicle and lather/grease up the bump stops and strut rod with white lithium grease, dielectric grease or any other heavy grease that is water proof....works like a charm as well!
  • cericceric Member Posts: 1,092
    Recently I learned that choosing a good dealer to maintain your vehicle is probably more important than choosing a brand of vehicle.
    I absolutely love my Mazda dealer near where I work.
    It adds greatly to my satisfaction of owning my CX9.

    On the relays.
    The replacement relays are not just "new" relays. They are actually different relays in design (even different in color). I am not sure your dealer has been aware of this....
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