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Mazda3 Maintenance & Repair

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Comments

  • nifty56nifty56 Member Posts: 279
    The vent temp from my car when tested was 52F and the dealer said it was within spec so no further test was needed. Did your dealer think that 48F was too high and that is why they checked your system. Hell I would be happy with 48F but 38F would be heaven for me and all of us with a weak A/C.
  • waygrabowwaygrabow Member Posts: 214
    The ambient temperature was probably mid sixties which might make a difference. Yes, they thought 48 degrees was slightly higher than it should be. Like I said, at least they keep trying to fix it. My complaint is not with the dealer.
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    What does 52 degrees mean? Is that a constant flow of 52 degree air with the fan speed on 4 - or is it 52 degrees for 10 seconds - then the compressor kicks off and the temp goes up to 70 degrees before it comes back on - If the air would stay at 52 or less all the time it would cool off the car. Every other car I have ever owned the compressor would not start to constantly cycle on and off until after the car was almost cooled off - I can get in my Mazda3 after the car has been in the sun and in less than a minute the compressor is already cycling on & off (car is still burning hot inside) - this has always seemed strange -

    My radiator fan (also pulls air over the AC condensor) has started to run more often then last summer and my AC seems to be doing a little bit better. The temps have been in the high 70's - low 80's and if the car would stay this cool all summer I would be happy.
  • slate1slate1 Member Posts: 84
    It was 87F today here in SC. A taste of what's to come this summer I guess!

    Anyhow - my '06 3s with black leather interior baked in the sun for several hours today. It was freakin' HOT in the car when I got in it this afternoon. The A/C was pushing very cold air and cooled the cabin within just a few minutes. Maybe I just got lucky or maybe they've resolved this in the '06s? :confuse:
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    Many owners of 2004 and 2005 Mazda3's report having good AC systems - some claim even on 95+ degree day the car would get down right cold.

    Also - there is no doubt that the black interior in most Mazda3's make the car feel much warmer - Which IMO is all the more reason that Mazda should have put in a killer AC system -

    It will be interesting to see - as the summer heats up - if any of the 2006 car owners start to complain about weak AC. Mazda claims that no changes have been made to the AC system (since the 2004 model intro).

    The one thing I know - if you are unlucky and get stuck with a weak AC system Mazda will not do anything to resolve the problem. Looks like you are one of the lucky ones.
  • abancheroabanchero Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 2006 Mazda 3 and I am trying to find out if there is a way to disconnect the seatbelt alarm. Can anyone tell me the best/easiest way to do that? I would prefer not to cause permenant damage ie cutting the electrical wire. Thanks!
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    Buckling it is the easiest way to stop the alarm - and also provides other benefits - like preventing you from going through the windshield -
  • mcapmcap Member Posts: 49
    I don't own an M3 but was considering a purchase last year. I rented one for the day. It would not start after sitting idle for a while without two tries. Just as you describe. Sealed the deal for a Civic right then and there. On another note, I haven't heard many other complaints about this though. Perhaps there is an easy fix.

    Marc
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    Hard start was two problems - a bad fuel pump was almost always part of the problem - some cars also needed to have a hotter spark plug installed - the stock plugs were becoming fouled - creating a hard start situation.

    I had the fuel pump replaced - & my hard start problem was 100% solved.
  • slate1slate1 Member Posts: 84
    My '06 started with the clicking seatbelt this week - I'm right at around 1100 miles.

    It's not coming from the height adjustment mechanism - it's coming from where the part that you snap the belt into on the driver's seat.

    Clicking seems to occur mostly when accelerating or slowing down and is somewhat inconsistent. If I unbuckle my seatbelt it stops so it's obviously in the mechanism somewhere.

    It's astoundingly loud considering what it's coming from.

    Curious if anyone has had any luck getting a repair on this - I'll be taking it to my dealer soon if it doesn't stop.

    Cross my fingers - this is the only rattle, etc. that I've got!
  • ex_tdierex_tdier Member Posts: 277
    Many Mazda3 owners claim they have good A/C systems? I dont think so. Perhaps only the sickly, cold blooded, or the few lucky ones? Have a see here:

    http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=6183.new;topicseen#new

    http://www.autoacforum.com//messageview.cfm?catid=2&threadid=14994&forumid=1
  • lordpastylordpasty Member Posts: 11
    Many Mazda3 owners claim they have good A/C systems? I dont think so. Perhaps only the sickly, cold blooded, or the few lucky ones? Have a see here:

    http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=6183.new;topicseen#new

    http://www.autoacforum.com//messageview.cfm?catid=2&threadid=14994&forumid=1

    Man... I keep hearing about how awful the Mazda 3's A/C is, but so far (only 1100 Miles, tho) I haven't had a problem. I'm knocking on wood, cuz I live in Texas and it will get *hot*, but it's already been 90+ and I haven't had an issue. Is there a difference in the Mazdas with Climate Control?
  • lordpastylordpasty Member Posts: 11
    Just popping in here to say that A does not necessarily imply B.

    Are you calling me crazy? I think my a/c works, so I may be just that. :P
  • tim35tim35 Member Posts: 1
    I have an '04 5-dr. I have experienced the same problem. The CD player is clearly having trouble (the track time is advancing every two seconds instead of every second). Eventually, the CD player just shuts off. I've also had problems getting the CD player to recognize that CDs are loaded. I have noticed that if I just turn the ignition key to the accessory (?) position, it works fine. Have you figured anything out?

    Thanks.
  • m3fan3m3fan3 Member Posts: 27
    i know i am replying to something old. thx but i got it changed by the dealer. i just could stand it. no pay of course cause the dealer was supposed to change it after that player was replaced.
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    Since I am the all time record holder for negative posts (on Edmund's) concerning the weak AC system in the Mazda3. I bet I have had more posts about weak AC deleted by the host than others have posts! (maybe Pat would like to chime in here and confirm this!)

    I am not about to try and say the AC is GREAT. But it is a fact many people say the AC system is very good. Even a few in Texas and Florida -

    Go back to post #388 - dated April 03 2004 - I think this was my first post about possible weakness in the Mazda3 AC. Little did I know at that time the problems I would have -
  • ex_tdierex_tdier Member Posts: 277
    I dunno what to say, except that feeling hot or cold is very subjective. Some may have climate control. At level 2 the A/C is very loud and perhaps some people are saying their A/C is fine because they have it cranked up at or near the max which is not right.

    If one's A/C is cycling on for 10 seconds than there is no way there A/C is fine. The cycle needs to be longer a lot longer.

    Without getting into pressure tests of the A/C system, one would need to know how often their A/C compressor cycles on and how long after it stops, it starts or kicks-in again. The standard amongst those that are complaining is that it kicks in after a minute and only lasts 10 seconds even in the hottest conditions.

    I believe climate control is something new in the 2006 models. My 2005 does not have it, nor does it have 6 speakers either.
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    The constant on off cycle of the AC compressor may be just a symptom of the real problem. Rather than the true defect.

    The compressor is controlled in part by a temperature sensor that is located right by the evaperator - when the sensor hits the set temp it sends a message to the compressor to shut off. I would guess the set point is right around 32 degrees - not much below because if the evaperator stays below 32 degrees for a while ice will form on the evaperator - the air flow will be reduced - this will kill the cooling capacity.

    It seems to me that the evaperator is too small (not enough surface area) - so the flow of refrigerant to it is able to quickly cool it down to the set point - and this shuts the compressor off. But there is one more thing going on here.

    Most AC systems also have a feature that - once the compressor shuts off - prevent it from turning back on until the pressure on the high side of the system (between the compressor and the condenser) drops to a safe level. The compressor is like a pump - you do not want it to try and start pumping into a line that is under high pressure. This is called "starting up under load" - and it can cause very bad things to happen.

    So IMO - this is what is causing the AC to cycle so quickly.
  • ex_tdierex_tdier Member Posts: 277
    I have been lurking in an A/C board (see post #3168 for the link) and the techs there say it's too speculative to say why the compressor is going on and off the way it is without actually performing pressure tests. This is the ONLY way we will know what is happening. It could be cycling when the pressure is too low or too high. Have a read at that link.

    The bottom line is that there is a defect or issue of some description. It was suggested that those owners effected send a letter to Jim O'Sullivan at Mazda International Operations in Irvine California to voice their concerns and how we're not getting anywhere. If they can't fix the problem, at least have them acknowledge there is one.
  • slate1slate1 Member Posts: 84
    well.... I'm about as hot natured as they come. It's a rare moment I'm out of short sleeves in the winter and I question the logic of me living in the south every summer.

    Here in South Carolina we've already had some 90°F+ days and the A/C in my '06 is having no problem at all keeping the car cool. Car is an '06 3s-GT Sedan with BLACK leather interior - I've got the automatic climate control.

    On the hottest day we've had so far (91°F) and with the car baking in the sun for four hours, the fan ran on high for about 5 minutes or so and then gradually began to slow down over the next 30 minutes. I was never uncomfortable in the car after the initial 5 minute "cool-down".

    With the black interior I may go ahead and buy a sun-shade for the front window, which should help keep the interior from getting overly hot in the summer.

    I'll post how it handles our 95°F+ / 90%+ humidity July and August hell-fest this summer but I'm convinced at this point that it's going to be up for the task. They've either "fixed" the A/C problem or I got lucky! :shades:
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    Its was over a year ago - so I can not quote the PSI readings.

    I had a friend - that is in the AC business - hook up his gauges and monitor the pressure while the compressor cycled on and off.

    He confirmed what Mazda was telling me - that the system seemed to be running at the correct pressures.

    Which means the compressor was shutting down when the system reached the correct pressure on the high side. The system was not low on refrigerant - which could cause the compressor to shut down because of a low pressure condition (on the LOW side) - when there is not enough refrigerant the compressor will be running "dry" so most systems have a safety shut off to prevent this condition.

    I have read a few posts that claim the Mazda3 had a weak AC when new - but after 10,000 or so miles the system seemed to get better - this was always hard to me to accept - these things don't heal themselves. But my AC seems to be a little better than it was last year - so I am keeping an open mind.

    There are a few things that could be causing the AC to get better over time. Remote - but possible.

    The evaperator could have a coating on it that reduces the efficiency - over time the constant flow of water (condensation) could be washing this coating off - making the system run better.

    I know some industrial evaperator come from the factory with a protective coating (sprayed on during the manufacturing process) - this coating is removed before the evaperator is installed. 1 in 100,000 chance!

    The second thing - the expansion valve could be too small - this would reduce the flow of refrigerant through the evaperator - although the pressure and temperature would still show the correct values. Over time - with use - this opening may be getting slightly larger - allowing a greater flow of refrigerant - allowing the system to cool better. 1 in 10,000 chance!

    The system could have a very small amount of contamination in the refrigerant. A very very very small amount of moisture in the system can plug the expansion valve reducing the ability of the system to cool. There is a dryer in the system - it is like a filter that removes moisture / contamination from the refrigerant. It is possible that over time the filter removes this problem and allows it to work correctly. 1 in 1,000 chance.

    Or - the darn thing is just too small / poor design. 1 in 10 chance.

    Or Mazda knows the real problem and they just don't want to spend the $ to fix it. 1 in 2 chance.
  • nifty56nifty56 Member Posts: 279
    Thanks z71bill for your input.
    Writing letters, phoning Mazda probably won't do us any good in getting a fix. Mazda has set its mind on doing nothing unless a large number of owners bug Mazda about this issue. I think alot won't bother.
    Is it possible for Mazda to replce the evaporator with a larger one? Is there room for a bigger one? If not than I think we are stuck with a poorly designed system. We shall see what the summer brings.
    Just one question. When driving with the A/C off and bring in air from outside the air feels warmer than the outside air. After I stop and park and restart after about 15 minutes the air from the vents feels very warm like the heater is on or the dial is set to hot, outside temp about 12C. It takes about 15 minutes of driving before it cools back down to something comfortable. I have a digital termometer which I will use to check the temps for a more accurate evaluation. Do I have a heater door not closing completely or is this normal for the car? I do not notice this on my other vehicles.
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    I lost track of the number of times I had Mazda dealership test my AC -

    I also noticed warm air coming from my vents - so even on a 50 degree day I would sometimes turn on the AC. I tested the air temp a few times - and the outside air temp VS the vent air temp there was about a 12 degree increase in the temp. (AC off - temp control knob all the way over to cold) - This seemed like a lot to me - but when I tested my other vehicles they also had an increase - can't recall the number - but something like 8-10 degrees. So I did not think that was the problem.

    I had my windows tinted - plus the invoice indicated they adjusted my MCC - which I think stands for mix control cable. When you turn the temperature control knob from hot to cold - or some where in between - it is moving a little trap door that separates the AC evaperator from the heater core.

    You may already know this - but the AC evaperator and heater core both look like little radiators - the difference is the evaperator has refrigerant pumped through it (lets not get too technical) and the heater core has hot anti-freeze/coolant pumped through it.

    The way Mazda (and others) designed the system they are right next to each other - if you turn on the defroster with the knob turned to hot/warm the air goes though both - evaperator and heater core.

    I can not tell if the improvement in my AC was from the tinting or the cable adjustment - or both - I still get warm air coming from my air vents - even on cold day (45 degrees is cold in Houston) - so I can't tell. I had these both done at the end of last summer - so I have not had many 90+ degree days to test it out yet - but time will tell.
  • malakmalak Member Posts: 4
    I am looking to buy a Mazda 3 next week but heard that there were significant problems with tire wear. Have any of you 2006 owners experienced tire wear problems?
  • cephmecephme Member Posts: 26
    I drove a 3 5 door last night. It only had 4 miles on it before I drove it, but I did feel some vibration in the steering wheel. I told the dealer if I were to to take that car I wanted him to rebalance the wheels first. That should solve the problem. I drove a few other 3s (at other dealerships) and did not experience the issue so am hoping it is only a minor thing. :confuse:
  • ex_tdierex_tdier Member Posts: 277
    nifty56 wrote:

    Thanks z71bill for your input.
    Writing letters, phoning Mazda probably won't do us any good in getting a fix. Mazda has set its mind on doing nothing unless a large number of owners bug Mazda about this issue. I think alot won't bother.


    So we shouldn't bother? That's not the right kind of attitude. Is that the kind of attitude one should take when it comes to voting?

    If all of us just give up at the first road block, then we are destined for failure. We can't expect those like me who will pursue this matter to fight everyone's battles. Mazda believes the problem effects only a small number of Mazda3 owners. It's perseverance that can and will make a difference, not negative attitude. So, write that letter and make that call, the power is in the numbers and we can make a difference if all of us take a few minutes of our time from the internet and write Mazda CEO Jim Sullivan and call Mazda Customer Service.
  • ex_tdierex_tdier Member Posts: 277
    According to the A/C link I posted, the posters there said that the readings, whatever they may be, under the specified RPM load will say a lot and it will say much more than if the A/C pressures are within spec or not.

    That's why those techs need the exact pressures to have a better insight what the real problem is. Right now, we are all guessing. So, we need some actual data to troubleshoot this A/C issue. Can anyone provide this?

    Also, someone wrote that the compressor will cycle off less when the coolant is low. So, this may be why after 10,000 miles or so it is cooler because there would be less coolant.
  • yu203964yu203964 Member Posts: 35
    ex:
    Do you have the email addresses of those high level people such as CEO, VP, President of Mazda Canada? I meet the road block at the customer service level. I think email is more fast and effective than mail or fax.
  • ex_tdierex_tdier Member Posts: 277
    I dunno if I am allowed to post personal info here, but check out this link. Personal email addy's though are not available for the execs, the best we can do is fax or mail. But, it's still worth it. Checkout post 599/600: http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=6183.570

    Remember, we got power in numbers; united we stand, divided we fall.
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    I assume by coolant you mean refrigerant?

    If you ever see ice build up on an evaperator - it normally means that the system is low on refrigerant.

    I have seen this on cars, my home AC system and on a refrigerator.

    The compressor just keeps on running because there is not enough refrigerant to allow it to reach the point where the high side pressure differential switch reaches its set point & send a signal to the compressor to shut down -

    The Mazda3 system is set up a little different - it also has a temperature sensor in front of the evaperator - it shuts the compressor down based on the evaperator hitting a set temperature - so in theory anyway - it should not change the compressor cycle -

    Unless - maybe the Mazda3 system - with both a temp sensor and a pressure differential switch is not perfectly balanced - so you have two different sensors telling the compressor to shut down. If the system is set up correctly the pressure switch and the temp switch would both reach the set point at about the same time - because the pressure & temp are directly correlated.

    As far as writing Mazda letters - not a bad idea - can't hurt. I still have a flat spot on the top of my head from running into a Mazda brick wall a few times.

    I sent Mazda a few e-mails about the AC problems I was having.

    The first E-mail - I got the auto reply and then a follow up e-mail from a person - some standard customer service form letter saying how sorry they were about my problems - but no solution was offered. My next e-mail I listed the exact things that I had done so far - something like 3 dealer visits, 2 calls to 1-800 Mazda customer service - plus 1 E-mail to customer service - I told them I had done everything that I could think of to get my issue resolved - and really wanted some advise about what I could do next to get my problem solved - I got the auto reply and then I got a letter that said - THEY RECOMMENDED I TAKE MY PROBLEM TO MY STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL. Really - cross my heart - that was their advise.

    Hard to understand how any company would actually put this in a written communication to a customer - but they did.

    I sent a follow up e-mail and it was returned to sender - could not be delivered - BLOCKED BY MAZDA.

    Now before anyone says I must have been rude or nasty in my e-mails please save it - I was direct but nice. I tried to send additional E-mails - they all came back blocked - return to sender - after about 3 months I was able to send an e-mail that actually went through - I got the auto reply and a letter from a person telling me that Mazda had a TSB out on the AC issue - (it was the diffusser plate fix) - I was told to take this information to my dealer and they would install it.

    The diffusser did nothing to help my AC -
  • lordpastylordpasty Member Posts: 11
    "Here in South Carolina we've already had some 90°F+ days and the A/C in my '06 is having no problem at all keeping the car cool. Car is an '06 3s-GT Sedan with BLACK leather interior - I've got the automatic climate control.

    On the hottest day we've had so far (91°F) and with the car baking in the sun for four hours, the fan ran on high for about 5 minutes or so and then gradually began to slow down over the next 30 minutes. I was never uncomfortable in the car after the initial 5 minute "cool-down".

    Yep. I'm not saying anyone here is wrong about their A/C problems, but I've had the same amount of "luck" with my A/C . I also have a black leather interior on a 3s GT w/Auto Climate and I have felt comfortable for the most part in weather that has already been 104 here in Dallas, Texas. :cry:

    As mentioned earlier tho, I suppose their could be a difference in A/C w/Climate Control. I would doubt it tho, climate control is probably just some extra sensors and electronics. Good Luck to everyone still having probs tho.
  • nifty56nifty56 Member Posts: 279
    Sounds about right. They have branded you as a nuisance and cut you off. Next the dealers will tell you to go somewhere else. A friend went through the same BS with Chrysler as he was trying to resolve a problem. Mazda doesn't care,they kep selling these cars on looks etc. and nothing more. A 20 year old doesn't give a rats [non-permissible content removed] about the A/C as long as he looks good and the car goes fast.
    Today it was 70F in the sun and my A/Cs coldest temp out of the vent was 43 to 44F. But at a outside temp of 80F plus I don't think the A/C will be a big help.
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    Although I have had major issue with the weak AC mine has been doing OK - temps are in the mid 80's -

    Last summer (about the same temps) I would run the fan on 3 - recirculate on - all the time and the car was never really cool - the last few days I have been using fan speed 3 at first - then switch back and forth between 2 & 3 - 3 is a little cold (something I thought I would never say) and 2 is a little warm. Some of the time I turn it to outside air and leave the fan on 3 - it still seems to keep the car cool. This is a new condition - I am 100% sure something has changed for the better.

    When I shut the car off - the radiator fan keeps running for a few seconds - my car did not do this before - My assumption is the fan must be running more than it did before - although I can not tell if it is running while I am driving - or if it did before.

    The radiator fan pulls air through the condensor - which does have an impact on the ability of the AC system to produce cold air. I do not know why the radiator fan started doing this - as far as I know Mazda did not change anything on my car - or at least they did not indicate it on my invoice.

    I also noticed that when I turn my AC on - the radiator fan almost always starts up right away - this is also something new - it did not do this last year.

    Maybe this has something to do with the problem - I do not know -

    If anyone is having weak AC issues - does your radiator fan start up as soon as you turn on the AC?

    Does it continue to run after you shut the car off?

    It is normal for the Radiator fan to come on with the AC
  • steph_stantonsteph_stanton Member Posts: 14
    Ha that is EXACTLY where mine is making the sound...my Mazda dealer replaced my seat belt unit and scratched the bejesus out of the inside of my car while either taking the seat out or replacing it...and the funniest and absolutely most frustrating thing is that like 2 days later what happens...the darn clicking is back with avengence!!!
  • steph_stantonsteph_stanton Member Posts: 14
    Hey I have a question...I just got my '06 Mazda 3 back from the dealership. They replaced my whole audio unit due to the clock not keeping proper time. My question is what is supposed to light up...it just doesn't quite look the same. I know that the area around the volume button is illuminated, as well as the 2 dials for the heat/ac and the direction, but what else should be? Or am I just going crazy?
  • ex_tdierex_tdier Member Posts: 277
    I think you nailed it when you said that the difference between the previous Mazdas w/climate control are the extra sensors.

    Yeah, I meant refridgerant when I said coolant. The former takes too long to type. ;-)

    Like z71bill wrote : The Mazda3 system is set up a little different - it also has a temperature sensor in front of the evaperator - it shuts the compressor down based on the evaperator hitting a set temperature. The Mazda has 2 sensors and it could be how they are programmed or designed that is affecting the compressor cycle, even though it shouldn't.

    From the A/C link I posted: "There is a high pressure switch, a low pressure switch, and a "medium pressure switch. The PCM gets data from all 3 switches, and controls the compressor relay. This is a TXV system, and evaporator icing is controlled by a thermistor on the evap face.

    Hard to say if the cycling is caused by hitting the HPCO, another pressure switch, or the anti-icing thermistor. Pressures will tell us plenty. "


    I believe the fault lies in the sensors and programming, but only pressure testing the A/C system will help us.

    We need to post high and low pressures whatever the ambient, especialy if the same thing happens when it's hot and or cold . But most important, pressures when it's doing it's cycling will tell us much more than you think.

    "Someone need to report the system pressures while running the engine at 3,000 rpm it will help us tell you what the system is doing. The description of cycling regardless of ambient sounds like a PCM problem. Post up some 3k rpm test data please."
  • ex_tdierex_tdier Member Posts: 277
    I keep on running into posts in other forums by 06 Mazda3 owners (GT) models that are claiming that their 3 has great A/C. Again, something is different between ours (2005,2004's) and theirs.

    If anyone has any connections to find out what, that would help. Thanks
  • slate1slate1 Member Posts: 84
    Pretty much everything on the dash should light up - if it's a button it's lit on mine...

    image
  • prdmprdm Member Posts: 145
    >It is normal for the Radiator fan to come on with the AC

    Can't speak specifically about your Mazda (I'm on this board researching a future purchase) but on every car I've had with AC the radiator fan was essentially hard wired to the AC switch. Some of them left it running with the engine off.
  • steph_stantonsteph_stanton Member Posts: 14
    Thanks so much for your reply...mine isn't working properly...yet another thing to bring back to my dealership...I haven't had much wrong thank goodness, it's just that anything they touch they mess up.

    Thanks again, much appreciated.
  • ex_tdierex_tdier Member Posts: 277
    Ok, I dropped off my 3 today and I got an 2006 Mazda3 Sport (2.3l) 5 speed automatic. It has a real nice ride. I talked to the salesman and he said that in 2007, the Mazda3's will have climate control. There is NO climate control in any 2006 Mazd3a (not even in the GT) for Canada. We dunno why.

    Anyhow, in +10C weather, the compressor still cycles on for 10 seconds. However, the interval is different: instead of starting up again every 60+ seconds, it starts up every 15-18 seconds. This makes the entire interior cooler and actually has it stay cooler longer.

    Also noted, there is an onboard computer in the radio that measures outside temps, mileage consumed, average speed etc. It's a definite different software system in that car, which I believe is once again pointing to the PCM.
  • bradford1bradford1 Member Posts: 7
    Our month-old Mazda 3i touring MT is great so far except for bad static on both FM and AM. The dealer is aware of the problem but has come with no fixes. Any suggestions. :( :
  • joyacjoyac Member Posts: 1
    Okay, I haven't done the obvious yet and taken it into the dealership (can't stand those people) but thought maybe someone else may have had trouble replacing a low beam headlight on their Mazda 3 hatchback (2004), and would have some insight. I saw the posts about removing the bumper-that's not my problem. I've already removed the dead bulb, but it seems no one can replace it. It doesn't match either bulb listed in the owners manual and while a couple auto part stores have looked at it (the car, the bulb, and my manual) they say it's a bulb they don't carry. I WILL take it into the dealership but just wanted to know if anyone else has encountered this problem? One mechanic told me it may be a $220 special xenon bulb but I can't find the match on the internet...arghh!
  • herrkaleuherrkaleu Member Posts: 62
    My 2005 5-door is due for oil change..
    I want to get a pollenfilter. Could I put it in myself? does that work at all? The 2006 ones have it standard, and it has been standard in Europe since forever. So it should be possible. How do I check that? Where would I put it? how do I access it?
    I called for my oil appointment and asked about that.. but ht eguy didn't know (and I don't want to spend much $ for them figuring it out... hell, for what they charge they should know :-)
  • ex_tdierex_tdier Member Posts: 277
    Yes, you can. You install it where the diffuser is which is to the left side underneath your glove box. Since the cabin filter is not OEM many dealers will try to search for the part based on your VIN and they wont come out with anything.

    See here: http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=111059
  • jmnappjmnapp Member Posts: 13
    I have a 2006 Mazda3 with about 2,500 miles on it. Around 80mph, there is a wind whistle that sounds like it is coming from the passenger side of the car. The dealer has checked the fit of the seals and doors and says they are fine. He seems to think that it is a bad bearing on the passenger side rear wheel. The bearing has been ordered, but I don't see how it is the problem. Any one else drive this fast on the freeway and have experienced this problem?

    Also, I had a cargo net installed by the dealer. The bottom screws are just attached to the plastic panel while the top screws are attached to the same panel but also to the base of the car behind the panel. The problem is the bottom of the plastic panel is loose and not very well secured. It this the way it's supposed to be? Thanks for your responses!
  • slate1slate1 Member Posts: 84
    I don't get the whistle at highway speeds but can answer your question about the cargo net.

    I installed mine myself and the bottom clips only go through the plastic panel - not into the frame. They've got an expansive rubber piece on them that holds them in place. I was concerned too when I installed it - but there's almost no weight on those clips - the top clips bear 90% of whatever you've put in the net so it should be fine. I've had no problems with it.
  • modockmodock Member Posts: 55
    Hope you have tried this. There are settings on the left that allow you to adjust the brightness. It adjusts the brightness of the instrument cluster (on the Low setting) and the center stack. I just hope you looked at this before taking it to the dealership for the center stack not haveing lights.
  • dudleyjdudleyj Member Posts: 1
    I drive my cars until they drop, how long can i expect a mazda3 to last? I've got 13yrs/180,000 on my subaru, still runs fine, but cost to fix a/c and electronics makes it time to get something new. Can i expect similar from mazda? Subaru definitely lasted better than a nissan sentra before it, where does mazda currently stand
  • psmythpsmyth Member Posts: 2
    The low beam bulb you are looking for is an H7. I have had good performance with the GE Nighthawk bulbs, although they do burn out a little quicker. By the way, the high beam bulb is a 9005. I don't know why they took their bumper off to replace the bulb. All you have to do on the driver's side is remove the cover over the battery although it is a bit tight even then.
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