Mazda6 Maintenance and Repair

a1leo1

I bought my fully loaded 2004 6s in November. Around mid-December I began to hear what sounds like styrafoam rubbing together coming from inside the rear of the car I thought it was just the boxes of Christmas gifts I kept in the car but after removing them the sounds still occur when ever I hit any type of bump in the road. I thought maybe the seats were loose or one of the boxes knocked the speaker loose but they all appear to be tight and fitting properly. If anyone has any idea on what this might be it would be greatly appreciated.

r2s2

I had a sound much like that in an '86 VW Scirocco. Drove me crazy for weeks, until I figured out that the spare tire was slightly loose and squirming around on the securing bolt. I tightened it up and Voila -- silence.

Worth a try . . .

steven47

I also have that kind of noise. I think it is the rear window. Varies in intensity. Happens over bump, even at slow speed when body "torques". Dealer rep heard it. They are contacting factory for solution. Maybe reseal rear window.

jstandefer

I have noticed the same, but mainly from my windshield and doors. There has been some discussion about this, and several owners have resorted to putting some type of lubricant (like vegetable or mineral oil) on their door seals to get rid of the problem. However, the same cannot be done for the windshield or rear window. I have not noticed this on previous cars, and it makes me wonder just how resistant the 6's monocoque chassis is to torsional (twisting) stress. This chassis was supposed to be super rigid. I have also noticed that in hard, sweeping curves, the car has a tendency to "bob" or "wiggle" rather than taking a nice set, which is another sign of chassis flex.

chronic_will

I've had the the signal light problem before on the 6 as well, but brought it into the dealer and they just tightened the connection on the bulb and the problem was fixed.

mazdafun

...but if they're still saying it's not due to "corrosion" try using "oxidation" instead. I think it's the more technically-correct term for rust, if you think that's the symptom.

mazda6s

Actually, if you want to get technically correct, oxidation is a form of corrosion, but other chemicals (such as acids) can cause corrosion as well. Rust is just iron oxide, the result of the oxidation of iron.

I don't know the technical definition of "soapy solution".

chikoo

mazda6s

mazdajk

4doorzoom sure has been quiet. No new updates,the last being Nov.14,2003.Tests? What tests?
Did r2s2 hit a nerve or maybe the truth?

newcar31

"Did r2s2 hit a nerve or maybe the truth?"

The truth? I would love to know it.

kanev88

I have a 2003 Mazda6 s. When I turn sharp (especially in reverse) I hear a high pitched sound, almost like metal rubbing on metal. I have no idea what it is. Anyone possibilities?

moose54

Check message #612 on this board and message # 15845 on the sedan board. Hope this helps.

mazdajk

Did not mean to leave you hanging. I posted a link to another Mazda forum to show you were my concern started. I forgot that's a NO-NO at Edmunds. My post was removed.(Sorry Karen!!!). I'm concerened that a lot of people on these forums seem to be putting their trust in certain people and the information they are giving. This person may be a former (or current) employee of Mazda. Just be careful!
 This Rust problem with the Mazda6 should be taken up in a court of law. This is the only way I see Mazda correcting this problem in a way that is best for the owners of these cars.
I have spoken to a lot of people in the Auto Body Repair Industry and they laugh when I show them the TSB put out by Mazda. They can't believe Mazda is trying to get away with this.
Do I know all the legal In's and Out's in this matter? No. But I sure would be mad as hell if I had spent $24K on a car that started rusting 6mo's after I brought it home. A silicone Band-Aid is not the solution!
My stake in all of this is that I want Mazda to correct this problem properly at the factories and with the unfortunate people that own these cars. Then maybe, this spring when it's time for me to start looking for a car again,I might consider buying a 6. Mazda at this point is not doing a very good job of keeping my interest. It hurts to even say this because I have been a proud Mazda owner in the past.

jstandefer

"4doorzoom sure has been quiet. No new updates,the last being Nov.14,2003.Tests? What tests?
 Did r2s2 hit a nerve or maybe the truth?"

Truth? There are two truths:

1) The rust/staining issue has drastically quieted down everywhere. There is no longer enough interest to generate the money to perform any type of metallurgy testing. Even if we could generate the money, there are not many vehicles left that have not received Mazda's fix, making it hard to get enough samples.

2) I have been having a lot of problems with my ISP in the past few months. I am only realizing about 2kbps uploads, which results in browser and server time-outs, making it nearly impossible to upload pages. If you look, you'll notice that the owner list page is gone... a result of being lost during an upload and time-out. It is being rebuilt.

There is another truth... I have lost enthusiasm for the site. I can't stand to look at my car, and the last thing I want to do after spending 12 hours at work and on the road is to sit all night and work on the site. Did r2s2 strike a nerve? He struck a nerve because it seems he has devoted his entire life to striking me down everywhere... heck, I wouldn't be surprised if he has tracked down where I live...

The rust/staining issue may come back up very soon. I received a request from a magazine for information regarding the problem. I am waiting on an e-mail back from the hosts to see if I can post that here.

aperry1

Yesterday, we got about four inches of snow here in Baltimore. This morning I moved my car, and I drove to my aunt's house with no problem. I was on my way to work, and I had to get on I95, but when the car got up to about 50 mph, it would begin to vibrate. The entire car was vibrating, and I pulled over because I thought I was getting a flat tire, but I wasn't. I was at work and my dad came by to test drive it and he said it seemed like something was stuck up there. He asked me a number of times if I hit a pothole or anything, and I did not. I'm concerned that this problem will not be covered under warranty.
I also have another problem, I only have about 5k on the car, but the brakes are grinding sometimes when I stop, not even a sudden stop.
Does anyone have any advice or has anyone had any of the same problems and was it covered under the warranty?

jstandefer

You are still under the adjustment portion of the warranty (first 12 mos or 12,000 miles). Alignment, wheel balance, and brakes are covered during this adjustment period. Perhaps you lost a balancing weight from one of the wheels and that is causing the vibration... you would only notice it at higher speeds. You could also have a problem with a brake pad. I would take the car in and have the dealer take a look. It can't hurt.

mazda6s

Check for snow or ice stuck to the wheels, especially on the inside where it's not obvious.

kylerc

re post 875-its happened a couple of times to me. Take it to the car wash to remove frozen snow and ice on the wheels first;its a lot quicker than a service call

chronob

"There is another truth... I have lost enthusiasm for the site. I can't stand to look at my car, and the last thing I want to do after spending 12 hours at work and on the road is to sit all night and work on the site."
I understand how you feel, but there are many of us out there that appreciate your informative work with the site, and the attention you've brought to the 6's problems and Mazda'ss inadequate (in my opinion) responses. Even though your car has ruined your enthusiam for the website, please know that the site is needed and wanted by many. And now we have finally gotten media attention for the rust problem, in no small part because of your work. I've sent letters to many automotive media outlets to no avail, but it was your work/site that has finally made the difference. Don't be discouraged; you're accomplishing something.

"Did r2s2 strike a nerve? He struck a nerve because it seems he has devoted his entire life to striking me down everywhere"
Don't let him get you down. There are guys like that at EVERY discussion board, regardless of the topic. I've seen tons of your posts, and you have been fair in your criticisms AND defenses of Mazda. You have a lot to contribut to Mazda discussions, so keep voicing your opinion and let r2s2 go to hell.

By the way, have you heard any news on the steering column lubrication problem?

jstandefer

I have determined the path I am taking once I get the Lemon Law arbitration started (probably in the next two weeks depending on how the current repairs go) and completed. Instead of buying another new car, I am going to purchase a '95-'97 MX-6 LS V6 automatic. The prices are low enough that I can just purchase one in cash, and they're reliability has been good (V6 models). I always wanted one and that should return my enthusiasm and I will complete the site.

As for the steering column problem, I have not heard anything further on that. It seems that Mazda Europe has been spearheading that. If I hear anything further you will be the first to know.

r2s2

LOL!!!!

aperry1

Thanks everyone for the advice. I decided to take the car to Sears this morning so they could check it instead of driving all the way to the dealer. Oh boy was I a little red when they guy told me there was snow caked up in the wheel barrel, or something like that. I drove the car, and all though it was ice outside, I got it up to 60mph, and it was as smooth as the day I bought it. My dad told me something like that, but he didn't remove the snow.
Thanks everyone for your post and advice.

Karen_S

Please remember that personal jabs at other members is inappropriate and will get you smacked around by the host.

So let's take the personal issues elsewhere...preferably out of the Town Hall.

carefulbuyer

Hi all,
This is a great site for current owners & potential owners (like me) as well.
I've spent some time looking at the posts regarding the rusting issue. I have to admit I'm shocked at what I'm reading. I have a chance to buy a leftover 03, with ALL the right stuff, (color, options, price, etc.), however I'll NOT buy a car with this problem.
Could someone point me in the right direction, as far as what I need to know, to evaluate the car I'm thinking of buying?
What, exactly to look for?
Where on the car, I should be looking?
Certain VIN affected?
Other websites, etc?
Thanks.
At this point, any and all info appreciated.

jstandefer

Send me an e-mail: jstand6@yahoo.com

carefulbuyer

Hi All,
Any thoughts on the Mazda6 with 6cyl/5auto?
Thank You

jstandefer

There is plenty of praise for the car... the engine is smooth and is very strong in the upper rev range. Braking is excellent and handling is great. There are two complaints I hear of a lot: 1) the automatic transmission can be harsh at times and slow to downshift (typical of Mazda FWD auto trannies), and 2) throttle response is slow off the line (even Edmunds commented on this with their long-term Mazda6s V6 manual in comparison to their long-term Accord EX 4-cyl automatic, saying "our Accord's inline four has about as much oomph off the line"). However, most people agree that with the smoothness and high-end power of the engine combined with the great handling and looks, one can overlook the downfalls.

chikoo

If I rev and engage the clutch at 2200 rpm, the wheels spin and if I am on a uphill slope, the TCS kicks in.
IMO, mazda did right by not providing all that power low down.

dihorse

It only had 5000 miles on it when I figured out it was a lemon. Try and get Mazda to respond to any letters, e-mail or phone calls! Good Luck!
This has to be the worst car ever made.

jstandefer

If I was still driving a manual, I would totally agree with you. Unfortunately, little low-end power doesn't work well with the torque-robbing automatics. Ahhh... I miss a manual (of course, I don't think that when sitting in daily bumper-to-bumper traffic). It's too bad they couldn't tune the engines differently for the type of transmission... but, that would be too expensive for the number of 6's they sell.

chikoo, remember the 1.8L in the Protege? Let me take a moment to reminisce and smile... that was a sweet engine with the 5-spd, but no so wonderful for the automatics. Then came the 2.0L... it had lots of power down low, but little up top. With an automatic, it was wonderful. But with the 5-spd, it felt pretty lethargic and wasn't much fun to rev. Compromise... compromise...

mccullochb

Has any one experienced repeated engine light issues only to have the code come back as various items related to the PCM? I've only owned my car 10 months and for the last 5 it's been into the dealership at least 4 days out of each month for repairs. I can't believe I'm the only one out here experiencing this problem......but have had little to no luck finding a resolution.....and almost no correspondence from Mazda themselves other then to be told they have notified technical support. Please contact me at mccullochb@bioport.com if you have suffered similar issues.

froomg

I have a Mazda 6i (build date 02/03) and I've noticed that it has the rust/stain problem that was mentioned in the AutoWeek article. I'm contemplating taking it in to the dealer for Mazda's fix, but I'm concerned about how the repairs might affect things like wind noise and water leaks. I'm always uneasy about messing with weather stripping because it can lead to more problems if they don't put it back on right. Can anyone who's had their car repaired speak to what sort of job the dealer did replacing the stripping?

jstandefer

The Mazda TSB is very specific about properly removing and replacing the weather stripping. My car is still at the dealership getting it done, so I can't comment on it. However, I have not heard a single complaint about how the weather stripping was reinstalled. If they don't press it in completely in places, you will easily see it when the door is closed (looking at it from the outside). The weather stripping is not held in by an adhesive, so you can easily remove and reinstall yourself if you are not happy with the way the dealership does it.

I say, get it done! Let us know the results.

mazda6s

And, if they don't put it back together right the first time you can just go back and have them fix it.

chronob

"However, I have not heard a single complaint about how the weather stripping was reinstalled. If they don't press it in completely in places, you will easily see it when the door is closed (looking at it from the outside). The weather stripping is not held in by an adhesive, so you can easily remove and reinstall yourself if you are not happy with the way the dealership does it."

I'm afraid I have a complaint, jstandefer. The body shop guys did a poor job reinstalling the stripping, tearing it in places, breaking the mounting clips, and not getting all the stripping back in the support channel. They ordered new clips, and I fixed the sections that weren't pushed into place properly myself. I've not noticed a difference in wind noise or moisture to date, so no harm no foul, I guess.

jstandefer

That sucks. Maybe they should have read the TSB first? As you know, it clearly details how to remove the clips properly without breaking them or tearing the rubber.

I would demand new weather stripping installed. Those tears will just get worse as time goes on, and before you know it, you'll be buying those expensive strips after the warranty has expired.

mazdajk

Over the last few months or so I have been putting flyers on any Mazda6 I can do so to. There aren't that many in the Milwaukee area and when I do see them their usually going 40MPH in the other direction.
The flyer just explains the problem the 6 is having and where to look. My # is on there incase they might have any questions.
I received a call the other day from a woman that was concerned about her car and was't sure where to look. She lives close to where I work and she came over after I was off work so I could check her car over.
WOW !!! She is an elderly lady and has an 2003i. I was literally shocked. The passenger side rear door was loaded. There was four different areas that were rusting. The worst being about six inches from the end on top. There is no dought in my mind what this was. I took my key and was able to loosen a chunk of dry rusted metal the size of a cig butt. The other doors looked a lot better with only a few small spots of concern. The woman said some words I will not repeat. I think Mazda will be getting a ear full.
We have been getting prety much snow this winter and the salt trucks have been laying it down pretty thick. This is really going to accelerate the problem. It will be interesting to see what the Winter Months will do to these cars and how many more owners will surface.
Boy was that an eye opener! Sure do feel sorry for that Lady. But I think I should be more worried for that car dealer once she gets her hands on him.

mjvchicago

I know the subject sounds funny, but really I do know how to drive stick. I've noticed that when I drive the 6 and am coming to a stop or if I'm driving in stop and go traffic that getting the stick into the 1st gear position is sometimes difficult and I get resistence from the gearbox. It's almost like the gearbox puts a pin up in front of the 1st gear gate that prevents the stick from sliding into the gate.

I know that you're not supposed to shift into first when the car is moving, but I'm almost at a complete stop when this happens... it even happens when I'm at a complete stop sometimes! It's almost as if I'm being forced to start in second gear! I shift it to 1st to get the engine going again. The really wierd thing is that sometimes is goes into first in these situations with no problem whatsover... smooth as silk. I had a Grand Am that did the same thing, but it feels like the 6 is way more sensitive.

Wonder if anyone else is experiencing this or if this is just one of Mazda's failsafes. Would love anyone's thoughts on it.

ian2

Try blipping the gas before you shift, so the the syncros doesn't have to work as hard.

glenn47

Obviously I'm not the only one having problems with the fraying problems on the cloth seats. We special ordered our 6s sport package car with cloth seats because in Phoenix, AZ black leather didn't sound appealing in 110 degree heat. About 3 months after owning the car the edges of the seat backs and side bolsters on the seat bottoms started fraying badly at only about 4000 miles. Took it to the dealer and they ordered new covers. They denied that there is a widespread problem with the cloth (which there obviously is). I get the feeling they're just trying to get us past the point where we can do anything. The warranty states that "normal wear and tear" is not covered and specifically shows a seat next to the statement. Other than the interior, some small rattles, and a water pump we had to replace, we like the car fairly well. Hope they stand up to their commitment of having satisfied customers.

algroth

I had the same problems with engine light coming on as #889 with my 2003 Mazda 6 V6. Took it in 5 times for repairs. Finally requested, and got, Mazda to buy back my car under state lemon laws. Mazda rep told me it was the smog control systems that screwed up the car.
Good Luck!!!

karyakarta

I have a question for you. How do you look for rust? I have a white mazda 6 and the car was one of the early batch of mazda 6 that arrived after its debut. The car was built on December 2002. How do I know if my car is affected by this rust problem? Is there any range of VIN # that are affected? Thanks and I appreciate your comment.

jbhogen

1YV*P80****M00001 to M47672

Although people outside of this VIN range have complained of rust/stains.

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mazdajk

There has been a lot of discussion on this forum about the different areas this is showing up. Message #766 has some pictures. Message #693 has a link to Mazda's TSB on the issue.

Mazda TSB 09-020/03

Good luck! Hope your car is not one of the cars affected!

How has the car been otherwise?

mccullochb

Well it's been two full weeks without my car and without a phone call from the dealership to let me know when to expect my car back. I had a Mazda district rep up and the dealership told them my car would be done last week......still NO CAR!!!
According to the rep at Mazda my car has a code that no one recognizes. This is after the PCM was replaced.....all other recalls done and all other "upgrades". I finally turned my submission in to MICHIGAN claiming the lemon law. It's my understanding that they don't know how to fix my car so I continue to pay my payment to Mazda only to drive a rental!!!!! If anyone has any suggestions as to possible solutions I'm all ears. Even with the continued problems I love my car and would hate to part with it.....if only it could be fixed!!!

jstandefer

Today, my car is is beginning its 3rd week at the dealership, and day #40 since I bought it. I was supposed to get it back last Wednesday if the new crankshaft pulley came in time. Late Thursday, I called and the pulley has been installed, but the entire dashboard is ripped apart as they install a new foam kit to hopefully cure my HVAC problems. On Friday afternoon, I got another call saying the car won't be ready until this week. Other repairs during this visit include a new donut gasket at the main exhaust joint, resurfaced rotors, chamfered brake pads, modified brake caliper clips, and the rust/stain fix. Other items I complained about are now "normal for this car" even though the parts had been replaced once or twice before for the same problems.

I, like yourself, will be filing lemon law papers as soon as I get the car back. Otherwise, I have actually been enjoying the Hyundai Elantra they gave me as a rental/loaner. Either my standards have really been lowered because of my car, or the Hyundai is actually really good. I lean towards the latter, although it could use a lesson or two (OK, maybe three or four) in handling. I'm still in shock to see how far along Hyundai has come. The 6 is still definitely the better car, but it's amazing that you can get this Hyundai for nearly half the price of the 6, and it has features my 6 doesn't have (options I didn't pay extra for, like SAB).

mccullochb

I'm quickly approaching the 30 day mark without my car....can't believe you've been without yours for 40 days and have all of that additional work done as well. I can't even get the dealership --- where my car is currently located to let me know a status...personally, I think they too are tired of dealing with the endless "upgrades". As of right now, I have no idea who is giving me the truth.....Mazda....who said they have notified technical support and Crippen Mazda (my dealer...what a joke!) or Crippen who said they can't get an answer out of Mazda's technical support. Either way I am without the car I am paying for. The longer it stays at the dealership the more parts they replace and still no fix. Frankly, I find it hard to believe none of these issues showed up in the testing of these cars prior to releasing them to the public for sale. Given the fact that many of us are experiencing them at 3000 miles or less...
I drive my car approximately 100 miles a day and have over 20,000 (Highway) on it now......it's not a problem that I see going away anytime soon I can say that with complete confidence.
Why wait until you get the car back to file? File it now -- start the clock....in Michigan it's 30 days without your car the within the first 18 months and its an automatic lemon.....I'd say with 40 days and counting you've definitely earned some sort of compensation.... to say the least. On top of all -- they gave me a Nissan Sentra to drive......which had to be turned in today due to transmission slipping....what I got in return....a Ford Focus......not even remotely comparable to the car that I am paying for..

mccullochb

Well, I finally just picked up my car from the dealership after 17 days. All codes are now gone again (Including the P0346 -- still no idea what it is or where it came from -- went away with the 3rd PCM replacement). I have had update 29.2, 29.3 and the latest recall (fuel smell --1401 or something like that done). My dealership has assured me if I have any further CEL lights they will bring me a car and pick up mine....no questions asked 24/7. They have also agreed to go to the manufacturer on my behalf to get an extended warranty as I am not confident in the fixes (which is understandably so -- given the fact this is the 5th month in a row for repeat CEL's). I'll keep you all posted and let you know if this fix looks like it's going to work. Keep your fingers crossed. If that's the case, then many of you newbies won't have to experience several CEL's and visits to your dealer that some of us have over the last 10 months!!!