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Mazda 626 Troubles

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Comments

  • raylwardraylward Member Posts: 2
    I'm considering buying a '97 626 V6 in good condition and 44K for $10,000. I'm buying the car for my teenage daughter who'll be away at college and I don't want her to have problems.

    Unfortunately, it doesn't have ABS and the car will be where it snows. Other than that potential problem, what other mechanical problems can I expect from this car and what is a realistic life of the car? Should I buy something like this or a Saturn? Thanks
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    The '97s have hardly any problems, except those that are common to this generation, most of which start cropping up after 60-75k - the occasional valve-cover gasket seepage, cracks in the CV boots, and the odd oxygen sensor - and the V6's transmission isn't the CD4E, which was still kind of problematic in those days.

    I passed up ABS on my current 626, and on the last one, and on the snowy days we had, I didn't find any reason to regret not having it.
  • gg1234gg1234 Member Posts: 2
    I am about to send my 1995 Mazda 626 LX to the local dealership for a check up. I am the original owner of the car. The car has about 57,000 miles. I have never had any problems with the car before. However, about a month ago, I started to notice some surge at high speed. Normally, the rpm of the engine is around about 2500 at speed of 60 to 65 mph with the O/D on. Recently, after the engine has been warmed up, the rpm sometimes goes eratic, fluctuating between 2500 to 4000. If I set the cruise control, the speed of the car remains unchanged but the rpm still fluctuates and I can feel the surge associated with the fluctuation. This only occurs when the speed is over 55 mph and the engine is hot. I have replaced all new spark plugs and wires. However, the surge is still there. Any suggestions on what the problem is? Does this indicate a transmission problem? The car is of automatic transmission.
  • izippyizippy Member Posts: 7
    Hello everyone, I hope everyone is doing well. My hold light has been flashing for a while and the dealership said it was caused by the distributor. But a new distributor costs over 500 dollars and since the transmission was still running properly I've put it off for awhile. Now today my wife is in the city and she tells me the speedometer starts jumping around and the car is surging ,then at the red light the car dies. It doesn't even crank over. She said some guys tried to help her boost it and they got it running but she said it was running "wobbly". I know I've had a belt that has been squealing on me for awhile and the mechanic can't seem to figure it out, whether or not that has anything to do with it or not I don't know. She also said that the radio lost power before the car did. The car is a 1993 Mazda 626 ES V6, any insight anybody could throw my way would be helpful. To start the car it needs to crank over for a few seconds before it starts is also related to the distributor problem. Thanks for any help you can offer.
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    Since this happens only at comparatively high speeds, I'm guessing the transmission is actually shifting itself in and out of overdrive. It's not necessarily a transmission problem, but something is telling the tranny to drop out of O/D at random intervals. The first thing I'd check would be the O/D-off switch on the shift lever, to see if something has gunked it up or otherwise made it act up. There's also the possibility that the range sensor (this is the gizmo that is supposed to match up the selected gear to the actual gear on the tranny) is out of whack, but this seems less likely.

    You're not getting the dreaded blinking O/D Off light, are you?
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    The combination of dubious distributor and failing vehicle-speed sensor can do this sort of thing. And I'd have the timing checked on this car, just as a precautionary measure; the ECU is supposed to control such things, but it's getting screwy signals from its input devices. (The VSS also contributes to the status of the Hold light.)
  • ian18ian18 Member Posts: 133
    On my 93 Mazda 626 ES 5 spd, with the V-6 engine I had to replace the distributor after about 60,000 miles. There was no advance warning, the car just wouldn't start one day. Replacement distributor from Mazda was over $300 USD. However, rebuilds now seem to be available. Check out carparts.com and expressautoparts.com. Another bit of advice I can give you is to stay away from Mazda parts (and their service department) as their prices are really out-of-line.
  • izippyizippy Member Posts: 7
    Hello everybody, well I got my car towed to my mechanic and the crankshaft pulley was loose. It's the pulley that drives the belts and it was causing the belt to slip on the alternator therefore not providing enough charge to run the car. Does the alternator not charging enough related to the car surging before it died.Thanks for your input guys.In message 351 are the codes that the mechanic pulled from my car.Although that was awhile ago I couldn't afford then to get the alternator fixed.
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    Well, that was low on my list of Expected Causes, but I guess it did the trick, huh? :)

    If the power supply to the computer is erratic (and the alternator acting up because of a loose belt, or whatever reason, is the very model of erratic), the computer is apt to do all sorts of weird things, none of which the driver will like.
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    The '93 through '95 are particularly susceptible to distributor failures of one sort or another; most of these were cleared up by '96, but the correct answer was issued by Mazda in '98, when a distributorless ignition system was introduced.
  • annafofanaannafofana Member Posts: 4
    Well, a few years ago my roomates 1995 626 LX started having a similar problem, although her car is a standard transmission. this happened right before the warranty was going to expire (approx. 45 miles). The car surged alot and since it usually didn't happen until the car was warmed up, the mechanics never drove it long enough to duplicate the problem. After replacing about $1,000 worth of parts under warranty (I forget which ones), it turns out that there was a hole in the wiring harness. I believe they replaced the harness and the car has ran great ever since. Has 118K miles now.
    good luck with your problem.
  • gg1234gg1234 Member Posts: 2
    Windowphobe and Annafofana: Thanks for your suggestions on problems with rmp surge for my 1995 626 LX (posting# 453). I went to our local Mazda dealer shop to have the car checked up yesterday. At first, a technician drove the car for about 30 miles but he couldn't detect the surge. He told me that based on my description he is 90% sure that the problem is with the O/D shifting (as suggested in Windowphobe's posting). He said the transmission would need to be rebuilt(the O/D light never flashed during a surge). Later on, he called me again (I was at work while he performed the check up). He said that he did a computer diagnostics and found a code indicating that the range sensor was not functioning correctly (Windowphobe - you are right on target, the two possible causes had both been suggested in your post # 455). He said that it's very likely that the surge is caused by the malfunctioned range sensor but he could not guarantee it. He said he had never replaced one for other 626s before. Anyway, I spent about $150 to get a new range sensor installed. I haven't had time to drive the car long enough to see whether the surge is gone. If the surge returns, the technician said that my only option would be to have the transmission rebuilt. The cost would be about $1500 to $2000.
  • dasohmdasohm Member Posts: 1
    I get my '95 Mazda 626 back from the trans shop for the third time, hopefully
    preparing my CD4E for a few more miles, drive it around for a while, install
    a new instrument panel (the previous one having been stolen by the police),
    go to start my car, and then nothing, the stereo comes on, the little dinger dings,
    the lights come on, but when I push the key forward to the start position, nothing
    happens. Well, earlier in the month I had wrestled with a Viper 600ESP I didn't
    know was installed because it had abruptly decided that I had stolen the car
    and it didn't want to start (I just removed the alarm computer and kept the ignition
    interrupt in and it worked), so I took the dash off again and started playing with
    the wires, looking for disconnected wires, grounds that didn't ground, that sort
    of thing. I find nothing. I start playing with the shifter, putting it in neutral, shifting
    to park, all the while attempting to start my car. Nothing. After about 45 minutes
    of messing with it, I got annoyed and started messing with the battery, checking
    to see that all those big thick cables coming from it were in good condition, that
    theywere bolted well to those place to which they are bolted, checking for
    corrosion, nothing, the car still wouldn't start. Then I sat in the car, did my
    homework, listened to the radio, for about a half hour. Then, on a whim, I turn
    the key. Vroom, it starts.

    That was the first time. I've been struggling with it for about three weeks, not
    having the time or the money to seriously attempt to fix the problem. I've
    checked my manual, and it tells me to make sure the wires to the solenoid
    are in good condition. Well, the solenoid is below my exhaust manifold,
    above an exhaust line, and generally in a completely inaccessible position.
    As the weeks have gone by I've more clearly defined the parameters of the
    malfunction, but not to my satisfaction.

    After the car gets good and warmed up, about thirty minutes or more of
    driving, it won't start back up. The solenoid doesn't even click. After what
    seems to be a random amount of waiting time, generally 30 to 120
    minutes, it will start again, and continue to start again (I turn off, turn
    back on).

    The main problem I have is that the problem is difficult to reproduce, I
    can't seem to do it on demand. It doesn't appear to have anything to
    do with the car warming up, I've idled it to operating temperature and
    the problem doesn't appear. This has made it too inconvenient, so far,
    to use a voltmeter to check if voltage goes to the solenoid. I've still got
    some more voltmeter work to do betweent he key and the solenoid.

    So, does anybody (recognize/have experience with) my problem?

    Should I get a priest?
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    Is it possible that this car also has the original factory security system? (And it's not always easy to detect; I drove my '93 for two months before discovering I had it.)

    I'm putting my bet on the neutral start switch, though. If either or both of the P or N positions is even slightly out of alignment - and you did have some recent tranny work, right? - the car will start only if the switch component just happens to have slid into a (marginal) contact position.
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    Not that it matters a great deal, but the A/C problem mentioned about 20 messages ago wasn't mine, despite having my name on it; the "Welcome to Sludgeville" post, despite not having my name on it, was. Apparently the database has some tranny slippage. :)
  • izzy3269izzy3269 Member Posts: 1
    To "zippy" that had the problem with his distributor, I had the same problem where the speedometer & PM starts jumping around the car surges then the car dies. This was caused by a faulty ignitor in the distributor. Now with a 6 cyl, you can just replace the ignitor as these tend to go quite often, but on a 4 cyl you have to replace the whole distributor ($800). There are 4 different types of distributors for the '93 4 cyl. If you get one from the scrap yard ($100 to $300)you takes your chances. However, you can get a remanufacture one for about $500 with a guarantee. As for the HOLD light, this can be disconnected so that the HOLD function doesn't work. The problem with HOLD is that it can damage your transmission if it is accidentally left on when driving. Personally, I don't see any purpose in the HOLD function, so just cut the wire in the gear shift lever. I also had the front left coil spring break last week, and these are not cheap to replace if you buy from a dealer. Go you a wrecker for this part. Hope this helps.
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    Well, it's certainly not intuitive, but I found it useful back when I had the '93; the second-gear-start with immediate upshift to third (HOLD on, shifter in D) was the most effective way to get going on excessively-slick surfaces. The CD4E tranny offers no such niceties; you can start in second and stay there, but it's just not the same thing.
  • drolendrolen Member Posts: 3
    I have a 1998 626 DX, and am having problems with my CD player. When I turn the volume down, it goes up and vice versa. When I eject the CD, the player continues to try to eject or whatever for 10-15 seconds after the CD is out. Now, this is the fourth CD player Mazda has put in this car, all in the last 14 months or so. All eventually developed problems like this, but not every one the same. One just stopped playing CD's completely. This car was recalled for some sort of shield around the stereo or something, which was supposedly taken care of when I had the second stereo replaced. After the third one was put in we started to suspect that maybe the problem is the electrical system, but the dealership said no. Now in the last couple of weeks, the check engine light is coming on for awhile, then going off by itself. It's done this three times now. We are less than 3,000 miles from the end of the warranty and I really don't believe that putting a new stereo in will fix the problem. We moved to Kansas after the fourth stereo was put in, so now we are taking it to a new dealership. My husband called them and asked them if they would check the electrical system, since we thought it was pretty odd for the same car to have had 4 bad stereos, and they reluctantly agreed to check, but said that it wasn't odd.
    Has anyone else had this problem, and does anyone have advice on what it might be? Thanks!
  • whackowhacko Member Posts: 96
    I've brought this up on an earlier post regarding my power moonroof on my 94 626, and the problem is that in able for it to work, I first have to open the rear flap then close it; then once closed, I can then push the other switch to slide the moonroof open. I cannot open the moonroof by just pushing the slider button first. I must open and close the rear flap first. From what I can remember, you had a similar problem with your 93 model.

    So my question is: Are the switches going bad, and if yes, can they be replaced? Or is the problem an indication that the moonroof motor is going bad? Would appreciate your expertise regarding this matter. Thanks.
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    The switches can be replaced, yes. I didn't bother getting this fixed on the '93, but I tend to doubt this is a motor issue, since movement is otherwise just fine.

    Each of these switches, though, has a relay, and I suspect it's more likely a relay that's acting up. (Those, too, are replaceable.)
  • sbea1sbea1 Member Posts: 2
    My transmission went out two weeks ago at 86k miles, I bought the car in 1999 with 54K miles. The warranty has expired and I did not purchase an extended warranty. Total cost for a rebuild transmission $2,744.00. My wife and I purchase two vehicles on New years eve of 1999.

    We bought a 2000 MPV, which had a front end problem since the day we bought it (pulled to the left) took it back to the dealer seven times, finally had to hire an attorney that handles the "Lemon Law". After a year of stress, we won the case. I took my MPV back to the dealer and I was given my money back.

    Now on to my 626, I commute to work 120 miles round trip so I thought I bought myself a reliable commuter car, the engine light would come on and go off, I take my car to a mechanic. The mechanic at the shop runs the car on a scope, gets some readings and never figured it was the transmission that was getting ready to go out.

    To make a long story short I was taken again my Mazda, I didn't know I was buying a Ford product! very misleading.

    I notified my attorney as well as an attorney that handles consumer fraud. They are both interested in this case. If you are interested in a class action suit, please contact me.

    I do not want to be stuck with my 626, I owe appox $9,000.00.
  • meerameera Member Posts: 50
    I'd be interested to hear about your lawsuit with the 2000 MPV. I've had the same problem, I believe it's still not fixed. The two dealers in town and Mazda customer service ignore me. I never saw you post on the MPV troubles board? We're going to trade ours in, but everyone wants to give only $14k!
  • changes13changes13 Member Posts: 3
    I'm thinking of purchasing a 1993 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan with 130K miles on it. It is manual transmission. I've read through all of the articles here, and did not come across one that mentions this model specifically. Does anyone know of things that I should watch out for? The car is in good ridable condition. They are only asking $1200 and I'm hoping to ride it for a year or two tops.

    Thanks very much.
  • kturner00kturner00 Member Posts: 2
    I've had multiple problems with this car.. pretty much similar to the ones previously mentioned (i.e. cranny, o2 sensor, etc.). what's the deal with the ticking sound coming from my engine? I took it to the dealer and of course they didn't hear any ticking or notice where all my oil was going. I'm trying to sell the car but I'd like to know what the ticking/tapping sound is and if it is something that needs to be addressed. Is this problem inherent in all 1995 Mazdas and does it need to be corrected or can I leave it as is?
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    Best-looking of the generation, I thought. Then again, I owned one, so I'm biased. (And had I never sampled the '93, I wouldn't have the 626 I have now.)

    There aren't any real '93-specific issues; the standard aging-626 stuff applies no less - and no more - than usual. This would include deteriorating CV boots, weeping from the valve-cover gasket (both of these easy fixes), fairly crummy weatherstripping, and the usual HLA noises (see below). This was, I believe, the last year for R-12 in the 626's A/C, so checking for refrigerant leaks is advisable.
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    The infamous Mazda tick (through 1997 on this model) generally emanates from the hydraulic valve-lash adjusters; they are smallish and they're way high on the engine, which means they may not be getting quite the oil bath they desire. My usual recommendation here is to get the oil changed to a decent synthetic and install one of Mazda's own OEM oil filters, which has enough resistance to post-shutoff drainback to keep just a smidgen more oil at valvetrain level. More often than not, the noise goes away or is substantially reduced. If it doesn't budge, you may have a damaged HLA - or, in some cases, a weak oil pump - but neither of these is particularly common.
  • changes13changes13 Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the info! After talking to the previous owner, he says the car is burning oil, idles roughly and engine knocks at normal operating temp. He tells me the oil level goes down slowly ever since he had it for 3 years now.

    Are any of these problems related to "weeping" valve cover gasket, or do you have ideas if these problems are going to cost big $ to repair? I was not sure what you meant by weeping valve cover gasket.

    Any adidtional info you could give based on the symptoms i describe would be great. I guess I am a little worried that the tranny is gonna give out on me soon, and no one in Boston wants to be stranded on a cold/snowy winter evening! =)
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    Small (which is to say, "not gushing") leakage. It could account for some of the oil loss, yes. This is not a major repair. It can, however, cause deterioration of the plug wires, which you should replace (along with the plugs, if they look like they're fouled) at the same time you fix the valve-cover gasket. It will likely improve the driveability substantially.

    If oil is actually being burned - do you see any traces of it in the exhaust? - that's another issue entirely. Mere smells could mean, for instance, a leak around the oil-pressure sensor, which tends to drip onto an exhaust pipe. (Another cheap fix.)
  • changes13changes13 Member Posts: 3
    I said burning oil because that is what the owner said it has. Your diagnosis seems more correct since it does pass rigourous emissions testing here in MA.

    There is no white/black smoke coming from the tail pipe. If I have a mechanic repair the valve cover gasket, and change spark plugs and wires, how much do you think it may cost. Am I pushing it expecting the car to go to 160K?
  • bellewbellew Member Posts: 2
  • bellewbellew Member Posts: 2
    I have a 1995 Mazda 626 DX about 90,000 miles. About 2 was ago my daughter got in to leave school. When she put it in drive the car would not go. We turned off the I/I button on the gear shift and the car went into gear just fine. The car will go fine out of I/I then kick it in when you reach about 50 mph does fine ail you come to a stop or drop below 20 mph. If you put the car in drive and rev the engine in will pop into gear but the O/D light on the dash begins flashing.
    I have talked to about 10 differant mechanics about this problem,no one knows what it is! So I took it to Mazda to see what they had to say. They where not any help either. The only error code that turned up on the computer was a 452 code
    which was for a speed sensor. No one felt like this was the problem since this really has nothing to do with the shifting of the car.I have read in your postings similar problems with the 95 626Lx about that it might be a Range Sensor. Can some one please help me with this problem since it seems to be a tough one. Thanks Bellew
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    The gasket itself is about a $35 part; figure an hour of labor at your local rate to install. Plugs are cheap. Plug wires, alas, are not. (A couple of dealers do substantial mail-order biz on parts like this at decent savings.)
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    Actually, the VSS can have something to do with transmission mishaps - this tranny is electronically controlled, and the speed sensor is one of the devices consulted before shift decisions are made - but I think I'd look first at that O/D button and see if the switch underneath it is messed up. (One of the things the switch does is restore engine braking, something you wouldn't have a lot of in overdrive, so if the car seems reluctant to go - well, you get the idea.)
  • rpm9rpm9 Member Posts: 73
    It is with great respect that I consider you as the Jedi-Knight of the 626 forum so I hope you can offer me some assistance with my power moonroof on my 94 626.

    The rear flapper works just fine but the slider doesn't work at all. Being that the flapper works, the problem must not be a motor issue. I've talked to a couple of Mazda dealers and they've informed me that it could be a snapped cable or that the alignment may be off. Nontheless, I was also told that if this were the case, the repair could run as much as $2k because they would have to completely disassemble and reassemble the moonroof all together to do the repair right.

    If possible, could you please offer me any insight about my moonroof problem. Summer is around the corner and I'd sure like to get it working without investing the big dollars. Thanks.
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    I heard $1400 for this same job, but then I live out here in the boondocks.

    The first question is "Is there a noise when you hit the Slide switch?" If not, I would consider the possibility that the Slide switch itself is simply not working. That (and the associated relay) would be first on my list of things to check, and I don't believe access to either of these things requires complete disassembly of the moonroof. (This is in keeping with my philosophy of "Check the cheap stuff first.")

    Now, if you do hear some activity, then they may be right, and they may indeed have to perform this invasive surgery to set everything straight.
  • godfather2godfather2 Member Posts: 13
    I don't have a Mazda but you seem to have a good general knowledge of cars. My question is in regards to my 86 Toyota Camry's windshield wiper mechanism. Every control works (i.e. mist, slow-wipe, and fast-wipe). Everything works except the intermittent mode. How could one out of four modes be isolated and not function, while the others do? I'm baffled with this mystery and your comment is greatly appreciated.
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    Not my specialty, but here's my reasoning:

    Each of those other three is a discrete switch position. Intermittent operation, as I understand it, requires not only a switch position but also a variable resistor of some sort to adjust the time between wipes. This is similar to the climate-control blower which, if its resistor goes, will blow at only one speed: high - which happened to me on the one and only Toyota I owned. ('75 Celica, for the historians.) Not a difficult fix, except perhaps for part access (if this thing is buried in the steering column).
  • sbea1sbea1 Member Posts: 2
    Mark , I hope it is not to late. hopefully you did not trade in your MPG. Contact A lemon Law attorney, Feel free to contact me for any information on how I went about the law suit. I have never sued anyone before . Honestly It is not right for you to take a loss . I also know of an attorney who handles consumer fraud. Now I am in debt by $3,00.00 on my 626 the transmittion went out, one week later the cat. convertor is going out! another lemon. contact me [email protected].
  • ece3446ece3446 Member Posts: 32
    Hi all,
    Just wondering about the engine tick mentioned here so often. Bought my 626 3 yrs. back for 4K at an auction. At the time I heard the ticking sound and got kind of nervous but almost 90,000 miles later have learned to live with it.
    Is the only way to remedy this ticking problem is change the oil filter and synthetic oil ? is there anything else I can do and is this a serious problem ? One last thing - which synthetic oil should I use ? Thanx all,

    J.
  • avelectroavelectro Member Posts: 9
    My 1991 GT auto has become a real challenge: the engine runs fine but no matter where the shift lever is placed, the car will not move under its own power. After a few seconds, the HOLD light flashes. No strange noises or other indications, just no go. The electrical components in and on (solenoids, drum speed sensor, etc) the transmission check good according to my Mazda shop manual. After grounding the check connector the HOLD light will flash six times and then pause. I misread the book and replaced the Throttle Position Sensor @ $108 (ouch!) but now I realize that Code 06 points to the VSS circuit. I cleared the EC-AT's memory and tried again, twice. Same result. So I asked my friendly local Mazda dealer for a new VSS. The parts guy at first said "Huh?" and then told me "it must be inside the speedo and that costs $241."

    My first question is: Can this sensor really imobilize my car like this?
    Second: Could I be lucky enough to find it outside the instrument cluster or at least available separately?

    I just bought this car for my wife about two months ago. She is learning to drive so I chose an older car she would not be afraid to drive. It has 117,000 miles and looks great for a ten-year-old, especially for original silver paint in Phoenix.
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    Most VSS units are mounted on the transaxle, and you will probably find a wire that leads from the VSS to the speedo head.
  • vkatlurivkatluri Member Posts: 2
    Hello all,

    I drive a Mazda 626 ESV6, year 2000 model. It has roughly 30000 miles on it. I am having a strange problem for the past few months. Some times the car just won't start. I mean even the starter motor won't run. When I turn the key in the ignition, there's no sound or starting whatsoever. I had to get it towed to the dealer once just because it won't start. It happened about 4 times till date in the past 3 months. Thrice it started all by itself after waiting for 10-15 minutes. But the fourth time I had to get it towed. The version of the dealer was this: "The alarm went off some how which disabled the car and all I have to do is lock and unlock the car." Ofcourse I have tried that even before I went to the dealer and it didn't work. Did any body else have this problem? Please let me know. This is driving me crazy as I don't know at what moment this car will die on me and to think it's brand new. Thanks in advance for any help.

    -Vamsi
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    Last time I heard of something like this, it turned out to be a relay in the engine compartment that had somehow gotten the idea that the transmission was in gear and therefore wouldn't let the starter operate. Since that idea usually comes from the neutral safety switch on the transaxle, well, that switch and the engine relay are the two parts I'd look at first.
  • sugarmagsugarmag Member Posts: 10
    I have a 99 ES-V6 that I bought new. I have 26000 miles & have noticed that infamous tick, which is quieter since I got my oil changed Fri. I have also noticed that it seems to make an odd "whomp-whomp-whomp" noise @ idle, it almost reminds me of a V8 ford mustang but quieter. Does this make sense? I guess you just have to hear it, kinda like the motor is rocking too much. Any ideas? I never noticed it w/ my V6 MX-6. Also, I am a dreaded car sales person & sold a girl my age a 98 ES V6 & she just called me & said her head gasket blew & the engine needs to be replaced (w/ less than 40k!!), has anyone had similiar probs? I've heard of tranny trouble but not a total engine blow!! I am a little concerned since I have about the same car. I hate trade, but I may before the warranty is up next year. This car is so much fun.
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    Well, since you don't have HLAs, it's not coming from the valvetrain, unless somehow the mechanical lash adjusters are already out of adjustment. Maybe you were slightly low on oil before the change.

    This engine doesn't have any particular propensity for blowing head gaskets, either. I mean, obviously it's possible, but it's not a common occurrence in normal operation. (My personal experiences don't count for much, but thanks to the Net, I hear from a startlingly-high percentage of 626 owners, and this is a rare complaint.)

    Is the idle jumping up and down (per the tach), or rock-solid?
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,863
    So, the head gasket blew. Why does that mean that it needs a new engine?? I never heard of that. Either something else happened to it or she's got a mechanic that is taking her for a ride.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    Or so Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers, would explain it. :)

    I've blown three head gaskets in my day, none on any Mazda, and I've never had to replace an engine.
  • mwaxkremwaxkre Member Posts: 2
    I am considering buying a 626, but I'm somewhat concerned about the number of messages in this conference about people having problems with the car (and I have also heard this elsewhere). I am pretty much deciding between a 626 and a Toyota Camry... anyone have any thoughts? Does the 626 really have that many problems? Is it worth it?
  • bj02176bj02176 Member Posts: 115
    I have about 2700 miles on my 2001 626 lx v6. The only problem is with the creaking windows when they are part way down. Not a major issue for me. Everything else is fine. Have yet to make a trip to the dealer unlike the experience with my Mazda Tribute which I traded for the 626. Engine and transmission are made in Japan, unfortunately the rest of the car is made by Ford Workers here in the US, so who knows how it will go.
  • sugarmagsugarmag Member Posts: 10
    I guess the dealership told my poor customer that there was also engine warpage, although they had not broken it down yet, and she said it had not been running hot. I think she may be getting mis-information, but the warranty people are investigating. To windowphobe - So my engine tick is not an HLA problem? I thought maybe I had figured it out!! It does it about 3 or 4 weeks after an oil change, & I am in a habit of checking my oil, every time I get gas, it doesn't seem to ever use any, & I get it done @ the dealer too. My idle is fine, although when I 1st bought the car the tach would go nuts and the car would hunt gears while cruising on the highway, I took it in to the dealer several times & could never get them to see it, then it just went away. Very odd. It runs okay, have noticed a slight hesitation here and there, of course that's almost a given in South Carolina heat!!
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