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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions
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Comments
I was told this by a Mazda dealer who hears this issue from many clients.
It IS ridiculous at how long that column shifter is...it really does block the radio controls etc...even with the steering wheel controls...it's such a hassle having that stick so long. My DC has a column shifter that is 'normal' in length.
Thanks.
Also, out of curiosity - do the sulfur smell complaints come more from a particular region more than others? I was just wondering if this is a regional blending situation with gasoline - like, Texas vs New York vs California (or that earthquake guy in Alaska...Hi Java )
Steve, Host
Oh yeah, now the Mazda rep said he was mistaken. Live with the yardstick shifter and suckup.
I now have a 2002 Mazda MPV and it started out fine but I'm starting to realize that the same problem is developing. When the car is warmed up, the container with the coolant is full. WHen the car is cold is dipping to the Low side. Unusual considering the manual indicates that the opposite should be happening. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, what could be the problem?
The rattle occurs in the rear door jamb near the rear passenger side sliding door. I think it is either the safety belt mechanism, or at the connection where the vinyl/plastic finish material meets the jamb. Any similar experiences?
Michael
However the fluid level change when cold/hot is normal. The coolant has high thermal expansion factor - it has more volume when hot. I'm not sure about the actual limits but I must say that mine is somewhere between Low and High when cold and is on High when hot. Just check your fluid level in the morning when the car is cold. Only that way you can tell if the level actually changes over time.
It's behaving exactly as it should. Either the manual has a typo or you possibly misread it.
MB
The odor or rotten eggs smell is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. The smell is NOT an indication of an engine problem and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or emission system.
It is caused by high amounts of sulfur being used in some brands of gasoline. Sulfur is normally eliminated during the refining process, but EPA regulations of sulfur in gasoline differes from state to state...
When high sulfur fuel is burned the chiemical reaction in the catalytic converter causes the sulfur to oxidize. As the vehicle is driven the oxidizing reaction in the converter will decrease with mileage and age.
*** Replacing the catalytic converter will not eliminate the smell and replacement will just extend the period of time needed for the converter to 'age'.. allowing it to reduce sulfur smell to an acceptable level.***
1. Switch to a different brand of gasoline and drive for al least 100 miles. Monitor the increase or decrease of the smell
2. Do NOT add any type of fuel additive...this could add sulfur to the fuel and cause/increase the problem
3. Try to avoid extended periods of short trip driving or aggressive acceleration.
4. Request information from your local gasoline retailers on the amount of sulfur in their fuel. Try to use gasoline from the retailer who has the lowest sulfur content.
5. Visit the EPA website..www.epa.gov and stay informed of any changes in fuel or envirental regulations.
Doesn't make much sense, does it. Sounds like a Mazda specific problem to me and perhaps its time for Mazda to have a recall.
When I initially complained to the dealer about the smell he claimed, after taking the 2002 MPV for a test drive, that the car didn't smell, and Mazda had no complaints about the smell.
SO ALL OF YOU MAZDA OWNERS OUT THERE DRIVING STINKY CARS - CONTACT MAZDA and ask them why your car stinks and other makes of cars using the same gasoline your Mazda uses, don't.
Let's then post the replies.
Read your Mazda warranty. It promises a vehicle that is free from defects in material or workmanship. Sounds like a defect to me.
MB
My 2001 hasn't smelled - I'm at 33K, use Shell and Chevron both in Houston. I mentioned regional gas blending a while back but remembered my '82 (or was it '81) Olds about killed everyone around at a stop light - also in Houston. The mechanics gave up on it. I did too and traded it later.
So....maybe this isn't a regional problem...or technology has improved and this is a regional situation.
Or maybe Mazda has the computer tweaked to meet emissions tests and it is a Mazda problem.
But then again, a lot of us don't have this problem.
I forgot my glasses this morning so I have no idea what the heck I'm typing here - so I have a problem.
)
We, too, are approaching the end of our warranty. We're at around 45K miles and at the end of the month, our 3 years will be up. I've gotta get this into the shop, and quick!
-Dave
They did not have the right part, so I returned yesterday; more Escort driving :-( :-( :-(.
Turns out a transmission range sensor had gone bad, part FP0119444 (switch inhibitor). All under warranty, of course. The only real symptom was a burnt smell. They said it's because the van was running hotter.
We're leaving for tahoe tomorrow. I'll keep my finger crossed.
I'm thinking of buying MPV in california.
anyone having problem with sulfur smell in CA?
Please let me know.
Thanks
You will enjoy the MPV, it is a fine vehicle. Be sure to get 4 seasons and rear air if you get the 02'.
We don't have rear on our 02, but did on our 97 Quest. The rear unit drain tube actually became plugged once and caused some issues. I would check it on an annual basis.
If you do see an obstruction try not to simply push it farther up the tube. I have a small reducing attachment for my shop vac. It will suck out anything from anywhere.
Mark. : )
FWIW,
TB
In any case, I've got a feeling that this is going to be a topic on a lot of new car sites in the next several years. I think something is happening to the gas or to the cars that is about to be a very smelly and very widespread annoyance.
RJ
Face it, it's cheaper to refine that way, and that's all that matters. I have noticed a marked increase in tail pipe sulfur smells in the last 18 months.
Related? IMO, yes!
Mark.
I tell you what, why don't you drop the lawsuit idea and sell your MPV. Many of us don't want Mazda prices to go up because of a frivolous lawsuit. I am a happy MPV owner and would rather see you get something you like better than to have you clog up the courts.
MB
smell for a couple of months. So it must have
been Clinton. :-)
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Is there anybody here from central texas/south texas region (i.e. austin / san antonio / houston / dallas area) who has done this successfully.
If yes, do you mind sharing your results.
I have 02' MPV with @ 4K miles. I encountered
H2S like smell every now and then. I use mainly
texaco and exxon.
Thank you
miles on my 2001 MPV and began noticing the "rotten egg" smell back in April, 2002. Of course, service advised me to stay with the same brand of gas. I returned to the dealership in Nov. giving the gas a fair chance. They adjusted something in the computer, but I went back the following week. Mazda keeps passing the buck from one dept. to another. Customer relations keeps saying that Mazda is standing strong on their memo about the gas being the problem. No one seems to be listening or caring about a consumers concerns, particularly when children often ride in this van. After reading back on past messages, it definitely is a problem!!
Any advice would be appreciated. What should be my next step so that Mazda starts to stand behind their product? Does the Lemon Law apply here?