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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions
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Comments
Other than those two issues, so far, the MPV seems pretty flawless, and I'm getting a lot of positive comments from nearly everyone who sees or rides in it.
BTW, in some previous posts, I've mentioned a brake clunk sound when releasing the brake pedal. I think the sound might be coming from the brake pedal itself rather than the brakes. It seems to be making that sound when the pedal hits the top of its travel.
Don't worry about the heat in your van. Crank it all the way over at the beginning to get the car thoroughly heated. I guarantee that in about five minutes you'll be backing it off to avoid sweating. Unless, of course, you live in the unnatural state Javadoc inhabits. But he's got his polar bear rugs to keep his tootsies warm if it gets too far below absolute zero up there.
Happy miles.
RJ
/j
Cheers!
SC
I guess we just need to do some real tests. The easist way would be to go on a highway with mile poles, and while going 60 mph you should reach the poles every minute. Have someone operate a stopwatch and drive for 10 miles at exactly 60 mph (set cruise to that speed) and then see the time differentce it took you to cover that 10 mile stretch [should be 600 seconds]). You can do the simple math to get your actual speed at which you were going.
I guess next time I will go outside (of the city) I will do the test myself. But if someone does it earlier, please report back.
/j
SC
So far, the clunking is completely gone. I was in and out in an hour.
done
REPORT "End Of Rambling"
exit 0
SC
SC
That said, my wife is complaining that the "1-2" buttons on the radio have been sticking down lately. I tried to get them to repeat their trick last night, but no-go. She maintains that there isn't anything spilled in them (hmmmmm), but I thought I'd ask if anyone has had this happening with them. I'll prolly have the dealership look at it on the next LOF visit if it keeps presenting.
The only other issue we've had that I have not figured out is that when we go over bumps (or a bumpy snowy road) there is a dull thump/clunk that emminates from the rear of the van. I thought it was the spare, but that's amid-ships. Anyone have this happen, and have a solution?
Like I said, loving the van. I even get to take it to the races this weekend, that I'm working at... I should see how it does on the 1-mile, 6-turn road course. heheheh.
/java
I remember reading some Mazda repair memo on that issue and they mentioned that it was a design issue which is addressed in vans produced after November 99 (if my memory doesn't play tricks on me :-). Since then they have supposedly changed the design and the problem no longer presents itself. Well, it was my impressions on the subject so far. However after your incident, I may reconsider my views :-) It could be either an isolated issue with your van or there is more to the problem than I'm aware of...
Others may have a different method tho. I have heard about a re-design/fix, etc. also Alex but I don't have specific details on it myself.
/java
The WD40 works on the fuel door btw. The first time it stuck I pulled the latch up hard three times and it did pop open then. After the "javadoc fix" it hasn't happened again. Haven't found a use for the duct tape yet tho....
TB
------
Model: 2000 MPV
Affected VINs: Y0100001 - Y0158235
After actuating the fuel lid release lever inside the vehicle, the fuel lid does not open. Most likely to occur during cold conditions. This is caused by excessive hinge resistance and sticky rubber stoppers. A spring lever has been added and rubber stopper has been modified as of Sept. 1, 2000 mass-production.
Part Information:
LC62-42-459A Rubber stopper
GA5R-42-451C Lift spring
---------------
It still doesn't list 2001 models but I guess they stared production of '01 model before Sept 2000, so scarter7719's MPV must be produced before that date, even though it is technically 2001 model...
For what it's worth, mine never stuck yet (2000 LX with 44,444 km - yes that's what I saw today on the odo. Cool number, huh?)
I hope it helps.
She maintains that is is espresso and soft-drink free. I wonder...
/java
SC - still fuming, but starting to cool off
Well, the "clunk" is still present (even immediately after the "fix"). Now the Mrs informs me that the ABS dash light came on yesterday during her drive to the office. Later the same day, the light goes out & hasn't come back on yet.
Taking it to dealer tomorrow to check out the ABS light. When I mentioned the infamous "clunk" (which sounds like it's coming from BOTH fr & rear at times) to service dept, he said there's a another "fix" they're going to apply which totally replaces fr brake parts. We shall see.
I will keep you all updated.
brmuda
Next time I take the van in for service, I'm going to see if Mazda will repaint our hood.
Pjd58
A 10 month old van shouldn't have 15 chips on the hood, it is definitely a defect.
Pjd58
Good luck Pj at the dealership! I should imagine that some dealers will work w/you, esp. if you've been loyal, just like you have.
/java
You should see my windshield!
RJ
We have had a number of front-end problems though and was hoping somebody could give us the benefit of experience in what Mazda will/should do:
-Alignment done under warrenty at 18,000km (~10,000 miles)
- At 25,000km (~16,000 miles) Mazda replaced front rotors free as they were severely vibrating when braking.
- Now, at 38,000 km (25,000 miles) they are starting to deteriorate rapidly again.
Car is very well treated!! Any suggestions?
Sorry, I don't know much about other MPV's prior to 2000 (when the design changed). Actually, this is our first minivan. If you want used, the '00 & '01 may be hard to find. I just did a quick search of eBay and AutoNation and found nothing, at least in my area. Try your local Mazda dealer(s). They might also still have some new '01 MPV's and I bet you could get a really good deal.
SC
In our experience with our '00 MPV, we have had no engine problems, much like scarter already mentioned. It seems to be a very reliable engine.
Once out of state after church (visiting Grandma) when she had to rent a car to come home (200 miles away) so the kids would not miss school the next day. We had to pay for the rental $100, but Mazda in their gracious ways paid to tow the van to the local dealer 15 miles away. The wrecker driver, my father in law (electrical engineer) and my wife could not start it. Mazda found nothing wrong with it the next day and refused to give us a receipt for the diagnosis.
It has stalled in intersections with less than 200 miles on it. The said it was the fuel at first and made us feel like idiots, but after pressing them they just learned of a recall on the computer.
Mazda's standard first response several times is "did you put diesel in it and we will have to lower the tank to verify it". Hey we are morons and like pulling up to a pump on the other side of a filling station, hanging with the 18 wheelers, putting a wrong size nozzle in the tank and paying a premium for fuel. They have replaced the computer (their expense) and throttle body (our expense not covered under warranty).
We looked at the Odyssey, but as we drove an Accord Wagon previously, the Odyssey seemed too big. Should have bought the Honda. They stand behind their product as we had Hondas from 1988 to 2000 without being stranded.
Anyone else have these problems?
I don't think I've heard of an experience like yours with regards to the new MPV.
/java
One question for you all. The technician working on my van today said that this van was made by Ford and that it was on the same platform as the Windstar, but somehow I just can't believe that. I know it has a Ford engine, but it surely is too small to be on a Windstar platform? I have been looking for an aftermarket cassette player to install and he swears that a Windstar dash kit will work for the MPV since nobody lists one specifically for the MPV. What do you all think? Any responses will be greatly appreciated.
Sorry to hear about your front end problems, I'm trying not to get personal:) The 2000 had a few issues with tie rods and alignments. Our 2001 LX with 14,000 miles has always tracked straight as an arrow.
Pjd58
Does anyone know a good dealership near Knoxville that Bharrell can take her van to? I'd call Mazda's toll free number and tell them about these guys if I were you. I've heard good thing about their folks there.
Most likely though, your rotors were warped by someone that over-tightened the lugnuts (tire shops w/air-tools is baaaad). This'll warp a rotor in nothing flat.
Re: your CD player... get it replaced under warranty... at a different dealership. You're still under the 3yr part of your warranty, right?
Best of luck,
/javadoc
Also, spraying cold water on your rotors can warp them in a heartbeat. Never wash your car after a long drive, let those rotors cool down.
Pjd58
I was certain the guy didn't know what he was talking about but wanted confirmation from people that obviously do their homework.
One more thing-anybody got any ideas about the aftermarket cassette player other than what he told me? Thanks again, Betsy
Can anyone give me some help or ideas for dealing with this? The air coming out of the two left dash vents is about twenty degrees warmer than the air coming out of the two right vents when the control is turned counterclockwise four 'clicks' from maximum heat. I checked this using a digital thermometer with a lead on it to verify the temperature discrepancy. There is no discrepancy when the temperature control is turned all the way over to maximum heat, but I haven't checked every possible setting to see where the problem does and doesn't occur. I first noticed this on a day with outside temperatures in the 10 to 20 degree (F) range. When I had it in to the service shop the temperature was in the 30s to low 40s, so I don't think this is dependent on outside temperature. This is occuring with the engine fully warmed up.
I went to the local Mazda dealer where the service guy repeatedly told me "The temperatures should be the same" (implying that if it SHOULD be the same, it in fact WAS the same, and I was wrong). I pulled out my thermometer and gave them a demonstration, and they then kept the vehicle for a while to investigate. When I came back to pick it up, they told me that they had contacted Mazda and that the temperature readings were "within specs" so nothing had been done. I then contacted Mazda myself to find out what the specs were, and was told by Mazda that there are no specs for this. I guess the temperature difference meets non-existent specs! Hmmmm.
So, has anyone else experienced this problem? If so, how did you handle it? I guess I can probably live with it by reducing the airflow on the driver side, or some other fiddling with the vents, but it would sure be nice to have driver and passenger enjoying the same air temperature blowing on them out of the vents. Imagine if your living room had a twenty degree temperature difference between where you and your spouse sit! Does anyone have any suggestions on dealing with this, or getting more cooperation from Mazda on the matter?
Thanks for any assistance or advice --- danandkat
Call the 1-800 Mazda customer service number, and have them open a file on this problem for you. They should contact the dealer, and have them take a more serious look at the problem. Don't take NO for an answer.