Mazda6 Maintenance and Repair

jason777 · March 2003

I think it is the speaker, but the mechanic doesn't seem to think so, he think that the might not have put the door together properly.

But it is otherwise an excellent, a work of art, I would say.

Jason.

psuf4i · March 2003

I've been reading the posts here and at MazdaAtenza.com and haven't been able to find a solution to my check engine light problem on my 6S.

I checked under the hood and the hose is still attached. I tried the gas cap, and it's tight. The only software problem I've heard of is for the 4 cylinder, not the 6 cylinder.

Does anyone have any ideas? I'm taking it in to get looked at on Monday.

alcjew · March 2003

psuf4i: How miles do you have on your 6s? I also have a 6s w/MT with 2500 mi no problems (no rattles or no stuck sunglass holder door) with it so far. Could be a bad O2 sensor, a loose O2 connection or a disconnection. You can see the sensor (inserted in the exhaust manifold) with a light if you down in front of the motor behind the radiator/cooling fan. Otherwise, let us know what the service found.

stretchsje · March 2003

My CEL went on last night. Drove to a restuarant fine, CEL came on when I started it to drive home. Car runs great- even with four adults, everyone had fun with the spirited drive there. Dunno what the problem could be.

I guess this is finally an excuse to get that rattle fixed. Still haven't taken it to a dealer, and I noticed the rattle the day I got the car. It's been almost four months!

seaf · March 2003

Modern cars use the check engine light for a lot of symptoms. Usually the most common cause is some sort of emissions problem. If you had bad gasoline, or some hiccup in the emissions system a flag will be raised and the light comes on and stay on every time you drive unless it is inspected and reset at a shop. You can try to disconnect the battery terminal for about 30 seconds to reset the flag yourself and see if it comes back on again, if it does then it's worth checking out, otherwise if it doesn't come back on, it might just be a minor one-time occurence. But I'd still say have the dealer look at it since it's such a new car, and if nothing else, document it so Mazda USA has it on record if it leads to future problems.

stretchsje · March 2003

mine just came on. It's going in on Monday.

Also, I timed a four mile stretch of highway at 70mph. I completed it in 3:26. That averages to 69.9mph- my speedo is correct.

Therefore, my tachometer must be wrong, and my mileage sucks. Scroll up for why.

jason777 · March 2003

I have rattles in both rear doors, it is very annoying.

The dealer said he needs to wait for pins to come in before fixing it.

Can I remove the panels myself or am I going to make it worse?

Jason.

alcjew · March 2003

jason777: Annoying as it may be, just let the dealer fix the rattles, since it's under warranty. You don't want to mess up something else that they might know that you tried to fix the rattles yourself.

psuf4i · March 2003

This first time the CEL came on, the car had 170 miles. Then it went off right around 200. It came back on around 300 and went off shortly after. The car has about 450 miles on it so far. It's getting looked at right now. I'll let everyone know what I find out. I'm not too concerned, the performance of the car wasn't affected, probably jst a bad sensor.

stretchsje · March 2003

Took it in. Got my sunglasses rattle fixed (finally) while I was at it.

Turns out my gas cap was loose. OK, before you laugh, I had even double checked this! OK, no, really, don't laugh!!! I turn it until one click, which to me signifies that it is properly torqued.

Nope, it was explained to me that the cap must be tightened to two clicks of the cap or the vapors will leak and the CEL will come on every time.

Ugh.

maltb · March 2003

ok, it happened. My 6i light came on. The PCM is getting reprogrammed today for an error in the door un-locking logic. While it's their, it's getting fresh oil too.

But in the meantime, I'm driving an '02 626 v-6: what a POS!

psuf4i · March 2003

They told me they got an error code related to the Variable valve timing. They called the Mazda techline, and we told that updated diagnostic software was being rolled out to dealerships and they'd have to wait until that came to figure out what was really wrong and how to fix it.

mdaffron · March 2003

This is starting to sound a little too Fordy to me. No wonder Ford wants to make this car the next Taurus.

Me, I'm waiting for the Mazda3.

(And don't take me for an uninformed Mazda basher -- I'm the previous owner of two 1992 Proteges and a 1994 B2300, and right now there's a 2000 Protege ES and a 2002 Protege5 in my driveway.)

But this Mazda6 is starting to sound like my B2300, which was a rebadged Ford Ranger and literally spent at least one day a month in the shop for the whole, excruciating five years I owned it. (I still have the inch-thick pile of service receipts to prove it.) Thank God the Proteges are still all-Japanese under the hood!

Meade

P.S. OK Maltb, fire away!

maltb · March 2003

mazda6s · March 2003

First-year problems are common. The most interesting one I have heard about was a Lexus problem with the fuel gauges reading too high and causing people to run out of gas. I guess if you can have a problem like that with a Lexus (probably the most reliable brand on the planet) you can have one with any car.

alcjew · March 2003

mdaffron: Before you classify the M6 (M = Magnificent) "too Fordy" you need to know the facts on the M6. These problems are considered minor isolated fixable annoyances (have you checked the Honda board). I'm approaching 3K mi on my M6S and there are no rattles or any of the other minor annoyances (CEL) that some are experiencing. And I'm sure a majority of other M6 owners are trouble free. The M6 is all Mazda Japan influenced, designed and engineered by the M6's Platform GM, Seita Kanai. One example of Mazda Japan ingenuity inherited in the M6 (not Ford!), that before production of the M6 at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) at Flat Rock, the AAI engineers measured the torque of every fastener on a Japanese-built M6 proto. These torque measurements became the benchmark for all of the fasteners during production. The V6 is a Mazda Japan enhanced Duratec Cosworth. Have you test driven a M6? If you have, what was your impression?

mdaffron · March 2003

But I don't see them running all over the place like I hoped they would.

And I understand first-year woes, I really do. And I hope Mazda works them out. I was sold on purchasing a 6 for my next car in a couple of years, but the appearance of the 3 has me taking a hard look at them as more information appears.

I'm just yankin' y'alls' chains really. I like the car. Tell me -- is there a fix already for this CEL problem? Or is Mazda "taking whacks" at it?

Meade

P.S. Maltb: Yep, whatever!

P.P.S. Alcjew: "M" = "Motorcraft."

mrblonde49 · March 2003

I was sold on purchasing a 6 for my next car in a couple of years, but the appearance of the 3 has me taking a hard look at them as more information appears.<<

Where have you seen the 3? I did a search on it and all I found was one useless shot (http://www.amazing.com/david/portfolio/auto-show/mazda-3.html). It's not even listed as a future vehicle here on Edmunds, which is kinda strange since it's coming out in 2004 (at least that's what I thought I read somewhere) Just wanted to see it, if there are indeed pics of it

mdaffron · March 2003

visiting the Edmunds sedans discussion "Mazda3" and scrolling through the latest 30 posts or so, which contain a lot of links to reviews and pics.

This Protege replacement, currently called the MX Sportif in Japan, has the front-end looks of the 6 (which apparently Mazda is trying to make the brand-standard for their vehicles) and takes some rear styling cues from the new RX-8 (or so they say; I have a hard time visualizing it). It's a lot sharper and more European looking than the current car.

Here's the link right to the "horse's mouth," so to speak (the pics are of the 5-door version, but if you look through the Mazda3 discussion you'll find some links to the sedan views too):

http://www.mazda.ca/english/40.htm

Meade

mrblonde49 · March 2003

Thanks. I didn't see the 3 listed under Mazda when I used the pulldown menu to look at the message boards. Got it now.

skyray · March 2003

Wow. After driving a Chevette in college, I just can't understand how people can get excited about an econobox. Which is that the 3 looks like...

Yeah, the Protege/3 drives great and all that. But if you want a small car that drives great, get a Miata for gosh sakes!

Kids today, I swear...

As for the 6's problems, what, a few rattles and a number of check engine lights? On a NATIONAL bulletin board? Looks good to me! People post when something's wrong. I don't post and say "hey, it's week 4 of my 6s running like clockwork!"

And keep in mind that the CEL lights don't disable the car or damage anything -- it's a light on the dashboard and the inconvenience of having to visit the dealer a couple of times. Not like getting stranded on the side of the road.

Fact is, the very few reports of problems here and on the Mazda6Club.com boards actually bode very well for the 6. I had a CEL right away, got it fixed, and the car's been a blast since.

ruefus · March 2003

It goes without saying that the new 3 is WAY more practical as a daily driver than the Miata. Also, Mazda needs a good two door to compete with the ricer bunch. Buy a Mazda & rice it up, you're likely to buy another Mazda when you get older.

And call it superstition, but I'm not one to tempt fate by proclaiming how good/bad the car runs.

maltb · March 2003

I had my PCM reprogrammed on Monday. The light is off and it runs the same as it ever did.

otoluva · March 2003

That pic of the M3 sure looks like a futuristic VW Golf to me.

alcjew · March 2003

Had my 1st schedule maintenance done today. I talked with the service manager while I was waiting and asked if he had any 6's in for any of the annoyances mentioned on this board. He said that they had a just few with minor problems so far maybe one PCM reprogram, but does nothing that affects the car's performance. Had to do with what maltb mentioned earlier, pressing the alarm lock remote twice (1st: light flashes to acknowledge the car is locked and alarmed, 2nd (not necessary): single horn sounds to ensure that your car is indeed protected). The horn causes a small electric juice drain that trips up the PCM. Not all 6's exhibit this inconvenience. I think he said it's mainly the 6i's, but appears to be isolated cases. He said, in his 20+ years in auto service, he feels that Mazda has stepped up and built a solid reliable car in the 6 and probably in their up and coming new car line series, 3, RX-8 and he mentioned that a 9 series is in works. He said it's good for Mazda and the new Mazda owners, but scary for his service dept because they rely on more than just schedule maintenances.
Oh by the way, mdaffron, M in M6 means MAGNIFICENT in my vocabulary. Motorcraft is Ford's parts division not their vehicle division. Just "yanking your chain"!

alcjew · March 2003

Check out this site from our UK friends:
http://www.carpages.co.uk/mazda/mazda_6_17_06_02.asp

alcjew · March 2003

Check out this web site:
http://www.mazda.com/publicity/public/200209/0927e.html

jason777 · April 2003

It is coming from the fans which blow the hot or the cold air.

Jason.

fz1crazy · April 2003

I could have sworn that the dealer mentioned that one of the cigarette lighter sockets stays powered ON *all* the time in my M6i/MT. I thought I read about it too. Both of mine are powered OFF when I turn OFF the ignition. How does it work in ya'lls cars ? Thanks

alcjew · April 2003

fz1crazy: Car manufacturers purposely shutoff the power ports/cigarette lighters when you turn OFF the ignition because of liability/safety reasons. You can have kids playing in the car unsupervised and they can burn/shock themselves if they play around with lighter or burn down the car. I believe you can still use the ports/lighter with the key on ACC.

maltb · April 2003

My '02 B3000(Ford Ranger)had both the lighter and power port on at all times. Nice for charging a phone or running my cooler. Never had issues with dead batteries or meddling kids (which I have several of).

Both ports in the 6 are dead in the key off position.

alcjew · April 2003

maltb: You're fortunate, but kids will be kids (I have only one going to college this Fall, thank God)and they're fascinated about a lot of things. They like playing in cars and the potential hazard exists if left alone. Not saying you do but I wouldn't leave meddling kids alone in the car whether on your property, in the garage or anywhere. What if they happen to push that cigarette lighter in and pull it out and stick their finger or challenge another kid to stick his/her finger in it or something in that red hot coil? Look out, fire or burns! Or stick their fingers in the socket lighter or port? ZAP! Would you want that risk? I wouldn't and I'm pretty sure a lot of parents wouldn't. It's not worth the small inconvience of not having my cell phone charging or running a cooler when it comes to the value of a human life. I applaud Mazda and other auto manufacturers showing responsibility and consumer safety for not leaving a port hot when the key ignition is turned off. At least you can still use it when you have it turned to ACC. That's my two cents.

r2s2 · April 2003

and pull it out and stick their finger or challenge another kid to stick his/her finger in it or something in that red hot coil?"

Lock the car.

alcjew · April 2003

r2s2: Unfortunately not everyone locks their car, let's say if it's in the garage or on their driveway. Too many different scenerios that can happen. I forgot to mention that I use to live in So CA and an incident I remember when I was at a car wash. A mother let her 2 boys go in the car after it was washed. She went to use car wash bathroom and the next thing you saw was her car go up in flames. The kids had started a fire, don't know if it was matches or the lighter. Fortunately they got the kids out. Didn't stick around to find out what happened, but it was scary to say the least and the mother was hysterical.

maltb · April 2003

isn't going to hurt anyone and just pull the lighter element out and put it in the glove box.

Next...

alcjew · April 2003

maltb: I didn't say it was going to kill, but give you a good jolt/zap. Go ahead and stick your finger in the open socket and let us know how it felt in any car or the M6 (15A rated fuse) case turn the ign to ACC. Not every parent is going to think of putting the lighter in the glovebox. This URL posts the warning, 4th bullet: http://www.nih.gov/od/ors/newsltrs/psn/psn97-3.htm
Next!

maltb · April 2003

You can barely feel 12 volts going across your flesh. I have worked on and around cars long enough to know what 12 volts feel like. Maybe if you could get your tongue down in the base of the lighter socket, you'd feel the zap.

mazda6s · April 2003

That's pretty funny, but true. The only hazard with 12 volts would be caused by a short, where you could get burned. Of course, the resistance of a wet tongue is probably only a few Ohms (no, I never actually measured it), close enough to a short to accomplish the same thing. Then again, anyone who is dumb enough to try that probably shouldn't be allowed to own a car.

Have you ever gotten across 110 VAC line voltage? I have. It'll get your attention faster than you can say "defibrillator".

ashutoshsm · April 2003

Of course, the resistance of a wet tongue is probably only a few Ohms (no, I never actually measured it)

No?
Check out
http://www.intelab.com/swem/an_automotive_electrical_primer.htm
(Search for the word tongue on the page - I have seen this technique used before.

And I positively remember having a small (1.5 V battery-powered) electronic kit with reconfigurable circuitry when I was a kid, and one of the experiments included finding the resistance across human skin. They mentioned something about sweat affecting the resistance, as well as humidity - so of course I tried it on my tongue

Felt tingly - no other side-effects (that I know of!)

1wiseguy · April 2003

I just bought a M6 and I'm relieved to see that this topic isn't dealing with more serious issues (i.e engine sludging/ tranny problems/ anything similar to VW ownership).

I have a year to buy the extended warranty. Anyone think it's worthwhile or would I just be wasting my $$? I do have some concerns over the long term reliability of the engine, given that it is (in part at least) part of the Ford family.

alcjew · April 2003

1wiseguy: I personally would'nt spend extra on EW, unless it gives you peace-of-mind. I've owned two other Mazdas, '88 Mazda B2000 (stolen) and '92 B2600i that I still have plus my 6s MT. My first two never had any problems (combined 270K miles) all had original parts. I didn't buy the EW, because I feel this 6 is going to have similar reliability. With almost 5000 miles this 6 is still hsa a solid feel. I also think you need to bring in your car for every regular scheduled maintenance to an authorized service center in order to have your EW honored if you have problems with your car. Probably should read the EW contract to know what you're getting yourself into.

hudalla · May 2003

I'm interested in his rattle problem. I have one that sounds exactly like his...it sounds like a Geiger counter in the back seat very faintly ticking from time to time. Is anyone experiencing this problem?

wvelez · May 2003

hudalla,

I have this problem, and I'm glad you wrote and described it better than I could have: the "rattle" I have I was going to describe as an old- fashioned telegraph, but your description of a Geiger counter is better.

It seems to be emanating from the console/seat area; as I drive, I swear I hear it come from under the front passenger seat, or under the center console, or sometimes just behind the console area. It is not loud, but definitely audible (and highly annoying)

hudalla · May 2003

wvelez--

Well, I guess misery loves company. At first I thought it was the styrofoam that surrounds the spare tire--I thought it was the foam squeaking against the metal. I put felt down around the area, and it seems to stop for a day or two, but maybe that was just a coincidence. I may still try to place the felt down in a different way to see what happens. My sound is definitely emanating from the rear seat area.

I'm afraid it is somewhere else in the car...perhaps even in the rear curtain airbag or the leather seat. There may be styrofoam in a lot of places, so we may be on a wild goose chase. In one of his posts, aardog21 suggested it was a catalytic converter shield. However, when driving in this morning, I am almost certain it is in the passenger compartment.

Let me know what you find, and I will do the same. I posted a similar message on the "Mazda6" board, but it did little to stir the faithful away from their car worship. You'll see in that post that I took my 6s to the dealer, only to have the damn sound go away immediately upon arrival at the dealer.

I'm also at a disadvantage in that my wife can't drive the MT, so I have to get one of my friends to drive it to diagnose the problem. There are lots of squeaks and rattles when my wife attempts to drive it!

Good luck!

wvelez · May 2003

hudalla,

I bet we are not the only ones suffering from this malady. This noise did seem to abate the other day whilst the weather was a bit dry and warmer (I am in NJ), but it's back with a vengeance.

I have cloth int. so it's not your leather. I haven't yet had a chance to ride shotgun in an effort to localize it, but will report on this as soon as I do so.

By the way, I now have a 2nd rattle: something is resonating in the right dash/glove box area. It is not something IN the glove box, either. Funny thing: it resonates when excited by vibrations from outside the car, such as today when I was behind a delivery truck!

My car is 3 weeks old, with 1000 miles on good roads. I am afraid this does not portend a good future for this car.

maltb · May 2003

and no rattles. However, with System of a Down playing at vol 25, I tend to not hear emergency vehicles either. Seriously, no rattles as of yet.

hudalla · May 2003

Hey maltb--

Maybe wvelez and I can borrow your CD to drown out the cacophony of our rattles. I hope you stay rattle-free.

jason777 · May 2003

I have 3 one coming from the dash, one on the left hand side of my seat (turned out to be the very bottom of the seat belt where it attaches to the inside plastic) and one is coming from the rear seat, it sounds like the seat belt again.

They are all very much affected by temperature, when it goes warmer they are a lot less prominent.

Jason.

jason777 · May 2003

Also getting whistling noise from fan, very annoying.

Jason.

alcjew · May 2003

I have over 5200 miles with no rattles, squeaks, whistles on my 6s. Still solid. I've hit pot holes almost every day, but the 6 handles them with ease. Must have had some experienced/good assembly workers putting my car together.

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