Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Mazda6 Maintenance and Repair

1363739414257

Comments

  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    Bought my '04 Steel Gray 6S manual sedan new...

    One year and 16K miles later...

    Still grinning from ear to ear...
  • slennonslennon Member Posts: 2
    Bought a new 6 in october of 2004. I noticed the horrible smell immediately, my husband said it was a under coating and would burn off. 10 months and 9500 miles later it still smells. I was told to change gas. That didn't work. Now my head lights work when they want to. This is the second time in the shop since June. If they can't make the problem re occur they won't do anything. I am getting mad. Anyone else out there with these issues?
  • slennonslennon Member Posts: 2
    I had a similar problem. It seemed as if it slipped out of gear if I let off the gas and then didn't completely stop. The dealer re programmed my transmission. It helped, but it still does it sometimes, not as violent though.
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    Bought a new 6 in october of 2004. I noticed the horrible smell immediately, my husband said it was a under coating and would burn off. 10 months and 9500 miles later it still smells...

    Sounds like a problem with the catalytic converter. I've never had this problem myself, but from what I've heard and seen from other 6 owners, you could have a bad cat.

    Now my head lights work when they want to. This is the second time in the shop since June. If they can't make the problem re occur they won't do anything. I am getting mad

    Make sure the dealer checks the electrical connections thoroughly, and there's no short circuit anywhere in the fuse panels or the switch.

    Always remember that you can bring the car to a different dealer to have it worked on. Unfortunately, some car dealers aren't the best in service/repair, and some dealers will often see things that other don't. Happens with all makes, not just Mazda...

    Good luck. Let us know how things turn out. :)
  • pats1pats1 Member Posts: 36
    Which AT do you have? Tech services is working on complaints about the 6 speed autos (I have one) with jerking and overloading in the 1500-2000 RPM range, all gears.
  • robinvtxrobinvtx Member Posts: 1
    i have a 2004 and the seats are a beige/tan color supposingly with this scotchgard type sealant for spills, hah, if anything it is the worse sealant i have ever seen. spills do not just wipe off and i tried just the damp cloth which are the instructions, the stains just get bigger, and mazda doesnt sell a cleaning agent to take care of this. i now have beige front and back seats that look like 10 yrs old. it is just ridiculous. and YES I HAVE FUZZIES THAT ARE EVERYWHERE. i have to constantly trim the frays and i figure by 2007 i wont have any cloth left.
  • ericzoomericzoom Member Posts: 213
    I thought the 5spd ATX was bad. Now i see similar problems trickling down to the supposeibly indestructible 6 spds.
  • frenchskifrenchski Member Posts: 1
    Recieved the key fobs from the dude on Ebay on friday and within 15 minutes ahd three fobs (2 new 1 old) programmed.
    Thanks for the idea.
  • escortownerescortowner Member Posts: 132
    I have one with 7 k on it and I noticed it doing that as well - but not to the point where it is to the foam, yet, over the long term, I am worried about the durability.
  • lilhunterlilhunter Member Posts: 2
    My Information LCD screen on my m6 got all glitchy over the last couple weeks. Like when i change my volume there is a blank in the middle of all the numbers. Also when it is showing how far i am into a song on a cd there zeros look like a backwards C. Did this happen to anyone else and will the dealer fix this under warranty?
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    Did this happen to anyone else and will the dealer fix this under warranty?

    Hasn't happened to me, but I've heard about it.

    Chances are it's a faulty LCD board. They should be under warranty, although the dealer may have to order one. It MIGHT be a loose connection between the radio and the LCD, but the symptoms shy me away from that conclusion...
  • sepang6sepang6 Member Posts: 6
    I have taken my 04 Mazda6S to the Dealer for the same problem (5 times); Brake moaning at low speeding, when approaching stop lights or parking spaces. A TSB was issued for this problem, but it continued to come back after each fix. I was then told that's how it is. Well, I had my car serviced in July 05 (oil change), and I mentioned that my brake pedal squeaks when I press on it. They checked it, and fixed it. I noticed the difference, but within days it was back again. Well, yesterday I took it back again because the brake pedal just did not feel right. The Service Department called and said that my Front Brake Pads were below 20% and needed to be replaced ($219.00 plus tax). I raised H ! L L, I have never replaced my Front brake so soon pads on a vehicle. I requested Mazda's number from the Service Department, because I was not a happy camper. To make a long story short, I explained my situation to the Mazda Rep; she called the dealer and told them that they will pay for the Front Brake Pads to be replaced. :D

    SO........... If you hear your brakes moaning at low speed, take it to your dealer. Make sure you have a paper trail so that if this situation should arise, you will be covered. :)
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    I have had a Mazda6 i for a few months now, I have 4,000 miles on it, and I have no problems what so ever to report. I have been reading some complaints about CEL's and a stinky smell. I had the smell for about a week, then it went away. I also work at Mazda dealership. If anyone has any quesitons, I have to sources to get you good answers. Our service dept. is one of the best around. :D
  • jmrpaxjmrpax Member Posts: 1
    Mazda 6 2005 clinging noise occurs at 60 + mph. Can't locate issue and dealer can't locate noise because they do not go on highway when they test drive it. Noise does not occur at lower speeds and there doesn't seem to be any negative impact to the running of the car.
    Suggestions?
  • mazda6iguymazda6iguy Member Posts: 365
    I own a 2003 Mazda6-i with 34000 miles on it. Last saturday the battery warning light came on. Took it to the dealer. They said it had a bad alternator. How does an alternator go bad at 34k miles? There was no indication that it was going bad. The car acted normally up until then, and even when the light came on. Has anyone else here developed a bad alternator with your cars? Is there some svc. bulletin I missed?
  • ct6sct6s Member Posts: 3
    I've had 3 repairs (all different) in my first 6k miles. First was a fuel sensor, can't remember the second off-hand, third was a bad throttle body. Anyone else having so many issues in such a short time? I'm thinking of going back to the dealer and demanding a free extended warranty. I can't stand being without a car all the time.
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    2003 Mazda6-i with 34000 miles ... had a bad alternator. How does an alternator go bad at 34k miles?

    So did the dealer replace the alternator?
  • ycoxycox Member Posts: 2
    got mazda 6 . have a tinny sound when pressing down on accellerator. took it into dealers they have heard noise but are unable to locate it. could this noise be the thrust baring as my husband has suggested. i only have another 500 miles left on warranty. don't want somthing costly going wrong...
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    ycox - You should keep your service records. To be covered by warranty the problem must be shown to exist before the warranty expired.
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    "thrust baring" What's that?
    tinny sound Do you mean tiny sound or sounds like tin?
    :sick:
  • ycoxycox Member Posts: 2
    don't really know what the thrust baring is , it was just suggested that this could be the problem. the noise sounds like tin. is there just as i reach desired speed before i change gear
  • fandcfandc Member Posts: 51
    Thrust bearing = Throw Out Bearing
    It's a part of the clutch mechanism.

    Tinny noise could be an exhaust heat shield. Once loose, they tend to vibrate at certain RPMs.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Throw Out Bearing would only make noise when you step on the clutch pedal. So if you get the noise without being on the clutch pedal, this is probably a mis-diagnosis or you have other clutch issues with the pressure plate (if the mechanic is sure the noise is coming from the clutch area).
  • ybmybm Member Posts: 5
    I just bought an 05 Mazda6 s Sport.

    Can anyone tell me if there is a setting for "All disc random" as opposed to "single disc random"?

    The book just says "random" and so far, I have only been able to get a single disc random setting.

    Thanks! :blush:
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    Can anyone tell me if there is a setting for "All disc random" as opposed to "single disc random"?

    Afraid not... Just the individual disk.

    Besides, I'd hate having 10 seconds of dead air between tracks, waiting for one disk to move and get replaced by another disk inside the player, but that's just my opinion...

    Sorry.
  • tlazarintlazarin Member Posts: 2
    I know what you mean. I was told by my dealership that 5 speed automatic/manual transmissions are made not to down shift to second and that you can't start in traffic. I have later learned this is only a mazda issue
  • tlazarintlazarin Member Posts: 2
    I have had to have by brakes pad redone twice. my brake pads keep slipping and they have to put on a "modified brake pad". I only have 20k. Any one else having problems?

    Also I have problems with a hesitation when I shift and my car slamming into gears. I have been told by the dealership and the regional service reps that "it is my driving capabilities." They state that you have to come to a complete stop before taking off. What if I am approproching a red light and it turns green? I still have to stop? Any one else having problems?
  • ebeneben Member Posts: 26
    I don't have this problem with my 2004 wagon's manumatic. If I'm in "manual" mode at a stop, I have no problem shifting up to 2 before starting. In fact, I sometimes have the opposite problem in stop-and-go traffic, with the transmission not shifting down to 1 after a stop (that is, staying in 2).
  • igotta6igotta6 Member Posts: 1
    I have had BOTH of these problems! The service people have been cooperative (though, not apologetic) about the brakes, and I have yet to bring the car in for the shifting/jarring issue. I do know, however, that I have seen others with that problem in this forum in the past. I find it insulting that they would make this about you without checking out the validity of your claim. This problem occurs for me FROM a stopped position (not my "capabilities.") I plan to bring it to their attention during my next service visit in a week or so. I hope your service people start listening to you instead of pointing the finger back at you. You think they'd be a little more open to the possibility that the issue could be with same car with the CRUMMY BRAKES! ha, ha.
  • captain_sexcaptain_sex Member Posts: 4
    Hey all, I just got a 6s, and i was trying to get some information on the phatnoise mp3 system that mazda has for it. The dealer told me that the system is available, but they coundn't find a part number or price. The phatnoise webpage states that the mazda system is comming soon. Anyone know which is the real case? If it is available, whats the price, and does anyone know were i can get a copy of the instructions for it.
    thanks
  • rhoffmanrhoffman Member Posts: 1
    I had the transmission issue in my '03 v6. They changed a filter in the transmisson 12000 miles ago and I have had no repeat.
  • jam269jam269 Member Posts: 1
    I'm curious to find out about that Phatnoise system as well. Anyone have any info? Or for that matter, any info on anything available to allow mp3 playing capabilities on the Mazda6 with 6 CD-Changer Bose audio? Thanks!
  • mazda6iguymazda6iguy Member Posts: 365
    Yes, they did, but with a remanufactured alternator.... not new. Got home and took a look at the svc bill and it said "REMAN"
  • funvtrfunvtr Member Posts: 3
    My mother has a 2005 Mazda6 and on 8 different occasions, the car has surged forward when she is at a stopped position. Recently, she hit a fence. Four Mazda engineers cannot find anything wrong. She insist she has her foot on the brake and has to press it really hard when this happens. She has had 5 adults witness this. Anyone else having the same problems?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    something weird there. The engine can't possibly overpower the brakes from a stopped position. So you'd need a surge + complete brake failures at the same moment, and then have the brakes return to normal right after she hits the fence. Doesn't sound plausible.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    She hit a fence and she's still driving the car??? Unintended acceleration is a very serious safety problem. If there is something wrong with the car then another driver will have the same problem if they drive it long enough. Why don't you trade cars with her for a week or so?

    BTW, how much did she have to drink before this happened?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    that's not very nice :mad:
  • funvtrfunvtr Member Posts: 3
    She has had someone else drive the car and it's done the same thing. The car is still at the dealer. I think it may qualify for the CT Lemon Law, as it is a serious problem.

    No drinks - she knows better!
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    I'm glad you cleared that up! You should push hard on this one. I would document everything, contact Mazda, contact NHTSA, and make sure you get the required number of repair attempts documented to satisfy your state's Lemon Law. Keep records of everything.
  • abersk8er23abersk8er23 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2003 Mazda 6S..Automatic...when i first start going when it shifts into 2nd from 1st it bangs into gear about 90% of the time....Does anyone have any idea what this is????
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    Sounds like you need to take it to the dealer. Have them check it out, it sounds like it needs a TCM reflash, which is basically updating the computer software.

    It's not an uncommon problem with the automatics.
  • abersk8er23abersk8er23 Member Posts: 2
    Yea I already brought it to mazda for the updated flash....they said it was fine I pulled out of the dealership and it was doing the same thing i brought it in for..i havent had time to bring it back yet....maybe the trans mount?? I dunno its a pain im just tryin to find out what the problem is before i have to go back to the dealer and deal with them...
  • smooshsmoosh Member Posts: 2
    I am having the exact same problem! I was in traffic and almost rear ended someone. It doesn't happen if my foot is pushing on the brake, just when I am coasting....it will surge forward. I brought it in 2 weeks ago and they said there was a recall and they had cleared it up, something with the computer. Problem is that it is still doing it and now it is even worse! It also seems to get stuck between gears or something. When I am in traffic it will act like it is in neutral, when I try to go it will rev up extremely high and not go anywhere.
    I have an appointment for Wednesday.
    What is the lemon law?
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Just make sure you keep taking it in for the problem and get it documented (keep your service records). Here's some info on state lemon laws:
    http://www.autosafety.org/lemonlaws.php
  • qwnbichqwnbich Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2004 mazda6 and mine is doing the same thing. I took it to Mazda and of course it wasnt doing it when i took the tech for a ride to try to explain and show him what was going on. They told me that they cant look into what it is if they cant see what its doing. They told me to bring it in the next time it does it (which has been a lot) but its always on my way to work and from work, when of course the service dept. isnt open. Please let me know if you find a solution.
  • qwnbichqwnbich Member Posts: 2
    My mazda 6 is doing the same thing. . .is this ecm covered by my warranty? If not, how much does it cost?
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    All ECM/TCM reflashes are covered by warranty.
  • gweedostylegweedostyle Member Posts: 2
    not really sure if this was answered already b/c it seems i have a similiar problem like other mazda 6S vehicles but mine is automatic...not manual....problem is:

    2005 Mazda 6S Automatic 6spd auto
    I was on the parkway today and its raining and i guess cold...about 45 degrees and traffic was very slow but moving and i have my gas pedal touches oh so lightly but going slower sometimes then have to hit gas pedal a lil and so forth....ive noticed a kick back when going into 3rd from 2nd...and i was going like 10mph....which to me is weird but whatever...and it kept going from 2nd to 3rd but going very slow mph but im in bumper to bumper traffic....then all of a sudden i try to go and my car stalled...no shaking, no beeping noises...i didnt even know it stalled it was so quiet...so put it into neutral real quick and started up at the drop of a dime but now some my TCS light and *losing traction* light was on(picture of car fish tailing sort of) was permantly on but...i had traction and couldnt shut them off....i pulled over...shut everything off, heat, radio, lights....and restarted the car....and it everything was back to normal....i noticed again, later in more traffic, it was going to do it again...so this time i thru into the manual shifting and just left it in 3rd gear and shifted myself until traffic was normal....does anyone have any idea of what happened? i really dont believe its my driving b/c i was in traffic...but i just bought the car in February and to my knowledge...this car should not be stalling and to me, it seems its a tranny problem but its automatic..i have no clutch...please, any response or feedback would help...thank you very much
  • funvtrfunvtr Member Posts: 3
    My mom returned her car to the dealer -- they paid the balance of her loan and gave her money towards her new car. Look under your state government website for the lemon law.
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    my TCS light and *losing traction* light was on(picture of car fish tailing sort of) was permantly on

    Judging by the TCS (traction control system) light I wonder if a sensor is acting up? Your mention of rain seems to be very important also as that may be causing wheel slip. What has your dealer said?

    Here's an explanation of TCS from Bosch:

    "In order to maintain directional stability and prevent the vehicle breaking away, the wheels should neither lock up during braking, nor should they spin when driving off.
    Bosch TCS prevents the wheels from spinning. It ensures good traction, stability and steerability when driving off or accelerating. Each wheel is continuously monitored by wheel-speed sensors. TCS evaluates the wheel-speed sensor signals and immediately recognises when a wheel is about to start slipping. In this case TCS is activated and regulates the drive torques of the driven wheels. This electronic wheel-slip control selectively brakes individual wheels and intervenes in the engine management."
Sign In or Register to comment.