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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • rotarykidrotarykid Member Posts: 191
    There is a note from mazda at the dealers(dont think its a TSB yet) that the dunlops on MPV's may cause steering wheel shake at low speeds. I happen to own one that does, but mine is a 2000. I am not sure that the dealer bulletin applies to 2003 models. My tires look like new from constant rotation and balance, and I expect to get new tires from mazda for free.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    and I expect to get new tires from mazda for free.

    Why?
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Why are you running mid-grade? The MPV was designed to run on 87 so you are throwing your money away. Humor all of us and see if switching to 87 has any affect on the scent of pleasure.
  • glideslopesglideslopes Member Posts: 431
    Make sure your tires are correctly inflated. They have 45-50lbs in them when they come over on the boat to prevent flat spotting. The dealer is supposed to lower the pressure prior to delivery. Too high a pressure can cause a vibration.

    I have Dunlops on our 02 LX. Smooth as silk.

    Mark.
  • bdbomberbdbomber Member Posts: 10
    We have a 03 lx, and we also had the "smell",We now had the van for 3 mos and the smell has almost vanished. We buy sunoco gas 87 oct. and found out early that this helped compared to mobil and citgo. Been using sunoco for about 2mos. straight so I couln't tell ya if it was the gas or the aging of the emmisions. But I did notice A faint sulphur smell after I washed the van. I usually spray underneath to get rid of the salt thus possibly contributing to condensation buildup(only a theory).After a couple of minutes, no smell. Mudflaps- I bought the van-truck flaps from pep-boys , fiberglass and universal and are bigger and less $ than the dealer's ($50 flaps + $40 to install) I paid $24 and with the help of a right angle drill, flexible extension and a couple nips of brandy , had them installed in 1.5 hrs. Coated them with silicon spray and their's no ice and snow buildup. Hope this helps!!
  • bbkpabbkpa Member Posts: 2
    Thanks, bdbomber & Maltb. I plan on using 87oct on the future fill ups. I used the higher octane on the recommendation of the sales person at the dealership(My mistake). Always have been loyal BP
    customer with good results especially in the winter weather. Will give Sunoco a try and let you know how it works. I wonder how wide spread this problem is with the MPV? After doing some checking on different web sites and some history on some postings, it seems to get a lot of attention. I plan on calling Mazda to let them about their stinky van... Thanks about the advice on the flaps, I have been checking out some flaps at Pep Boys. I'll need lots of brandy!
  • mkassar2mkassar2 Member Posts: 3
    I have had a 2002 Mazda MPV for about a week now and I am quite happy with this vans performance. although I cannot really compare with other vans.

    After this week I have noticed two things that Seem to be common amongst MPV owners:
    1. The sulphur smell
    2. Some form of vibration/shimmering on the steering wheel.

    The sulphur smell:
    Although this is annoying I am not too concerned since I had it worse in a 1998 Nissan Altima. My research has told me the different brands do matter, and that in Canada, Sunoco or Shell have less sulphur content than others..I will use Sunoco and see if it helps.

    Here is my description of the second issue: When I drive at varying speeds I notice the steering wheel really reflects the road surface. It vibrates and shimmers but not in a very excessive manner, rather varying from road to road. Thus it sometimes is worse than other times and all I can deduce is that the surface has changed and not really the speed.
    I have a tendency to believe the vibration/ shimmering my infact be a "charcateristic" of this van and not a defect. Sure maybe the Dunlops are the cause for this and maybe they are not, but what I have read from various posts on this matter; no real solution has been found.
    I know this is not a balancing issue nor a tire pressure issue.
    What do others feel when driving? Does your steering wheel not emit any road feel or vibration at all?
    Thanks for your feedback.
  • billmckinleybillmckinley Member Posts: 167
    I had an 01 that had a tendency to vibrate, especially at hiway speeds. Nothing I tried solved the problem. Then I replaced the Yokos with Michelins. Problem gone.

    rj
  • mkassar2mkassar2 Member Posts: 3
    Sure R.J, the characteristics I described in my earlier post about vibration could easily be explained by the tires., They are dunlop (sp400 I think).. I just found it odd that no matter what speed, the steering wheel feels very "busy" with vibrations etc.. I also know that 2002 and later had stiffer suspensions so maybe that affects the ride quality...
    I just wanted to know if what I felt could be normal and, that it is something that others have noticed compared to driving a sedan..like a protege for example.

    Mike
  • dcsmomdcsmom Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2001 MPV, and about 4 times I have had water in the rear well where the seat folds into. It is only wet on the bottom, nothing on the sides. First time I noticed it was from a horrible smell, which happened to be a very wet cardboard box back there. Been to the dealer, they can't seem to find it. But then again I told them I think the water is coming from underneath and they have only run water from the top. Just curious if anyone had this problem and had it corrected or had any suggestions. Thanks.
  • rotarykidrotarykid Member Posts: 191
    actually dunlop will be supplying the tires. they have a problem with the tires causing low speed shake/vibration. This problem has gone on for a while- knowing that the dealer is not responsible for tire warranty, and there typically is no satisfaction when complaining to a tire dealer because every tire problem to them is simply due to hitting a curb or road hazard. Once the dealer gets involved, it is easier to get things done as long as it is legit.the dealer note says it applies to 00-03's.
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    There is a notice regarding this, TSB 09-500/01, I believe. What happens is that water becomes trapped in the rear end panel, and then can seep up through the adhesive tape that's applied at the factory. Generally, the water is spotted (bad pun) in the front left area of the storage hole.

    The fix is to drill two small drain holes in the rear underbody panel, which should not allow the water to be trapped anymore.

    Hope that helps!
  • mtbiker1mtbiker1 Member Posts: 17
    I'm seriously considering the MPV when my truck lease is up next year, but am a little concerned about the smelly exhaust stories I've heard here. In my market area (Seattle-Portland) Costco and Arco are generally the gas price leaders; has anyone experienced problems filling up their MPV at either of these vendors?
  • mkassar2mkassar2 Member Posts: 3
    Hey Rotarykid,

    I would very much like to know more about that Dealer Note that points out a flaw in the Dunlop tires that cause a shake/vibration at slow speeds.
    Is the note created by the dealer, for you to take to a Dunlop Tire dealer for warranty?
    I believe I may have the same problem on my 2002 MPV..this steering wheel does shake/vibrate at low speeds but NOT all the time? Did yours?
    If I could even get a copy of that note or dealer reference for that note It may help me out.
    Thanks
  • jolly2jolly2 Member Posts: 17
    I'm back with an update on the sulfur smell at 11,500 miles. It smells as bad as ever and I've tried everything suggested and every brand of gas available to me (unfortunately no Sunoco here). I just saw the service bulletin today when I took my van in because the check engine light is on. The bulletin is basically BS - says to change brands of gas. I hate my van so much I won't drive it. My two children and I cram into our other car - a pick-up truck - which is crazy! Anybody know of a class action law suit in the works? If so please post. Beware potential MPV buyers.
  • big_guybig_guy Member Posts: 372
    It sounds like your situation is unique. I have heard of people having the sulfur smell but usually the gas brand change clears it up. We have had no problems with the smell since the initial dealer "fill-up" was depleted. Since then, our MPV has been odor free using either Chevron or Tesoro gasoline. I wish I could suggest another option for getting rid of the smell because the MPV is a really nice vehicle. I like driving our MPV almost as much as I like driving my Passat.
  • jolly2jolly2 Member Posts: 17
    Sidiggie- sounds like we have the worst two smelling vans in the country - I feel your pain. Please post if you hear of a "good" solution - one that works; or if you hear of a class action law suit.
  • crissmancrissman Member Posts: 145
    I wish I had a surefire solution to the problem, but what I can say is that I use almost exclusively Shell regular gas and have not noticed an odor problem in my 2000 MPV. Maybe a few tankfuls would help. Good luck.
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    Since I have been watching over the other threads...especially the Dodge Caravan one; I can't say that the MPV has that many issues.
    Smell is bad, but having bad tranny's, door problems, hardware issues, and many other things that the so called KING OF THE MINI's has is much worse. I can't believe the list of problems that even late model DC's are having compared to smells and long shifter levers, they have really MAJOR DEALS over there! I have had a DC for 8 years and have an MPV coming soon from Japan. I've had the tranny replaced as well as other hardware issues. The quality in workmanship in the MPV is definitely a plus over the Dodges I've seen and test driven...and I did MANY drives in many vans....and why I went with the 'smaller' but sportier MPV. Of course, I hope 8 years down the road I will not be eating crow on this decision.
  • h109h109 Member Posts: 36
    Just for those who've not see it:

    http://web2.airmail.net/emann/protegefaq/tsb/01-029-02.html

    Hope this helps,
    -Hari
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Thanks Hari - has that bulletin really been out a year today as the heading indicates?

    Steve, Host
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    The heading is read this way:
    01: Engine group
    29: Bulletin number in that group
    02: Calendar year of release

    This makes it the 29th engine related bulletin that Mazda released in 2002 for all models.

    Actual issue date of the bulletin is 11/22/02.
  • sidiggiesidiggie Member Posts: 19
    My MPV has 12,500 miles. The sulfur smell has gotten much worse since Christmas! We've had very cold weather in Connecticut lately and there is nothing like being stopped at a red light with the heater and defroster on in 0 degree weather and having the van fill up with a nauseating stench!! I've switched from Shell to Mobil to Sunoco and nothing seems to help. I'd tell potential buyers to look at the Sienna which has a nice rebate now!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Thanks Maltb. I notice that neither the NHTSA or our Maintenance Guide have that one up yet.

    Steve, Host
  • ggallowayggalloway Member Posts: 1
    I have a 91 MPV with 140,000 miles the timing belt broke while on the freeway at 70 mph . the shop has put a new belt and waterpump on it but cant get it to run right they say the computer pulls the timing out 60 degrees once it starts and they cant figure it out has anyone else ever had or heard of this problem? other than this we have totally love this van .
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    Why is it that such a publicized problem is only affecting Mazda MPV's? Why not the Tribute which has the same engine? Or Ford cars that use this engine? Why don't other cars have the smell problem with gases?
    Is this smell deal happening in the upper midwest? I don't hear a lot of talk around the TC's about it.
    I have mine coming in a couple weeks and want to understand this thing more. It's been talked about for a year or more here.
  • bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    Yech! If the timing belt broke at 70MPH you could have more problems than imagined. All sorts of engine destruction could have taken place with valves, pistons, etc.
    60 degrees out of wack? Whoaa....
    Better pull the heads and take a peek. The belt was replaced correctly - right?
  • jolly2jolly2 Member Posts: 17
    I know the sulfur smell exists in North Carolina. I talked to other people around here who have the same problem with their MPV's.
  • garyjwmsgaryjwms Member Posts: 28
    Hi fellow MPV'ers!

    It's been a while since I posted here. I'm a proud owner of a '01 MPV LX that my wife mainly drives, which keeps the miles low (13k since July 01). We love our van, and mechanically, have had a flawless record with it -- until tonight.

    I took my 6-year-old shopping for T-ball gear, at a shopping center about 10 minutes from home. When I started up the van to come home, the Battery charging light came on, and I'd lost power steering. I decided to drive home rather than wait for the tow truck, and noticed that console lights were dimming. At this point, I was guessing failed alternator.

    I got home, and discovered the alternator belt (it used to be called a v-belt in older cars, though it's not really v-shaped) had come off -- this prevented the alternator, power steering and water pump from working properly.

    It seems to me to be one of those fluke things that happened, rather than a problem with the Duratec engine or something of that sort. But I thought I'd float this out to the list to see if anyone else had a similar occurrence.

    I think I'll just bring it in Monday A.M. and have my local mechanic (rather than the closest Mazda dealer) take a look at it first, and tell me what he thinks caused the belt to come off. If it's just a matter of putting the belt back on, then I'll just ask him to do it. He can usually get things turned around by lunchtime. If it seems more serious, then I'll have the Mazda dealership (who I haven't seen but have been told to avoid) look at it and insist that it be covered by warranty.

    This episode does not sour me on the MPV -- it's still a great van and perfect family vehicle for us.
  • mass3mass3 Member Posts: 6
    I own a 2001 MPV, I had the smell for a long time I think a year. it has nothing to do with the gas. It did eventually go away. The problem I do have on going is that sometimes I can not disengage my shifter. The dealer said they could not find anything wrong. Anybody else have this problem.
  • tbonertboner Member Posts: 402
    I'll put your mind at ease about one thing, the waterpump is at the other end of the engine and driven from one of the camshafts, so at least you don't need to worry about possibly overheating the engine.

    So at the very least, you may have taxed your battery.

    I would have your mechanic check the belt tensioner. I find it hard to believe the belt would just come off unless the tensioner was marginal or faulty. Hopefully if it is a tensioner, it is still under warranty.

    I'd have them put a new belt on (at your cost of course) in any case, while they are doing the work, you might as well get a new belt instead of paying the labor again later to replace the belt.

    TB
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I just happened to run across this discussion and it sounds like you guys have company with the Camry and Saab owners, among others:

    Unrepairable Foul Emission Oder In New Camry

    Steve, Host
  • garyjwmsgaryjwms Member Posts: 28
    Hey TB,

    Thanks for the tip -- I was worried about the overheating issue. It looks like I'll just go to the dealer after all -- and yes, I was already thinking about asking them to go ahead and put on a new belt. I'd rather not have to go through this again, if the current belt is stretched.

    Then again, I could get lucky and they'll replace the belt under warranty . . .

    Gary
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    Wow! Reading the Toyota thread really opened my eyes to how wide spread this smell issue really is. I had not heard about it from friends around here or others in the local market of the TC's of MN. We own a 98 Camry, and had not had the stink...but sounds like the latest models are. Rather sad that something like this has to start happening to otherwise well built and thought of vehicles.
    My questions still stands on the Ford engine; I had not seen the stink issue with the Tributes....has anyone else heard if this engine is causing problems in the other vehicles that use it? Tributes use this same engine and have been notorious for OTHER problems...but not a smell to my knowledge. Or is the stench nothing to do with the engine, but the emission system...?

    I am going to do more investigating locally to see if this problem is widespread in the Twin City area. Maybe our gas is processed different here.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    There are similar posts in the Mazda Tribute/ Ford Escape problems discussion that you can find with the Advanced Search tool, but they seem to be talking more about a "fuel smell" in the cabin rather than a "stink." Not sure if it's quite the same problem.

    Steve, Host
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    Thanks Steve for the info. Let's call it a stinking smelly issue.
    Still wanting to hear of folks related to this problem and parts of the country. I still have not heard much on it locally here in the upper midwest. Sounds like it's out east, southeast and maybe west coast. Refineries/gas providers, etc. may have impact on this issue the way it sounds...I may get a bunch of those 'evergreen' air freshners for the new machine when it arrives or buy a gas mask;-)

    Seriously, how can such a wide spread issue be kept under wraps by so many auto makers?? There must be a solution besides buying certain gas. Cars had smell/rotten egg problems back in the 70's when the catalytic converters first came out...but nothing is that new on the machines now to cause this 30 years later.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Check the label - most of those are pure formaldehyde :-)

    Steve, Host
  • garyjwmsgaryjwms Member Posts: 28
    The Drive belt problem was caused by a broken belt tensioner, which also caused damage to the belt itself. I drove to the dealer (15 minutes away, about 6 mi. down the freeway) early this morning, and by the time I got there, the belt was dragging on the ground under the van. (Thankfully, it didn't get caught on anything).

    The service at the dealer was superb -- I was the second vehicle in queue, and they had the work done in less than 2 hours -- all covered under warranty. So much for the rumors!!

    So all's well with my MPV again, just in time for T-ball season!!!

    G
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    I know this isn't funny to those experiencing it, but it does SOUND funny.

    Went to my 'home' dealer tonight to check on my ever so closer yet elusive, MPV (to delivery that is). ETA is now 2/11! The slow boat only took 2 weeks. Oct.20 - Feb.11. That's how long MINE took to get to MN. from Japan.

    I asked him about the smell and he shriveled has nose up and looked at me like I was crazy. Never heard of it, he cried. He told me to call the techs during the day and ask them about the smell. This should be fun...not!

    Aw, what the heck. I guess I'll just get use to it.
  • daddioof4daddioof4 Member Posts: 50
    My wife complained to me our 2000 MPV with 56K miles on it is making a buzzing sound. With the weather in the mid 20 degree F range for a high, I figured it was a belt whinning. This past weekend I took it for a trip to Slippery Rock University for a track meet with my kids. When we left, I only went about a half mile and it started. I pulled over and to my surpise, it wasn't coming from where the belts are, but rather from the air cleaner housing. Now I am befuddled. Any ideas out there as to what this may be. I think I changed the air filter at 30k. I had the throttle plate cleaned at 50K. Any ideas welcomed PS I am a DIY first.
  • rotarykidrotarykid Member Posts: 191
    its the bypass air control valve. we have replaced dozens at the dealer including the one on my very own 2000. I think it costs somewhere around $100 and add a 1/2 hour for labor. Dont pay any diagnostic fees just tell them you want the valve put in. (free diag from certified tech- I'll bill you........)
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    you might check withthe dealer and see if it's covered under the federal emission warranty.
  • daddioof4daddioof4 Member Posts: 50
    thanks for your response. Is this repair do able for an average DIY or this better left for the experts? Sounds like a bolt on item!?!? Also, what are the normal symptoms? This comes and goes and sounds like a moan more than a whine. Seems like it happens when cold and making a 90 degree turn. What level of urgency is it? Will my wife be stranded somewhere and will it do damage if not repaired immediately. Maltb, what is the federal emission warranty? I have never heard of this? Thanks in advance for any input.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    just checked on that part...standard warranty coverage unless it's a California car. Looks like the DIY route might be the way to go. Perhaps Alex will chime in with a link to this issue on his site.
  • tbonertboner Member Posts: 402
    Check out the throttle hang fix at www.contour.org. It also addresses "Moosing" which seems like what you might have.

    You can fix it with a $0.10 1/2" copper cap with a hole in it.

    TB
  • alexv1nalexv1n Member Posts: 248
    Perhaps Alex will chime in with a link to this issue on his site

    Well, I did but the message got deleted.

    Anyway, there is a repair notice MT000003553 from Mazda addressing "Moaning or humming noise from top of engine". Too bad I can't post the details. For some reason Edmunds people consider it "Unauthorized Commercial Activity". :-(
  • crissmancrissman Member Posts: 145
    I've been living with this problem for two winters now with no ill effects, except irritation and some embarrassment. There does seem to occasionally be a slight surge that accompanies the moan when coming to a stop, so be alert with the brakes. My noise seems to be intermittant and disappear when temps rise above about 45 F.
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Wait a minute... Alex's post got deleted? Bad form! Doesn't commercial activity have to involve a monetary benefit for the violator? bahhh... >:-(

    FWIW, I had a very similar noise on my 2000 and Tboner's fix did fix the trick for me. I think it cost me less than $0.25 at the local Ace Hardware. I'd post a link... which would actually be helpful but don't want it deleted... :(

    Steve, I know you're just doing your job ;)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Yeah, but your name isn't on that site as the registrant either :-) Maybe we need a Visa donation logo here like that other site does? Seems some people want to promote their competing forum on Town Hall without buying a nice ad like Tire Rack or Carfax or PeopleFirst do.

    It's all in the Member Agreement.

    Steve, Host
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    If Edmunds doesn't have the info, directing a user to a place that does shouldn't be against the M.A.

    Steve, I'm not a member over there, but I know Alex has put some serious time into providing MPV info and I really doubt he's benefiting from it other than a wealth of info he know carries from contributors.
This discussion has been closed.