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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions
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Comments
RJ
At first, I thought it was something loose from underneath but after a good look, everything seem to be in place so...
Anyone experiencing this too ?
Silver ("clikatikatikaclik") Driver
This morning I measured the tire pressure for the first time. I was suprised every tire is at around 26 psi, even the decal says it should be at 35. So again why???
Mine did it twice yesterday, and once again today. Each time I've turned off the engine and re-started it, and the lights dissapeared like they were suppose to.
--javadoc
RJ
Last time I was there the assistant manager was very nice and said he would ride with me. So I'll give it one more shot and hope it works this time.
Steve
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In any event, I had wanted my Dunlops switched out for Michelins when the van was new, but the dealership relied on the conclusion of the "specialty shop," which didn't find anything amiss. So I've learned to live with it, and perhaps the symptom is less noticeable now that the tires have been worn more; the effect was most noticeable on certain highways (which I don't drive as often since I moved), so it may have been a combination of speed, tires / suspension, and road crown. Who knows. When it's time for all my tires to be replaced, I'll switch to Michelins and hope for the best (though I've read really good things about the Yokohama AVS dB).
I'm curious to know which dealership in Georgia told you that yours was the only MPV exhibiting the pulling problem; whenever I complain about anything, my dealership tells me they've never seen that problem before. Which Michelins did they install on your van? [Which speed rating, HR or VR?] What is your subjective opinion of the Michelins compared with the original tires (which I assume were the Dunlops)?
Thanks for the info. Sorry for the interrogation. ;>)
I have a tendency to lean on the vehicle while pumping in the petrol. Imagine my surprise when I rested my butt against the side of the van and felt it buckle in. I thought it was my imagination, so of course I did it again. No dent remained as it popped right back when I took my weight off it, but I was a bit shocked. Has anyone else noticed that? Is it very thin sheet metal or is it plastic like the Saturn?
Have you tried another dealer? I understand that you have waited for a long time but wasn't that a sign that this particular dealer "doesn't appreciate your business"?
Maltb, I believe the port is Tacoma, not NJ.
Port Tacoma
Port Hueneme
Port Kansas
Port Woodhaven
Port Midlothian
Port Kansas
Port Jasonville
Port Honolulu
Take your pick....
I guess I was wrong thinking this, but I thought you could basically order what you wanted on a vehicle with Mazda's "build your own" feature on their website? Ah well.
--j
BYOM:
On the web site they let you build a theoretical car but it's up to the regional people specify build types and port options. I think people think they can BYO with any car, but the only Mazda's available that way are the Tribute and the new Protege 5 door. Depending on how those go, we may see more models move to that idea.
The change of tires has worked so far. The pull is gone and we are finally happy and hoping it will not come back.
I looked up the Michelin All Season Symmetry tires on the Tirerack.com website. They have an SR speed rating, which is a lower speed rating than the HR-rated Dunlops, but they got very high marks for traction and comfort, and a 65,000 mi. treadlife warranty!! Wow!
Other than the pulling issue, please let us all know your subjective opinion about the relative merits (handling, traction, noise, comfort, ...) of the Michelins vs. the original equipment tires. We will all eventually be in the market for new tires for our MPVs, so there's no time like the present to start the checklist.
Thanks,
Drew
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What happened to the General Mazda MPV topic? I don't see the link anymore. There was daily discussions going on and it had over 1,600 messages in it.
I miss it.
I hope this helps.
There's also a mailing list for MPV 2000+ on YahooGroups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mpv2000
And MPV website (in preliminary stages): http://www.vakcer.com/mpv/
Steve
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Drew
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The problem is that when you turn the key into Lock position, the steering wheel is locked and cannot be turned. If you try to do so, you might interlock the ignition lock mechanism. If you have the problem ever again, put your key into the ignition and then jiggle the wheel slightly from left to right AND try to turn the key at the same time. Do not press hard on the key, it should turn fearly easily. Worked for me (and, by the way, this is described in the manual somewhere)...
I did it,I managed to read all of the posts.I am in the market for a new minivan and am very much interested in the 2001 MPV.
One prime consideration however is its ability to tow my 1500LB Jayco tent trailer.
Do any current owners have experience towing?
I sure would appreciate any comments!!
I guess I haven't gotten that far in the manual yet. I probably did move the wheel after I shut off the car. In my old Oldsmobile you had to turn it a little to lock it. It is hard to break old habits.
I haven't noticed any steering problems with my 2000 LX. I currently have 20,000 km on it... Never heard about the problem from any of previous posters here either.
noticed constant frontend pulling/wandering to the left. When we took back to dealer for 1st oil change, they found front-end needed realignment AND all wheels required rebalancing. Since then, steering has been fine. Never had problems w/steering while driving over bumps.
I suggest you take yours back to dealer and have alignment checked.
good luck!
Dennis
Glen, I guess you have a bad one... Maybe you should try going to another dealer if this one doesn't fix the van this time..
Please keep us informed...
Mark