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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions

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  • vickie26vickie26 Member Posts: 7
    <<Is that Riverside, CA? If so, is Mazda and such still owned by Quaid? When I lived in Riverside (87-92) they were terrible.>>

    Yep Scott31 you would be correct....First visit to Metro Mazda was November last visit at Metro Mazda was yesterday. It only took me three visits to wise up. I am so done with Uncle Bill the service manager and his clowns.
  • daron1daron1 Member Posts: 18
    I posted to the general Mazda MPV thread, but maybe this ? belongs here? I'm asking for anyone who recently received the hard shift fix & can give me exact terminology, code #, or whatever. Maybe I'm lazy, but I'm reading through these posts & getting a little confused w/ all of these fixes,w/some people having difficulty w/ service depts., others not...Also, I don't see a TSB for this, or anything else. My '04 is ready for it's 1st service, & although I've only had a few hard shifts, I want to address it. I hoped to have all of my "ducks in a row" before making my service appt. Thanks!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    That's interesting; hadn't heard any complaints about Alldata before. I just figured they got the TSBs from the NHTSA (that's where we get the summary info from, but we don't seem to have all of them either).

    The reporting system probably should be tweaked so that the errata stuff like typos in the Owners Manual doesn't get the same attention as a fuel leak.

    Steve, Host
  • alexv1nalexv1n Member Posts: 248
    Yes, they even don't list some of recalls for the MPV. There were 6 official recalls for 2000 MPV and they have only 3 ;-(

    Or, for 2003 MPV they have 7 TSBs, while the "other" web site has over 20.

    They do suck big time ... grrrr...
  • bigdadibigdadi Member Posts: 72
    They should have the name change to "Part-O-Data"
  • bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    Didn't mean to stir the pot there with that link.
    (Well, maybe I did... :))

    Bob
  • dan2004dan2004 Member Posts: 86
    So far so good. No hard shifts experienced since reflash. Am really starting to enjoy the van now, and am pleasantly surpised by how sturdy the thing is.

    As I put on more miles on (about 4500 so far) the engine is running smoother and seems to have slightly more umph (or should I say zoomph).

    However, the way the Mazda dealer handled the hard shift problem really upset me. The sour taste will take a long time to go away.
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    No problems with mine since the fix; been a month since I had it done.

    Dan, your experience with the dealer was completely the opposite of mine. My dealer was sympathetic and understanding, even when we spent an hour on the road not reproducing the problem. He also called me to tell me the fix was available. Mazda themselves impressed me a lot less.

    Steve.
  • rumor24rumor24 Member Posts: 74
    For those of you registered for mazda usa please look at the recall list. For the 2004 models of the mpv and the rx8 there is a recall for the passenger airbag. I saw it before my mecahnic, called him, and mine will go in tomorrow morning for the yet another fix. He said it would only take a few minutes. Just an fyi for you all
  • sugoiyasugoiya Member Posts: 12
    HI all,

    I'm wondering if any of you heard of a problem with the MPV's computer continuously reflashing (rebooting)? Whenever it does this the car shutters and the engine actually skips resulting in a momentary loss of power. It will do it randomly, but is particularly bad when the A/C is on. Our 2002.5 started doing this recently and one of my friend's 2000 is doing this as well.

    We did take it in around November last year. The dealer performed some kind of upgrade and the problem went away for a few months before cropping up again. When I called I was told that they'd take a look and perform the upgrade again.

    Sounds kind of like a pointless exercise, but at least it's still under warranty. My poor friend with the 2000 just had is warranty expire and is shopping around for someone who is willing to look into his problem for less than the $150 the dealer wanted to charge him. OUCH!
  • alexv1nalexv1n Member Posts: 248
    To me it seems like a misfire and has nothing to do with the computer. Replacing spark plugs or maybe ignition coil/wires may be all that's needed.
  • dlmc4dlmc4 Member Posts: 26
    I had my 03LX reflashed a couple of weeks ago and 500 miles later no hard shifts. I also am really enjoying the van again.

    My dealer was also very good about it with the exception that he was supposed to call me when the fix was available. I had to call him after about a week of reading posts here that it was available. I was the 8th one that this dealer had done and he said no hiccups had been reported yet. Lets hope we can all put this behind us now and start reading more positive posts.
  • rumor24rumor24 Member Posts: 74
    I forgot to ask the mechanic what was wrong with the airbag on the recall. I was in and out in less than 30 min. Has anyone got the info or do you know where I can get it? The mazda usa web just said there was one, not what the issue was. It could not hae been major to only take them that short of time to fix.
    thanks
  • dwagsdwags Member Posts: 2
    I put a 03 LX on hold at a dealership yesterday and am now learning of the shifting issues. The vehicle is a great fit for us and the deal perfect for my budget. However, I can still walk away?

    Can the experienced MPV owners offer advice if they had it to do again? As with thread 3625, I cannot find official documentation of the issue. How or should I proceed with this deal??????

    Thanks in advance!
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    Do it! The hard shifting problem, if indeed yours if affected can be readily corrected. I do caution you to drive it for some distance before buying and be critical about your creature comfort. The MPV is smaller than many other "minivans" and doesn't fit everyone's backsides. Its a kick to drive and handles like a sports car compared to most vans so be careful not to let flash and dash over rule common sense. We really enjoy ours but have found a few things a nuisance like the power sliding doors are neat but use them manually more than not. The driver's seat adjustments are a bit screwy and doesn't fit every member of the family equally well. Gas mileage is good, fit and finish are tops, and is easy to park and maneuver. Wife loves it, I like it, my kids would even be caught dead in it, and we'd probably buy another one. OM
  • pjgptpjgpt Member Posts: 15
    I had the reflash done on 2/13/04 and it has driven extremely smooth since then. I went on a trip (about 300 miles) last week which involved traveling on Route 17 in New York which is very hilly and there was no problem at all.

    It has been very fun to drive. Hopefully it stays that way.
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    My 03 ES was reflashed 3 weeks ago. Its still smooth although not a buttery smooth as right after the flash. Perhaps in the 2 week learning mode after the reflash we may have taught it some bad habits as 2 people drive it with completely different styles of driving. Man but you can pour the coal to from a standing start and it shifts perfect every time. It seems that piddling along in traffic it may stutter occasionally not knowing which gear to be in.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I've heard the tranny in the MPV doesn't have a filter, but only a screen. I've heard others say it has a filter. Which is it? Also, if I were to pull only the drain plug to drain the tranny, how many quarts would it take to refill it?
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    You might want to check some of the earlier posts in this section. The transmission filter and fluid change are discussed at length. I believe that the MPV does only have a screen. You won't find a drain plug for the tranny instead you'll have to pull the tranny pan like most other cars.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I know for a fact the tranny has a drain plug.
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    I stand corrected. I just ran out with the flashlight and looked. Hum, no pan either. Guess Mazda does things different than Chevy. Think its about time I purchased a Mazda service manual.
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    Checked back through some of the earlier posts to find that the MPV uses a strainer that must be cleaned rather than replaced. Any help?
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    After reading the tranny fluid change procedure on another forum I found that Mazda calls their tranny filter "a strainer" but it is a filter and is replaced. Fluid volume of a "driveway" change is about 5 quarts as you don't drain the torque converter. Email me and I'll tell you where to find this information. OM
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    We've driven another 1000 miles since the tranny was reflashed and it has not had any further problems. I guess the original flash, albeit was supposed to be the latest but the service department didn't have the latest info.

    On another note, we've received three detailed surveys since buying the MPV. Is Mazda gauging their sales/products on these surveys?
  • rumor24rumor24 Member Posts: 74
    I am up to 6 now and each has had a dollar in the envelope. I am still waiting to hear about the extended warrantee and will give them one more week before I turn all the things in. My dealer will get favorable reviews for going above and beyond. As for mazda, they still haven't done anything to change my mind. They don't seem to care about their customers so why should we care about how they look in the surveys? I have been waiting about a month to hear about the extended that I was promised and still nothing.
  • tmossatmossa Member Posts: 8
    I had my 2003 reflashed in January and it still shifted hard ever since I left the dealership. Mainly while it is cold. Seems to shift better when warmed up. I took it back last Friday and of course it was warmed up so they could not find a hard shift. Will be taking it back tonight and be leaving it overnight. They will drive it in the morning when it is cold. Anybody else have this problem?
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I think yours may not have been with the latest flash version. Try searching back a bit, I think there was a particular version that was the 'latest' fix.

    -Brian
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    I have an 03 as well. It was reflashed the first week of February and has been smooth as glass hot or cold ever since. I think "subearu" is right when he said that your reflash may not have been done with the latest software. My dealer ask no questions, did no test drive, and made me two free extra keys and a pot of coffee while I waited. Now if he only had dancing girls.
  • pjgptpjgpt Member Posts: 15
    I had my '03 reflashed on 2/13 and have not had one hard shift since. I was told by my service department that they downloaded the latest version the day before (2/12).

    Best of Luck
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I called our local service dept this AM. This is what they told me. The trannies in the '02 and newer models have a filter, but you don't replace it, even if you change your own fluid. Also, I'm scheduled to take our PeeVee in Thursday to have the reflash done. We'll see if that cures our hard shifting problem.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    I agree, Mazda hasn't shown much concern over this issue. Thanks for reminding me about the extended warranty issue. I opened a case with Mazda the week we went back for the reflash and was told someone would contact us within 48 hours. Obviously they haven't called because I completely forgot about it.

    The flash in January had to be the older version. You should inquire about an updated version from mid-February at your dealer to be sure they have the current flash.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    Has anyone been annoyed that there isn't a master overhead light switch? Its minor but really makes checking on the little ones a bit complicated.
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    Danog I can tell you where to find info on how to make your own override overhead switch. Email me. OM
  • tmossatmossa Member Posts: 8
    Update. Got the van back today after it spent the night at the dealership. They claim the could not duplicate the hard shift. It was first reflashed on Jan 19th. I asked about what flash version was used and they said he never had that info but he was sure it was the latest. I asked if there were any new flash versions out and he said no. I still have the hard 2-3 shift when the van is cold but goes away when it warms up. I plan to take the van back again and park it until it is cold. Then I will take a ride with the Service Manager so he can lye to me while it's shifting hard. They also made mention that this could be normal shift for this van (2003 MPV) I asked to drive a new one. I drove a 2004 MPV and it shifted smooth cold and warm like mine did before this problem started. Can anybody fill me in on the reflash versions and dates they were sent out?
  • biomed_engbiomed_eng Member Posts: 5
    TMOSSA,
    If you have not done so already. I have heard that you should turn your car in to the dealer in the evening right before they close, so in the morning when they do the testing, the car will be cold...maybe I heard that here?
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    Call Mazda and talk with them. Your dealer is not working in your better interest. The January version used to reflash these trannys was not correct. Unless of course this dealership was the test for ALL the others in the country. Just because they cannot duplicate the problem doesn't;t mean it doesn't exist. Call Mazda and have them contact the dealer on your behalf or take it to another dealer.

    Dano
  • vickie26vickie26 Member Posts: 7
    I had this same problem with the Mazda dealer. They continued to tell me they couldn't "duplicate the problem." I called Mazda because Riverside Metro Mazda continued to give me resistance. The corporate office in Irvine sent me to Caliber Mazda in Norco and low and behold I received the flash update with no problem or questions. Caliber couldn't have been nicer and bent over backwards to fix the car. They took my van didn't test drive (becuase they new of the problem) they just fixed it. I got a rental from them becuase they kept my van overnight. I pick up the van the next morning and received NO HASSLES. After that I wrote a 3 page letter to Mazda regarding my displeasure with Metro Mazda, I also sent a copy of the letter to both Metro and Caliber. I'm in the process of making an appointment with the regional manager to talk to him about extending my warranty. I do know that the "newest" re-flash didn't come out until early February. By the way since the re-flash in early february I haven't had any hard shifts.
  • rumor24rumor24 Member Posts: 74
    My reflash was done january 18th for the 2-3 hard shift on the 2004, would that be the same one you are talking about(february)? I have not heard about another one and the one I had in Jan. took care of the hard shift.
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    I'd like to hear from some of the ES owners with 17 inch wheels what tire pressures are yielding good even wear front and rear. I couldn't handle the bone jarring 40 psi the dealer set them at. I'm currently running 35 front and rear but would like to soften up the rear a little yet. Suggestions:
  • vickie26vickie26 Member Posts: 7
    Have a friend who is a mechanic and he just rotated the tires on my ES. Told me to run the tires at 33psi. Said it allows the tires to expand. I live in southern california so I'm not sure if that matters or not.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    The dealer had our PeeVee all day today and wasn't able to complete the reflash procedure. The technician said the TCM wouldn't accept reprogramming. He oredered a new TCM which will be in tomorrow morning and he should have it finished by late morning or early afternoon. I'm really curious to see if this is going to fix the hard shifting.
  • vickie26vickie26 Member Posts: 7
    actually my reply was for tmossa. I don't know when that fix came out but if he's still having problems I would call Mazda's corporate office and tell them I want the van re-flash again at a different dealership. It appears that everyone who has had their van re-flashed isn't having the hard shift problem anymore. Caliber's service manager did tell me the reason they needed to keep my van overnight was because the tech who did the re-flashes wasn't in that day and he was the only one that knew how to do it. ...Sooooo maybe the guy who did the re-flash had no clue.
  • rotarykidrotarykid Member Posts: 191
    the correct tire psi #'s are located on door sticker (drivers door). it gives specific specs for front and rear tires and tire sizes.
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    at least run 35psi. lower than 34psi *can* make the tires run warmer and that's not always a good thing. Plus you might make the middle portion of the tire not wear properly. Your call though. I run 36.5 on all 4 corners.

    Page 10-6 of the '02 Owner's Manual also states 35psi front AND back for the 15", 16" and 17" sizes on the MPV.

    -Brian
  • capriracercapriracer Member Posts: 907
    Do what the owner's manual says! This is particularly true for states where it gets hot and Southern California is one of them. The other states I make this recommendation for are AZ, TX, NV, and FL. (BTW, this recommendation is based on tire return data and it can be argued that other states have similar weather and ought to be included.)

    Personally, I'd use 3 to 5 psi above what the owners manual says. You get better fuel economy, better tread life, better tire durability, better wet traction, better steering response and only give up a bit of ride harshness.

    Hope this helps
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    According to Mazda the latest flash was released on January 26th 2004. If someone knows of a newer release please let us know.

    I run 35PSI all around in our '04 ES.
  • goldenfamgoldenfam Member Posts: 3
    Ok, since I've last posted on here, my wife crashed our new '03 MPV LX (HE got the ticket) going about '35' and they totalled the thing!

    So, even though we had the OMEN of all the problems w/ the shifting, we decided to get another one because we loved it besides that problem, and we had faith that the fix would well....fix it. So, the '04...test drove - no problem. Drove home - no problem. She drove all that week - no problem. About 400 miles on now - PROBLEM! I drive it on the weekend, and hard SHIFT! Not from 1st to 2nd, like our '03, but from 2nd to 3rd. Now it does it every once-in-a-while - no rhyme or reason.

    Just thought I'd let the group know. I guess I'll be contact MY dealership soon. So, from what I'm reading, there is a fix for the '04 too right?
  • frankmanfrankman Member Posts: 13
    The fix works for 04 to take care of the 2-3 hard shift. My 04 got reflashed in February, no hard shift ever since (~2000 miles).
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    Same with our 03 ES. Test drive was flawless. Drove home flawless. At about 300 miles, WHAM, hard shift. Sporadic, but only when fully warmed up. Reflashed last month after I was pretty sure the new flash was working. Shifts like butter now. The shame of it is that a lot of people out there are enduring this problem because Mazda isn't coming forward about it and a lot of dealers either refuse to fix a problem they can't always reproduce (old mindset) or just aren't up to speed on the remedy. Mazda assumes every service manager reads every new service bulletin and stays current. Duh?
  • bigdadi118bigdadi118 Member Posts: 1,207
    My hardshift started around 500 miles after driven out the dealer lot. Now the hardshift pattern is 25-30 min. period of driving around town, then the hard shift begins. I'll take mine to the dealer tomorrow.
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