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Does anyone have problems with numerous dash squeaks and rattles? Some go away by pushing on the dash but two remain. Will dealers address this under warranty after the first year?
My last major service was done in November,2000 as well as replacing all four tires ($$$). On Christmas Eve after driving seven miles, my car completely stopped on the freeway. There were no warning lights, no smoke,(until after the car stopped and then it was more like a burning smell rather than smoke, and no warning whatsoever. After $500 to diagnosis the problem, I was told after the engine(not the I), was blown and I had four options: 1. replace with new Mazda engine- set. $11,000 2. rebuild- set. $3300 3.rebuilt/remanufactured engine- est. $3200 or 4. repair good enough to get to a dealer for trade in. Of course, the warranty has expired and I cannot get a response from anyone at Mazda. At this point, I am upside down on the loan as the delears will wholesale the car out with $120K and won't give me hardly anything (this is without knowing about the engine yet). I have done extensive research regarding other comparable cars and found nothing that I feel compares- I LOVE MY MILLENIA!
Finally, my questions are:
1. Would you replace the engine and which above option would you chose and why?
or
2. Trade the care in and deal with the loss? Would you sell privately or go thru dealer?
3. Anyone else had the engine go and if so, how did you deal with it? Any response from Mazda?
I would appreciate any response as I need to make a decision ASAP. Thanks
Sorry to hear about your engine problem. Really stinks.
First of all, for a diagnosis that cost $500.00, I hope your mechanic gave a lot more details than just "the engine is blown." For that kind of money he should have the problem pinpointed. ie. Camshaft broken, broken rod, etc., etc. Without those kinds of details, how can you make a good decision about repairs?
Second, engines rarely just quit "without any warning," especially if the problem is mechanical (broken rod, etc.). There are usually many indications something is wrong.... clanging, grinding, banging, or rubbing noises, along with jerks and spurts and hesitation of movement.
It sounds to me that you may have some sort of electrical or fuel problem. There are a lot of electronics on this car that could cause the engine to stop running without any warning... computer, ignition, fuel pump, etc., etc.
If the engine will physically turn over when cranking, that's a good sign that the basic mechanics of the engine may be ok, and I would diagnose the basic electronics and fuel before going any further. ie. is fuel getting to the injectors; is ignition getting to the spark plugs?
For $500, your mechanic should be able to tell you everything that he checked out, and how he did it, and the results of each test.
If after all is said and done, and the engine really is blown, then I would go with the rebuilt for $3200. Your car has already deteriorated in value that much, so in effect, you have already spent that money. So go ahead and actually spend it, and recoup the value of your car. Now you can sell or trade or keep it as you wish, with a clear conscience.
This engine is so complicated I would doubt many mechanics could rebuild one successfully, even Mazda's. Almost certainly not as well as a good "factory rebuilder," and $13000 for a new engine is just too high. Afterwards, the value of the car would be less than the cost of the NEW engine! So why do that? You'd be better off selling it for salvage/parts.
Let us know what the specific problem is, if you find it out. It might help many of us when we encounter it. Good luck.
btw - was it a 95 s? I have a 95 s, so far, no engine problems other than normal maintenance. i have 90k, but.......
If it comes to getting another engine I would opt for the remanufatured, with a good warranty.
Anyone have a problem with Mazda's extended warranty not holding up to their end of the margin? Even when they finally see the light and pay the claim it will still take a week for the engine to come in and then who knows how long to install. Looking around 6 weeks without wife car. Tried calling Mazda's support line but was on hold for 30 minutes. Any help or hints will be appreciated. Thanks in advance,
Eddie
such as 2 convertors on Millenias and a mechanic saying that the reason the S smokes at startup is because the S/C blows smoke out the exhaust, fact is the S/C at startup is under vacuum and the ABV directs incoming air directly into the intake manifold sort of bypassing the S/C.
Another question for the mazda experts out there: I know that 2001 model has the microfiltration system as standard equipment. Do anyone know if it is possible to put one on my car?
Guess I will start getting quotes- Thanks
D
Does any one know?
regards
Yours is another rough situation. Sorry.
If Mazda stonewalls you on covering it under warranty, it's probably worth a lawsuit because of the high costs of repair. Also, you may be able to pursue it in small claims court without a lawyer. Your burden of proof will be a little less there, and the judge will know that warranty/insurance companies always try to weasel out, using the flimziest of excuses. Plus, the warranty company will have a lawyer either way, and they may decide to just pay your claim rather than pay the lawyers. It's better for business too.
Their side: Of course, Mazda'll say you violated the warranty contract since you didn't maintain it properly (we know you did, but that's what they will say since you are missing complete records that show you did).
Your side: If what records you do have, show you have a pattern of changing the oil/etc. on time, then it's reasonable to assume you continued to do so during the period for which you have no records. Also, if you can show that the engine failure had nothing to do with periodic oil changes, that would definitely help. Perhaps the Mazda service people can help you there, especially if the warranty company is a 3rd party not even connected to Mazda, which is usually the way it is.
Also, it's a possibility your lawyer may find in the "discovery phase" of the lawsuit, that this is a problem that often occurs even when the car IS "maintained properly." Hence, maybe it's a design problem, making Mazda more amenable to settling your claim.
Lawsuits are a big hassle, but that may be your only alternative. I would say you have a 50-50 chance, even without the records. An experienced "plaintiff's lawyer" can work wonders sometimes. Why not talk to one about it? Usually a 30 minute conference is free. Good luck.
I forgot to mention: make sure Mazda knows that you are a member of this group, that you have made us all aware of your problem, and that 1000's of us loyal Mazda owners are watching to see how they treat you.
ie.. it would be very bad for business to treat you unfairly. Good luck.
There hsve been 5 different part #'s on the Lysholm compressor in an attempt to solve the problem of failing "Mechanical Oil Seals". Mazda
never publicly admitted to the problem with a TSB but did distribute a "Service Tip" to it's dealer's advising replacement of the Lysholm compressor (only under Warrenty) if complaints were received of "Excessive Smoke at startup AND high oil consumption". Incidently as of Jan 1999
the problem apparently had not been solved because
Mazda issued a new part #KJ05-20-7AXC to be installed on yr 2000 Millenia's. IHI manufacturers
the compressor.
Thanks for the new info. Can you tell us your sources for it? It would help the rest of us to knowledgeably play along. Thanks.
1) How much did it run you (anyone?) to have your cam seals replaced (non S model)? Trying to get a general idea - I was quoted $600-$800! Seems like the labor is high due to that manifold.
2) I need to improve the lighting - anyone replace their bulbs with higher wattage? And what kind of improvements did you see compared to the dreadful old Millenia lighting. I know of a Philips HID package for about $400 - but do not know if I want to make this kind of investment or not.
Oh, and I also battling the Check Engine Light/O2 Sensors as well and can provide anyone some info that I have found out - I will be replacing these myself - they are not that hard.
Thanks for your valuable input!
-maz_nut
Mazda Millenia Service Highlights: Mazda Part #999-95-095F95
SAE Technical Paper #940198: Development of V6 Miller Cycle Gasoline Engine
SAE Technical Paper #94083: Development of the High Performance Lysholm Compressor For Automotive Use
Sae Technical Paper #938219: Miller Cycle Engine Management System and its Distinctive Features
Mentoring by Terry Berg a truly tenacious and knowlegeable Mazda Master Tech
Oh ya, what was the sticker price?
Regards,
However, consider getting your engine flushed, before doing any major repairs or services, which can be very expensive and useless. The engine flush generally cost around $50.00 or so dollars and shouldn't take more than 1 or so hours to complete.
Regards,
Thanks for the info about the burning oil smell. I've never heard of an engine flush, but I did price replacement on the valve cover gaskets ($500 or more). YIKES
-maznut
The '01 taillights should also work on any older Millenia.
Thanks.
So how much are your out of pocket expenses going to be? Did I understand that Mazda and the warranty company is picking up 100%? Glad it worked out for you.
I have a bulletin from Mitchell about a valve cover gasket problem that would explain the oil consumption and smell but not the white smoke. I have seen other messages in this forum about white smoke but they all seem to affect the supercharger. I suspect the valve seals are bad and need replacing.
Has anyone else had this problem and if so, what was your solution? Has any one had the valve seals replaced and if so what was the cost? Has anyone had the valve cover gaskets replaced and if so, what was the cost? Are there any Mazda Techs that visit this forum?
I suspect the cost of replacing either the valve cover gaskets or the valve seals would be high because of the location of the intake manifold. I guess my big question is would I be better off repairing the white smoke and oil consumption problem, or to drive the car for 25,000 more miles (an average year for me) and then sell it at a low price. I don't have a lot of money in the car but I do like the way it drives.
Duncan Smith
1) Valve seals need to be replaced FIRST - ours was done in our 60K - they are a pain, but need to be done for the sake of your engine's life. Our 60K ran us about $500 because we supplied many of the parts needed.
2) The valve gaskets are a whole new ball game in itself. They are a pain to get to because of that manifold. I have been quoted prices from $380-$500! I can do My Miata (or 2 Miata's) for under $100 myself - it is almost all labor. The bottom of our engine is coated in oil. We have that burning oil smell right when we come off the highway or a run in the car because that oil on the engine just recirculates into the vents.
You see, the 95 Millenia is the pits. It really is...I know so much about the development of this car and I am shocked it was even produced when it was. Based on my experiences and others that I have talked to, the car just falls apart after 60K or so. We have had the following replaced before 65K miles:
1) New Radiator
2) CV joints
3) All O2 sensors bad (need to be replaced)
4) Headliner is bad
5) Oil sending unit replaced
6) Interior gauge lights bad - new CPU installed
7) H20 Pump went bad
8) Radio replaced
9) Center visor replaced (TWICE)
10) Front bumper paint is flaking (noted on Mazda TSB)
11) Valve Cover gaskets need to be replaced
12) etc, etc, etc
Anyway, if there is any more info I can share - let me know. We have about 94K on our 95 L.
-Peter
LYONS4...are you still there. Sorry it took me so long to respond. ZMax is working well. I passed emissions, despite a supercharger leak, blow by oil causing white smoke on start up etc. $4000 to replace. Go for it....it'll make the car last longer...I hope. More later.
Mazdanut.I purchased my 95L in Dec.1998 & that same night the alternator or its equivlent went out according to the dealer(It made me miss my christmas party that year.)The dealship fixed it & let me drive a maxima;which ididn't like that car.But since then I've had the following happen:
2)some type of oil plug on front of engine-(I pd 4
3)water pump(warranty pd for)
4)timing belt (I paid for)
5)transmission(warranty pd for)
6)value cover(warranty pd for)
I presently have 73k miles & this morning after letting my car warm up for about 15 minutes;I went out on the interstate & as soon as I floored it my rpms went to around 7k or 8k before it accelerated.We use to call the blowing a gear in the old days.Has anyone else ever experienced this? That's my story & I'm sticking to it.Have a nice day.:)
2001 tail lites are close to 00 and earlier but lower corners toward liscense plate are angular on 2001 while 2000 and earlier are rounded.They are not interchangeable IMO
We will be having those valve cover seals replaced very soon and I'll report later.
What really scares me is that I have heard so much about those tranny's going out! Ours is still intact, but no longer under warranty - cross yer fingers!
rmck46 - thanks for the info.
-Maz_nut