Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions

billmckinley

Hang in there; it does get better. When I first bought "The Prez," the smell was constant and totally objectionable [to others, I might add; I rarely smelled it while actually driving]. Little by little it started to go away. I've got 11k on it now and rarely, rarely get so much as a whiff. And when I do, it's just that: a whiff. Don't give up on your otherwise excellent van just yet.
RJ

jolly2

My 2002 MPV has bad converters causing a sulfur smell, inside and out. This seems to be a hit and miss problem, some MPVs suffer from this, others don't. I happened to pick a dud. Dealer has finally agreed to replace the converters but only after I wrote many letters and e-mails to Mazda North America. Why aren't other vans having this problem - no such postings for Siennas or Odysseys. Wish I had not bought the van. I took the van for a 30 minute test drive but did not smell the sulfur until I had owned it for two days. Buying one is a gamble.

mazda_guy

what would you rather have, occasional sulfur scent or defective tramsimission or engine? I go for sulfur scent :-)

MB

mazda_guy

linchen, I really doubt if you just dropped that the remote is no good anymore unless you really smashed it. Inside there is only a small electronic board. If battery slipped out then, as was mentioned above, you should reprogram remote. Make the dealer to do that if you don't know how.

When I bought my MPV one remote was missing. I got the new one from the dealer and it did not work because it wasn't setup. My sales person programmed it while I was watching. It takes 2 minutes of few sequences of turning an ignition key to set a remote.

MB

diad98

I turn off the air condition and there is no dripping.

maltb

did you try switching fuel brands? if so, did you notice any difference in the aromas?

bean3422

I don't know if this is normal, but it seems like in my 2002 ES, when I have it in drive, and I stop at a redlight, after about 30 seconds there is a definite vibration/noise that can be felt/heard. It seems to build up and get worse until I either shift into neutral or let off of the brake. Having the A/C on makes it worse. Almost like the torque converter is building up pressure or something. Any ideas? Does it just need to be broken in, or should I take it in to the dealer? Have any other owners experienced this?

Trust me, I am the last person to want to bring up a problem, but it is a bit annoying. I have not had the sulphur smell (Amoco gas), but even if the MPV smelled like a sewer, and the engine roared like a freight train, I would still prefer my mpv to any other minivan!!

mazda_guy

This vibration is definitely not normal. I can notice a slight vibration at idle while AC kicks in but in your case is without AC as well. Take it to a dealer and let us know.

MB

javadoc

Do you have the 4Seasons package? I agree with MB above, it doesn't seem normal. However, you may notice the cooling fans in the grill kicking on more loudly if you have the 4Seasons package, but I too think that the vibration, even from the cooling fans, shouldn't be too noticeable, esp. not alarming. I'd have it checked, at the very least for your peace of mind.

/j

jolly2

To those who think that the sulfur smell isn't a big deal: You don't have to smell it, you don't have people walking up to your car saying "Is that smell coming from your car?" It's not just a little odor - it's overwhelming. I've tried every major brand name of gas, and every other suggestion the technicians have made - nothing works. Even if the problem is corrected with new converters I'll regret buying the van because it has caused me so much grief.

beachnut

You are absolutely right. Some of us here, myself included, need to be a little less harsh in their responses to other people's problems. I remember when I came on this board a few months ago screaming about my broken fuel door, throwing around the *lemon law* phrase, I was treated with concern. Fortunately, my issue turned out to be minor and was quickly resolved. I feel for you and wish I could offer some help. I find it hard to believe that Mazda doesn't have a solution for this problem, as it seems to be an intermittent issue going back 3 model years now. I don't see how the brand of fuel makes much difference, any more so than it would in any other type of vehicle. I would push hard to have a regional Mazda rep investigate your problem. If you decide to pursue the lemon law, give the dealer a shot at another MPV first. It really is a great van, but I understand your grief and hassle.

javadoc

Have you contacted a regional or corp. Mazda rep about your sulphur issue? From what I've noticed in my time hanging out here, folks seem to recieve rapid responses from them most of the time.

Brand of fuel does make a difference in some of these cases, but it looks like that may not be the problem for your van I'm sorry to say. The reason brand switching could help sometimes is that different brands use different forumulas in refining their fuel. Also, sulphur content varies drastically from refinery to refinery, and also depends on where the oil was from. (Plug for Alaskan crude...). I too do not know why some folks' vans have this problem and some don't. Could it be traced back to a supplier for the cat. converters? That may be a place Mazda may want to look, for instance.

The MPV is a great van, but I feel your grief. Having a horrid odor makes life with a $20k plus rig difficult, at best.

/javadoc

Whoops, I doubled with beach on some of my comments, sorry.

mazda_guy

Andrea, I agree with javadoc and beachnut. You should get Mazda dealer attention if this is that bad as you describing. It should be easy for you to demonstrate to the service manager what is your problem. The most likely they should replace emission catalytic converter.

In my new 2002 MPV I had bad smell for about 1000 miles but I could only smell it sometimes when I stopped at intersection's traffic lights. I never smelled sulfur while driving. After 1000 miles the smell went away. If I were you I would try the following. Drive your van till your gas tank is almost empty then fill it up with Chevron Supreme. Drive till your gas tank is almost empty again and fill it up with Chevron Supreme one more time. If you do that and your van still stinks then you should for sure demanded repair.

MB

alexv1n

That sulfur smell problem seems very strange. I have never smelt sulfur in our 2000 LX and I used almost all gas brans even from Esso (Imperial Oil) that seem to have the most sulfur content (>700). I wonder what could be the problem with the vans that stink constantly...

Does someone with stinking MPV also have another car? Does the other one stink as well? Just curious.

javadoc

My Volvo stinks like a fertilizer factory when I put anything other than Chevron in it... 78k miles on it tho.

Another question. Are sulphur sufferers using high-octane (91/92) fuel in their MPVs? I heard somewhere else that this may cause issues in cars not meant for premium fuel. Just a thought.

/j

tboner1965

That even though the brand on the station says BrandX, BrandY or BrandZ you are getting the same base gasoline, just different additive packages.

For example, in the St. Louis area, there are two refineries. There are more than two brands sold here.

Sure, some gasoline is moved via pipeline, but I suspect a good porition is produced locally.

Uh oh, pager went off, I'm on call again this week.

More later.

TB

mazda_guy

I use exclusively premium gas for MPV. I had all kinds of different cars in past 5 years and MPV was the first having smell problem using the same gas. Now the smell is gone but I will travel soon across the country and Canada and I will report if the smell is back. I hope NOT!!!

MB

bharrell

I have the sulfur smell and the vibration when you stop at a light. It starts after I have been sitting for a few seconds and stops when I let off the brake. I cannot get rid of the smell so far either-I will be taking it in for service pretty soon and I am going to ask about having the catalytic converter replaced. I am up over 2000 miles. Sometimes it is worse than others and I only rarely smell it while driving, but it is pretty strong when I get out. I have tried almost every brand of gas around here with the exception of the Chevron-there are not many of those left around here. I still love it even with these minor problems, and I am getting much better gas mileage than i did on the 2000 MPV

jolly2

Thanks for the support about the sulfur smell. Yes, I use 87 octane, have done EVERYTHING suggested. The dealer is going to replace converters next week but says if I get more bad converters will still have the same problem. What? How many bad converters is Mazda using?! Told him I will demand a new van if that happens - he didn't respond. I have contacted the regional manager, and Mazda North America, that's how I got dealer to replace converters.
I guess I should be glad that I don't own a Focus - I agree that there are worse problems. Will post about the new converters.

otish

Well, although anytime if bad, yesterday was probably worse for this to happen as I was the designated driver for 4 girls schouts on their way to camp in the morning (about 45 minute drive). When I got to the pickup spot I noticed my check engine light was on. Darn! Luckily one of the other parents filled in for me and I got to go to the dealer instead. Some wire had broken in part of the fuel injection system (from what I gathered). I had no trouble with the van that I could tell and they had me out the door in about 2 hours anyway.

I am a little sad to finally have a problem - even as small as that. My van has been great since we bought - January 2000. Oh and it has to share the garage now with a newer vehicle that is getting lots of attention: my husband's Ford F-150 SuperCrew King Ranch Edition.

javadoc

Try this at the dealer, for possible causes of the sulphur smell:

1. Improper Fuel Pressure
2. Loose or disconnected vacuum lines
3. Improperly connected vacuum lines
4. Charcoal canister is malfunctioning
5. Faulty Fuel tank vent system

Okay, that was five. Maybe they'll try these spots (they should).

/javadoc

luke15

I am planning on purchasing a minivan within the next week or so here in Connecitcut. Obviously, there are bigger problems to worry about with other cars, but the sulfur smell issue is beginning to worry me to the point of rethinking getting an MPV, which has been at the top of our list. Previous posts suggest that it is really just hit or miss and that you just have to try different gas stations to see if the problem is alleviated. A new MPV will be a financial difficulty for me but we were willing to make the sacrifice because of how much we like it. But I'm really beginning to wonder if it is worth it? Can anyone alleviate my concerns? Anything to do here in CT to lessen the risk of running into the sulfur problem?

Another question, I have a driving trip to Canada (about 1000 miles worth of driving) planned with the family in early July. Is it a bad idea to take a new car on such a trip only a couple of weeks after purchasing it?

danandkat

On our '01 LX purchased Sept. 2001 we also took a trip (to Canada, no less! I think we put on about 2000 miles) a couple weeks after purchasing it. IIRC the owner's manual said we needed to break it in for the first 800 miles. Break in consisted of not using cruise control and not maintaining constant speed. I don't think there was anything else. So for the couple weeks prior to our trip we just made sure we put on 800 miles (a lot of around town type driving to meet the non-constant speed requirement) and we were fine. The van has been great and we are glad to have it.

Regarding the sulfur smell, I am happy not to have that problem and feel for the folks who do. We only noticed a VERY slight burning smell--probably something burning off hot exhaust pipes--the first couple of times we parked the car. After that, there was nothing. To help alleviate your concerns, if you are buying something already on the lot, test drive it a bunch to make the problem happen so you can steer clear or convince yourself you are OK (will also help get your 800 miles in ;-). From what I recall from reading posts (if this is wrong, someone please correct me), if the problem is there it will make itself known fairly quickly. Best of luck.--danandkat

luke15

I am planning on purchasing a minivan within the next week or so here in Connecitcut. Obviously, there are bigger problems to worry about with other cars, but the sulfur smell issue is beginning to worry me to the point of rethinking getting an MPV, which has been at the top of our list. Previous posts suggest that it is really just hit or miss and that you just have to try different gas stations to see if the problem is alleviated. A new MPV will be a financial difficulty for me but we were willing to make the sacrifice because of how much we like it. But I'm really beginning to wonder if it is worth it? Can anyone alleviate my concerns? Anything to do here in CT to lessen the risk of running into the sulfur problem?

Another question, I have a driving trip to Canada (about 1000 miles worth of driving) planned with the family in early July. Is it a bad idea to take a new car on such a trip only a couple of weeks after purchasing it?

mazda_guy

Luke, I agree with danandkat, test drive is the best way to do it. When you test drive make sure the car is cold in the morning. Then set your AC on and set ventilation to draw the air from outside (amber led color, right side of the switch). Set fan in 1 or 2 position. Drive a car for a few minutes to warm it up then stop and let the engine idle. Wait a minute or two and try smelling the air vents. If the sulfur smell comes you will know right away.

I had sulfur smell for the first 500 or 1000 miles. I am talking about the smell that was easily noticeable inside the van. Then the smell went away. I can occasionally smell it outside the car when I buy other gas than Chevron Supreme or Amoco Premium. But this occasional smell is no big deal. Any car that was driven stinks anyway. Does not matter to me if these are fumes of gas or sulfur as long as I don’t have stinky air inside.

Beside the smell van is excellent. I wouldn't change it for any minivan on the market. I have 2900 miles on my ES 2002. No problems yet.

MB

maltb

And MB, fresh air on mine is the Green LED. The Amber is for Recirculate.

mazda_guy

You are right maltb, the green is on the right and it is fresh air and left is amber and it is re-circulated air.

DO you hear it luke15? You need to set on green (right) to draw fresh air.

MB

luke15

Thanks for the great tips! I'll keep you posted on what we decide. (not sure why my message posted twice)

stever

Multiple postings usually happen when you refresh after you have posted a message...try to scroll up a page and down and then refresh. And you can always delete your own messages at any time.

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

kawazar1

I have a 2000 MPV with just over 24000 mi. I rotated the tires every 6000 mi and noticed today that the tires are worn. They are worn enough that I know I can't make it to winter. They are just about down to the wear bars in the tread. Has any one else had their Yoko's wear rather quickly? I could not find any tread life expectancy in the tire warranty book that I got when the van was new. I expected to get maybe 40000 out of them. 24000 just seems too early to be putting tires on.

alexv1n

Usually people replace OEM tires (Yokos and Dunlops) at around 30,000 miles, give or take some.

owr084

30,000 miles?!?!? That is going to take some adjusting for me to get used to... My 1990 Aerostar is only halfway through its third set of tires after 193,000 miles. The first set of Michelins lasted 80,000 miles. The second and current sets were/are Michelins - why mess with a good thing. Hopefully, something longer lasting will be available when my 2002 ES needs new tires.

RBB

billmckinley

I've just replaced my Yokos. With a total of 11.5k on them. From day one they've shimmied, shaken, and pulled. I had them rotated every five thousand miles and had them balanced three times. The Wondrous Wizards at Rohrich Automotive finally told me that they couldn't do anything to fix them and that they thought part of the problem might be some belt separation inside one or more ofthe tires. They were wearing so badly that I knew I wouldn't chance a third winter on them, and I am taking the Prez on its annual trek to the Carolinas at the end of this week, so I finally said Dahellmitit and got rid of them. I put on Michelin X's, rated for 80k

The difference is phenomenal. Gone is the pull to the right [what I had thought of as Mazda's crown sensitivity]. Gone is the low-speed shimmy. Gone is the high-speed vibration. In their place is an improvement in handling that is a revelation. I'd always liked the handling of the van, but I simply had no idea that any minivan could handle as sure-footedly as the Prez now does. Cost me $550, but if I get any near 80k out of them, it would have been cheap at twice the price. And I'll get the bonus of driving a van that handles effortlessly.

RJ

beachnut

You mean X-Ones, right? I ditched those Yoko's too ... blech! My X-Ones' tour of duty on the MPV is coming to end, though. Not because I don't like them, to the contrary, they're going on MY car (hehe!). I'm getting Dunlop Sp Sport A2's from tirerack.com for the MPV, so this will make the 3rd tire brand in 23K miles

msgjvh

Well I must have missed it during one of the latest accidents in the van, but yesterday I was cleaning up after the brats and noticed a crack in the panel above the arm rest of the 3rd row seat. It was obviously caused by one of the accidents. Not sure when but it is about 3 inches. I was wondering if anyone has had experience repairing cracks in plastic? I figure I can remove the panel and do the repair from behind. Let me know what you kids think.

Also has anyone replaced the brake pads yet? I have 54k on them and think they need replacing sooonnnnn.

javadoc

John,

How talented are you w/a soldering iron? No, I'm just kidding. You can fix the panel from behind with some epoxy and if you're careful it'll be perfect, if the crack isn't huge and there are no pieces missing.

Re: Brakes, pull the front tires off. Replacement specs for the front pads is 2mm, which imho, is really thin. I'd go for 5mm personally. When measuring pad thickness, you're only measuring the pad material itself, and not the metal backing plate... which is going to be 5-10mm thick itself. Minimum rotor thickness is spec'd at 26mm mimimum. Let us know what you find b/c I'd be interested in how much life folks are seeing in the front pads.

/java

billmckinley

My new Michelins are the T Plus [ICAC].
But everything else I wrote about them is gospel

beachnut

Not a big problem, just annoying (and what problems aren't?!). My fan motor squeaks like a cricket (no, not the chocolate covered ones ) while it's speed #1. The rest are OK, but I usually like the first speed when the MPV's all cooled off, otherwise I get frozen fingers and have to turn the vents away from me. I would never survive north of the FL border, haha!

dennisshelly

i have a mazda mpv with 23000 miles and just replaced yokos. what a joke i think this tire co. needs to know that these tires they are making are a waste.

tboner1965

Sorry, in my opinion, a short life is not one of those attributes.

Typically, to get a tire that will last 80K miles, you have to give up a bit of cornering and braking to get that long life.

Now, if the tire can't/wont stay balanced, throws a belt, tread seperates, or it just plain has poor traction, then I believe those qualify as attributes of a bad tire.

But short life, by itself, doesn't make a tire bad.

I try to buy the highest traction and heat ratings (AA and A, respectively) that I can buy, and if I can get a bit longer life out of them, then all the better.

Minivans are VERY hard on tires, so if this is your first van, don't expect the tires to last the 80K miles the Michelin ads claim.

Not to mention that letting your tread wear down to 2/32nd's is not such a good idea if you plan on driving in rain or snow.

You have to have good tires for the brakes and steering to work. You can only brake and turn upto the limits of your tires traction. Harder, long life tires typically have reduced traction, so braking distances increase and cornering limits are reduced as the harder tire will break traction sooner.

So put the best tires you can on your vehicle, as they are truely a safety feature.

My $0.02

TB

danandkat

Another way to look at tire quality and duration (and this is admittedly an extreme) is to consider what NASCAR and the other racing organizations use. They must have really crummy tires because they end up changing them every couple hundred miles! danandkat

javadoc

Yeah, those crummy Goodyear Eagles... only last a hundred miles if you're lucky .

Good explanation TB!

stever

Tires harden and crack with age too, so that's another reason not to concentrate too hard on the 80,000 mile rating over other factors (unless you're driving 30k miles a year perhaps).

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

bill124

I haven't been here in a while but I see the sticking gas cap cover isn't only a problem for me. I can't seem to access the "vacker" site that has a link above. I get to it from the link but can't open anything on the side.

Service engine light has come on a few days after the wife put gas in (I never have the problem!). Dealer said so long as it isn't flashing, no problem. Sounds suspicious to me but I'm no expert on thses things. Any thoughts?

Finally, my mileage on my '00 LX (built August 99)is probably as bad as anyone here. After 30,000, still only around 15 local and 20-21 highway.

javadoc

Bill,

Generally the CEL is lit, such as after you've filled up w/fuel, because the gas cap wasn't tighened enough. This is a common OBD-II issue, and plagues many different brands of cars. I generally tighten the cap until it has clicked loudly a few times.

I think the vakcer.com/mpv site was moved to www.mpvclub.com so you may try there for the info you were looking for.

/j

bill124

Javadoc,

thanks. Is it the case that the light may come on a few days later? I guess it's possible the cap may loosen up or may be jarred loose but it strikes me as odd.

Regards,

Bill

alexv1n

Bill,

Here is the info on the sticking fuel door for you: http://www.mpvclub.com/info/prb/3433.htm

And yes, www.vakcer.com/mpv has moved to http://www.mpvclub.com

Alex

jolly2

Update on sulfur smell. The dealer replaced the converters - at a cost of $2700.00 to them - and the smell isn't as bad but still there. I don't think any of the four previous converters were working the smell was so bad, but now maybe three are working. The dealer has a "buy back" policy but haven't decided if I want to pursue it. We like the van otherwise and don't know what other we would get - Ody.too expensive, Sienna has worse problems, T&C too expensive,. Will drive the MPV another week and see if I can tolerate the lesser smell. Have been hearing from other MPV owners that their MPVs are starting to smell. Mazda needs to check into the company making the converters and nip this problem in the bud.

beachnut

Thanks for the update! It's good to hear that your dealer finally did the work, and that you discussed the "buy-back" option with them. Hopefully they'll continue to stand by you no matter what comes to pass. I'm unclear what you meant by the "previous four converters". Could you clarify? Good luck!

sidiggie

How did you get the dealer and Mazda to agree to replace the converter?So far Mazda headquarters has been uncooperative and my dealer, while very courteous, is laying off on Mazda. Any help would be appreciated.