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Mazda5 Owners: Problems & Solutions

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  • isda65isda65 Member Posts: 74
    No it's NOT normal. It's not unexpected but this one's not normal. Mine is tight on this one. I hope I can say this for my rear suspension though.
  • nissmazlovernissmazlover Member Posts: 162
    My wife and I are reading all the posts about the supposedly "weak a/c" and we're in awe since we live in NYC, where the summers are BRUTAL, and we find the A/C to be ICE COLD!

    My issues lie with a couple of other things:

    a) The other night, while I was driving at low speed, the car was making a strange, crackling, electronic buzzing type of low decibal sound, eminating from the front of the car, every time I lightly stepped on the gas. The next day, the noise was no longer there. Has anyone experienced this?

    b) Also, yesterday, while waiting in line in a car wash, my Max (the name for our Mazda5 ;) ) completely shut off on me. It stalled as if it were a manual transmission car that I didn't know how to drive - though it's an automatic. It didn't happen again, but I am wondering if any of you have experienced this or know what could be the matter. Please advise.

    Otherwise, I am UTTERLY satisfied and LOVE our new Mazda5! And the A/C works GREAT! My kids, who sit in the third row, complain about how cold it gets inside the car and ask me to shut if off.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I think the A/C issues were more for rows 2 & 3. Any experience back there?
  • nissmazlovernissmazlover Member Posts: 162
    Well, I sat in the second row ONCE when I let my brother drive the car and it was the first week I owned the car, still during summer and it was hot and the a/c was on, and I definitely still felt the a/c pumping and felt very comfortable and cold, like I like it. I have never sat in the third row while the car has been moving, since I am the sole driver, but from what my kids say, it gets pretty cold back there, too. So, I still don't understand why some are complaining over the a/c. Still, I guess some vents back there wouldn't hurt. :P
  • bjerrybjerry Member Posts: 59
    Still, I guess some vents back there wouldn't hurt

    There's been quite a bit of venting about the A/C in these forums. :P
  • smariasmaria Member Posts: 279
    My wife and I are reading all the posts about the supposedly "weak a/c"

    The A/C in my Mazda5 works great. But, since the dash is so big and black (i.e., heat-absorbing) it takes the car maybe about 5 minutes to cool down if it's been baking in the sun in 95-degree weather. Not bad. But not instantaneous either.

    It stalled as if it were a manual transmission car that I didn't know how to drive - though it's an automatic.

    Hmm...my wife mentioned that our auto Mazda5 "hesitated" between gears when she was quickly accelerating out into traffic last week. For a moment, she was afraid it was going to stall, but it didn't (I wasn't in the car at the time, so I didn't experience it, and it hasn't happened again). Not sure if this is related to what you experienced. I'll post here again if our car ever actually stalls...
  • isda65isda65 Member Posts: 74
    I have also noticed this problem or trait or whatever you might call this. But this usually only happens when I take my foot off the accelarator when cruising towards an intersection to prepare to stop or turn right/left and then before coming to a stop step on it to accelarate. From a full stop this is not a problem (The response is quick). I have never even considered this a problem. I just thought of this as a quirk of Mazda 5's AT since it doesn't happen most of the time. It feels like the car is in the middle of doing something and has to finish shifting properly down to 2nd before it'll make allow you to make a decision. I don't know but this doesn't seem to bother me much as I don't drive aggressively anyway.
  • nissmazlovernissmazlover Member Posts: 162
    Well, what happened to me is that it COMPLETELY TURNED OFF, just like a manual transmission car would turn off if you didn't accelarate and shift properly out of first gear. It was REALLY weird. I was waiting in line at the car wash and, from what I remember, was pressing on the brake pedal. Then I went to shift from park or neutral (don't remember which gear it was in) and into drive and proceeded to accelarate, the car stalled and completely turned off. I had to restart it just as I would had it been a manual tranny car. It hasn't happened again, but I was wondering if anyone else had experienced that problem.

    Enough A/C talk already! :confuse: Heehee
  • ppurippuri Member Posts: 1
    I placed my order two weeks ago and found out they have a waiting list of 6 weeks. Did any of you guys had problem getting this car?http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/emotor- cons/emo_bawling.gif
    cry
  • smariasmaria Member Posts: 279
    If you want a specific color and specific options, and the dealer doesn't already have the car on the lot, it's normal to have to wait for the car to be delivered to the dealer. BUT, the dealer should have made this clear to you when you placed the order. If you can, sometimes it's best just to go to a different dealer who already has what you want right on the lot...of course, with the Mazda5's limited supply (because it's so new) that can be hard to do.

    I ordered mine on July 2 and it arrived on July 26 (3 and a half weeks later). My dealer told me that up front, so it wasn't a surprise.

    Steve
  • momstoymomstoy Member Posts: 30
    It took a few weeks (I think 3) to get ours in - but we had an actual ETA from the dealer. They had to look through a few lists to find the color/combination that we wanted and we were lucky enough to find one on the "incoming" list - it took 3 weeks to get from the port to the dealer?. Otherwise they would have had to order it and it would take possibly a few months.

    I say go to mazdausa.com and do an inventory search in the 150 mi. radius of you.
  • rlawrencerlawrence Member Posts: 92
    ppuri,

    For curiousity's sake, what level of trim, color, transmission, and options were you seeking? Also, what part of the country are you in? You might want to do multiple 150 mile radius searches from different cities around your state or region.

    For instance, when I was searching for my car, the 150 mile radius did not pick up San Diego area dealers despite the fact they were within 150 miles of the zip code I entered.
  • budinboatbudinboat Member Posts: 1
    after recharging the a/c in our 1990 miata it only stays cold for about 3 days then they coolant must be leaking out.Im wondering if there is a refurb kit with an oring kit in it avaliable.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    This is the Mazda5 discussion -- not the MX-5 discussion. The Mazda5 is a microvan. I suggest you search for "Miata" in the search window.

    Meade
  • smariasmaria Member Posts: 279
    For instance, when I was searching for my car, the 150 mile radius did not pick up San Diego area dealers despite the fact they were within 150 miles of the zip code I entered.

    I've noticed that too, here in NJ. A "150 mile" search doesn't actually go for a full 150 miles, because the search only returns a maximum of 10 dealerships. For example: there are more than 10 dealerships within 50 miles of me, so the 50-mile and 150-mile searches return the exact same results (i.e., the closest 10 dealerships).

    The current search algorithm makes it difficult for anyone who's looking for a specific color/options combination. Imagine wanting a car that's available at a dealership 45 miles from you, but the 50-mile search doesn't list it because there are 10 other dealerships that are closer to you than the one with the car you want. Then you'll think it's not available when it actually is!

    Ok, I realize I'm being really picky here, but the inventory search certainty has room for improvement. It should allow the option of picking your car/color and required options before the search is performed, and then getting back the 10 closest dealers to you that have that exact car/color with the options that you want...sounds better to me :D
  • rlawrencerlawrence Member Posts: 92
    "I've noticed that too, here in NJ. A "150 mile" search doesn't actually go for a full 150 miles, because the search only returns a maximum of 10 dealerships."

    Ah, now it makes sense. I guess that's one of the drawbacks of living in a large metropolitan area with many dealerships to choose from :D . Fortunately I had the wherewithall to use various cities for my searches and not limit it to my home zip code.
  • nola1nola1 Member Posts: 18
    I loaded up my Mazda5 with 7 people (approx 1100 lbs) (extra person straddled 2 middle seats). I had enough power to carry this load with no problem, but the problem came in when there were dips in the road. The back wheels would hit against the (plastic?) mud guard inside the tire well.

    Maybe this is why US Mazda5s don't have the fold out middle seat... We enjoy our food too much... especially in New Orleans!
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Yeah, maybe Mazda should put a warning label on the Mazda5:

    WARNING: The maximum total weight load for all occupants is 1000lbs. If your occupants weigh more than this, please ask one of them to walk (or consider losing some "excess baggage"). :surprise:
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Take a look in your right rear wheel well and see if possibly the Mazda5 was built like the Mazda3 hatch, which has a little plastic flange in the wheel well that scrapes. Here's Mazda's TSB on it, with a couple of drawings:

    http://web2.iadfw.net/theman/protegefaq/tsb/09-018-04.html

    Meade
  • bjerrybjerry Member Posts: 59
    Take a look in your right rear wheel well and see if possibly the Mazda5 was built like the Mazda3 hatch, which has a little plastic flange in the wheel well that scrapes. Here's Mazda's TSB on it, with a couple of drawings:

    http://web2.iadfw.net/theman/protegefaq/tsb/09-018-04.html

    Meade


    It's messages like this one that make me so appreciative of this forum. Thanks!
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Nyuk nyuk!

    ;)

    Meade
  • nola1nola1 Member Posts: 18
    Thanks for the reply. I looked and there is a plastic guard, but it is smooth. This is what the tire was rubbing against, but there are no scrapes on it.
  • drivertpasslftdrivertpasslft Member Posts: 3
    Hello friendly M-5ers. Has anyone bypassed their six disc changer to put an Ipod or alternative audio input into their stereo? I am told that this might be possible.
  • bjerrybjerry Member Posts: 59
    I got some material from Mazda in the mail, suggesting I register on this site. I did, and they have coupons for various maintenence items at the dealer I registered, and also a database set up to log in any maintenance done on the car. I thought it was pretty cool.

    I'm way more into my M5 than I've ever been into a car before. (this is my 9th car).
  • 5thave5thave Member Posts: 13
    I get the impression from reading in various forums that right now there is only one way to 'hardwire' a line-input into the factory stereo. It takes the place of either the tape or MiniDisc option, and therefore uses the corresponding button on the console (in Canada it's labelled "media").

    See this site:
    http://www.sylfex.com/products/AuxMod/

    The auxmod is getting great reviews from users, but they are a small operation so there is apparently a waiting list. They claim to be working on a version that will allow your steering wheel audio controls to interface with basic iPod functions.
  • atsowatsow Member Posts: 4
    Hi All,

    I just bought a Mazda5 sport (US) with manual transmission. On the whole, I am extremely happy with the vehicle. The pedal placement permits easy heel-toe downshifting, and the shifter is sports car slick. On the down side thought I have experienced a rattling/shuddering in the passenger side sliding door over larger bumps. No sounds from the driver side slider. This seems to be an issue many of you have. I'll have it checked out after I finish the break in.

    More concerning is the car's slight pull to the right under moderate acceleration. Not pedal to the metal, but 3-4k rpm half throttle in 3rd or 4th gear. Hard braking does not produce any pulling though. Because of this I suspect the alignment is fine. I checked the tire pressure, and all tires are at 34psi. My suspicion is that the steering is a tiny bit loose on center, and that the torque steer of a fwd-er exploits this tiny amount of play. I do NOT feel the steering wheel move as the car pulls.

    Anyone have similar observations?

    Alex
  • smariasmaria Member Posts: 279
    I've noticed the same thing, and in the same direction (to the right). On mine, it's a very small/subtle effect, but it becomes more noticable the faster I go (start to notice it at about 70 MPH). It's not hard to keep the car moving straight, but it definitely drifts a little bit to the right if I don't nudge the wheel left to correct it.

    I didn't get the chance to check my tire pressure yet...my first thought was that tire pressure was most likely the problem. Since your tires are all fine, I'm not sure what else might be the cause.
  • isda65isda65 Member Posts: 74
    I've got exactly the same issue as you have described. Mine is AT. I have made sure that tire pressure is 34 at all times. One theory that I have is that steering is very sensitive to the level of the road. And being so I could only conclude that it would always drift to the right since in my case here in North Vancouver I've noticed that the right lane is almost always inclined towards the curb. In some roads where it looked really level starting from a stop the steering remains straight. This is not a major issue to me. But I'm just curious whether something can be done to somehow tighten something a bit I don't know.
  • atsowatsow Member Posts: 4
    I've noticed this at slower speeds, though. It's pretty obvious to me (I'm sensitive) at 30mph. The dealer said to bring it in for an alignment (their bill) after I reach 1000 miles.

    As for my rattling passenger slilder, I think it may have been an item I stowed in the passenger second row seat bottom. Since I've removed it, I no longer here the rattle.
  • atsowatsow Member Posts: 4
    "One theory that I have is that steering is very sensitive to the level of the road."

    I had this thought too. Next time I'm on a divided highway, I'll check to see if it behavior differs in the left lane. My recollection is "no", but I have not tested. OTOH, braking and cruising do not pull at all for me. Hmmm...
  • frank4carsfrank4cars Member Posts: 98
    Funny you mentioned that. I was actually wondering if the rattles were all in Touring or GT models and that it might be the flip out tray under the seat that everybody was hearing. I have that feature but haven't heard any noise, but it made me wonder anyway. Something in that storage area could be the culprit for some.
  • bjerrybjerry Member Posts: 59
    I was actually wondering if the rattles were all in Touring or GT models and that it might be the flip out tray under the seat that everybody was hearing.

    An update on my rattle. I brought the car in on Saturday for service and had them look into the door rattling. The mechanic checked everything out and then he and I took the car for a spin. I took it over the bumpiest road we could find. Although he claims he didn't find anything wrong, the rattle is definately gone.

    I wish I could report something more definative than that, but, my guess is there's something a bit loose that needs tightening down. However, I'm certain it was not the little flip out tray under the second row seat causing the rattling sound that was driving me slowly bonkers.
  • isda65isda65 Member Posts: 74
    I was wondering whether I'm just too sensitive but I've had these issues since the 3rd day of my owning the car. Am I the unlucky soul who got the one lemon out of ten here? Anyway, I have a Sept 12 appointment with my dealer to have my issues fixed. This will be the 3rd visit now. The first two they did a very quick check and told me to return after getting more mileage. I just would like to ask your feedback on the following issue just so I know whether any of the issues that I have are traits or are actually problems. So here goes:

    1. Does your car shudder when you start it up?
    Mine does it all the time. It rocks hard enough that I can see it when I turn the
    ignition on.

    2. For AT's do you notice a clicking/sizzling/chirping noise when you put
    it in Reverse?

    3. Does your rear suspension generate a audible scraping noise when you
    go over speed bumps at crawl speed? It is only noticeable on big bumps
    to cause vertical action on the suspension. Front suspension is OK.

    4. Do you detect an audible engine whine? Try it in your garage where it is quiet
    and rev the engine.

    5. Do you hear a sort of a whoosing sound like a breath being expelled when
    you depress the brake pedal? Mine just started on the third day. At a stop
    or in your garage try and listen for it.

    You input/feedback will certainly help me determine how much to negotiate for in dealing with service centers.
  • smariasmaria Member Posts: 279
    1. Does your car shudder when you start it up?

    My car's startup is nearly imperceptible...so much so that sometimes I think the car didn't start, but it did (is it possible for a car to be TOO quiet?). :D

    2. For AT's do you notice a clicking/sizzling/chirping noise when you put it in Reverse?

    I haven't noticed any unusual reverse noises (I have an AT).

    3. Does your rear suspension generate a audible scraping noise when you go over speed bumps at crawl speed?

    I haven't noticed any sounds like this...

    4. Do you detect an audible engine whine?

    Definitely from the outside of the car (I think what I'm hearing is the AC?). I can barely hear the engine from the inside of the car though.

    5. Do you hear a sort of a whoosing sound like a breath being expelled when you depress the brake pedal?

    I haven't noticed anything like this either.

    So far, my car hasn't done anything that's felt or sounded unusual to me. So, it's possible that you have some quality issues with your car :(

    I'm not sure how sensitive you're being, and whether or not I'd notice the sounds you describe if my car was making them. I'll try to listen more closely over the next few days and let you know if any of my above answers change.
  • isda65isda65 Member Posts: 74
    Thank you very much smaria for your reply. I know my Mazda 5 should be better that what I have.
  • perfectofcperfectofc Member Posts: 155
    I'll print this out and put it in my car to remind me to listen for these things. I have just over 5,000km on my 5 now and will be taking it in for its first service soon.
  • han2han2 Member Posts: 11
    It is classified as "mid-sized Wagon", it should help out on the insurance side and you should definitely tint it yourself since the backrow is long way from AC without any vent.
    It definitely kept the inside cooler, or feel cooler.
  • mactavish1mactavish1 Member Posts: 19
    Wow, I had the same problem, I'd just stopped at a junction for a few seconds and then put my foot down to pull out. Suddenly stalled, struck me as very strange and I the restarted and drove away.

    I think it hadn't yet gone down to 1st as I hadn't quite stopped, I tried a few times to replicate it but couldn't.
  • chacobleuchacobleu Member Posts: 228
    My Mazda 3 shudders a bit on startup and shut down. The shudder occurs quickly between cranking and firing. Once fired up, it settles into a burble and stays that way until I shut it down.

    Maybe I should have this checked out as well.
  • isda65isda65 Member Posts: 74
    Did this just happen or has it been this way since purchase? In my case, I just noticed this on about the 3rd or 4th day. On certain startups the shake is minimal but it is still a shake by any standards. At most times, it is very pronounced that I can actually see the body shuddering. In all these times, the sound generated is loud and feels like metal against a grindstone.
  • chacobleuchacobleu Member Posts: 228
    Since day one. I'm not too concerned, only because there's no other sounds, etc. associated with the shudder. I'll try to test out a couple of other 2.3L MT 2005 hatches the next time I'm at the dealer (no guarantee that they'll have any left). If those act differently, then I'll bring up the issue.

    I had read something about "grounding the throttle body" with a 10 gauge copper wire; many that had this modification done noted smoother starts and smoother clutch launches. There's a grounding "kit" available from Mazda as it pertains to Mazdaspeed vehicles; so may be there is some merit to this whole "grounding" idea.
  • tcantwelltcantwell Member Posts: 1
    I'm VERY interested in the mazda5 - it has all the attributes I'm looking for - small, economical, good price, seats 6 (important for me)....BUT, the a/c issue has me. I test drove one and was not impressed - I sat all the way in the back and we drove on the freeway - remained warm the entire time. Yes - I know tint helps.....however, in my web wanderings, I've come across this product (there are others on the market):

    http://www.qwik.com/q_qwikboost.html

    this seems to improve a/c performance by a noticeable amount. I have not yet purchased a mazda 5, so is anyone on the forum brave enough to try this and report findings??? purty pleezzz? This product seems to be more than "snake oil", which is why I'm suggesting it....comments? Flames? ;)
  • pagetunerpagetuner Member Posts: 41
    TC:
    Not a flame per se but I am not buying that carmakers could increase airco effectiveness by adding an inexpensive additive to the R-134 but don't.

    Based on my experience I think window tint is one key, as you say, (see http://pagetuner.com/mazda5/windowtint.html ) but would also ask how you had the airco set: Floor vents open? Speed 2 or 3 until the interior cools? Dashface vents pointed to ceiling?

    pagetuner
    http://pagetuner.com/mazda5/
  • nifty56nifty56 Member Posts: 279
    I have a Mazda 3 and have posted my concerns about the A/C on the M3 board. Some say it is not a problem while others say it is weak. It appears the same here.
    Looks like Mazda hasn't fixed the problem so that everybody would be happy with it. Those who think it is weak take it to your dealer and ask them for a complete check for leaks, evacuated and recharged. If they just check the vent temp it is not enough. Also check the cycling of the compressor. Do this by having the hood up, A/C on and listening how often the compressor cycles. Mine cycles every 10 seconds which is not long enough to cool the cabin. Hope this helps.
    Just a side note. While I was going through the posts from #1 I noticed members from New Orleans. I wish them well and hope they survived Katrina.
  • drivertpasslftdrivertpasslft Member Posts: 3
    Great, thanks. I'll check this out. I recently got a call from our dealer. It seems they have recalled the M5 and want it off the road! Do you know anything about this?
  • drivertpasslftdrivertpasslft Member Posts: 3
    Hey All- I have been notified that Mazda wants are M5 back for a recall...immediately. No other details are known. Has anybody else been notified and what do you know?
  • robby1robby1 Member Posts: 7
    I found out that all mazda 5 (AKA MX-flexa) are to be removed from circulation because of a bad exhaust...
  • smariasmaria Member Posts: 279
    I heard about the recall too, from my dealer. Wonder why the dealer didn't know the reason for the recall.

    I guess it's official and I've gotta take the car in...
  • smariasmaria Member Posts: 279
    Hmm...do you know any details? What's exactly bad about the exhaust? Is it a safety problem, or just a pollution problem (i.e., it's not meeting the EPA emission standards)?
  • robby1robby1 Member Posts: 7
    Mazda is providing a loaner or rental at no cost as the mazda 5 exhaust can be a potential fire hazard- also there is a stop sale on all mazda 5's in dealer inventories until exhaust is replaced.
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