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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions
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Comments
If I remember correctly too, the sulpher smell was not a problem but more of a nuisance.
Anyone else experience this yet? Our temps are in the high 60's now...if this keeps up it could be more uncomfortable as temps go up.
One other nagging thing; has anyone noticed how easily the headlight lenses scratch? They are so large and smooth that they show scratches easily. I use soft cloths with windex, etc. and they still are showing scratches. Can't wait to see them after 50K miles!!
Otherwise, I still love my MPV.
Any solution ?
Silver Driver
My husband felt it was due to engine break in. Many people don't believe that today's engines need a break in period and many dealers are stating there is no need for break in oil. However, I disagree. Driving a new car at variable speeds especially on the highway is necessary for proper break in. At around 1,500 miles the first oil should be changed and then every 3,000 miles after that. There's alot of burn off going on in a new engine which can contribute to certain smells.
Could this be the reasons why some folks continue to get the odor and some don't? Don't know. Does the MTBE in gas contribute to these odors and other issues. I believe it does. Why some folks complain of it and others don't could be on location. For example CA has different laws pertaining to car emissions and gasoline additives. What about different gasoline suppliers. Are certain brands of gas better then others? Could it be the Octane. I use a mid grade because I feel the engine performs better. It's just my opinion.
Does anyone out there have any answers to some of my questions?
Thanks!
Lsinc
Again, my 2 cents and that's all it is!
Lsinc
I'm not certain that you can replace the lights, so your dealer may be correct. I know some Japanese market folks figured out ways to change the colors of the LEDs, but I think that was just w/films and not replacing bulbs. So, w/o stepping out on a limb (and not for my personal gain, keeping w/in TH rules and all that, Steve)... I could help you out if you can't find a way to replace the lights, via email.
/java
Mark.
Also, no vibrations, no rattles, very smooth tranny shifing, no oil drips, quite smooth brakes, very quite responsive engine.
Zoom Zoom!!
LOLOLOLOL!!!!!
Lsinc
Zoom-Zoom! Wanna race??
Anyone have that issue, with the thermostat dial on cold, outside air set coming in, vent set to dash and no ac turned on. Our temps hit the 70's here in MN. over the weekend and it got oppressive in the drivers seat without the ac turned on!! It really happens on start up from a stop after the unit has been sitting for a bit.
I can put my hand under the steering wheel and feel the heat coming through. Sometimes it blasts in through the Defroster vents too.
Would love this extra HEAT in the winter here, but not now!!
Also, anyone notice how the headlight lenses scratch easily? I mean, I wipe with wet terrycloths and they still are starting to mark up.
The sulfur smell is really only once in a great while. I WISH I could hold onto the NEW CAR smell though. It's starting to fade away...booo-hooo.
Ok, let's wait and here some replies again;-))
Isinc, I know you're always covering the threads well and good for some lol's.
Otherwise, 4.8K miles now and still love the unit - Zoom-Zoom.
When you come back to the van, loaded down with Gucci bags (or Walmart, lol), and crank up the van, the blower motor kicks in, and out comes the hot air! I'm not sure why you feel it under the steering wheel is, that maybe there's a vent there (I've not looked, but the MK-I vans did), or a joint in the ducts in the dash has come loose, b/c they're just thin plastic tubes.
Re: new car smell, you can pick up air fresheners that will give that to you, at Walmart and other fine stores.
The headlight lenses, being a plastic-like material, are going to scratch. I know some people that have used mild compounds, or Klasse even, to remove or fill the scratches in.
Heres a question: Does anyone who has the moon roof ever worry about birds flying over head? We all know how birds are and I was just curious. It hasn't happened to me, but considering that the MPV has a huge gaping hole in the roof for the moon to shine through, it was something that I thought of. Ok, ok, no I don't get out much! Sheesh!
Headlight lenses......Frankly, I haven't washed my MPV yet ("the crowd is in disbelief and Lsinc slinks away in shame"). I had the dealer detail it but it is due for a bath and I'm in a quandry as to wether I should wash it myself (yucko) or take it down to our local detailer and have it done. I'm actually afraid (yes, I'm a chicken) to take it through the car wash. Don't want to damage my MPV that I have to drive until my 7 year old goes into college! (Yuppers, the realities of being married to a financial analyst!) So with that entire disertation that you really needed to read through (not) the answer is No, my headlight covers are not scratched. Check back with me in 11 years. Not only will I have scratched lenses but I'm sure I'll be missing some parts as well......I mean the car, NOT ME!!!
New car smell.......I not only lost my new car smell but in it's place have a horse stable smell to mine! My 10 year old rides horses so my every waking moment (except when she is in school) is spent at the barn. Maybe I should market an air freshener "Horse Barn Smell" and see if anyone buys it! }=o ]`
Luckily, I thought this all through and placed plastic on the floor of the van with thick matts to protect the carpeting. =o ) Sometimes I even amaze myself!
Ok, I think I hit all of the questions and even answered them with some semblance of accuracy? LOL, I stayed out too late last night....zzzzzzzzZ
Just over 3k and still loving my MPV that hauls $#@#$% on the highway and handles like a Corvette! Yahooooooooooooo! Zoom-Zoom!
Lsinc
I hauled some cedar fencing the other day; van still smells good.
Steve, Host
"Finally" have a problem. Of course, it might have been self abuse... I replaced my air filter with a generic three weeks ago (the only one Auto Generic Supply had) It was like Fred's Fantastic Famous Filter Fedora - or something like that. My gas milage went down ~ 3 mph. I pulled the filter back out thinking I put it in backwards, upsidedown, sideways (martinis do that to me...) but it was correct. I'll check with Mazda or what was the other one - K&N? Are some of you still running with that one? Any insight?
At any rate, my wife still enjoys jumping out of her '00 Sienna and sneaking off in the MPV. "That's a fun car to drive" is always the comment.
2. We always use Baking Soda to remove the "New Car" odor. Generally, two pie plates on the front floor pans with one box each. Remove each morning prior to work. Change every 2-3 days for a week or two. It should help.
If you have a garage, park the auto with the windows down for the first two weeks.
Mark. : )
Lsinc
Mark.
For the MPV, try what doc said.
Mark.
Just curious.
Lsinc
Just my 2cents.
/Java
I'm taking it in to see what's the deal. I did the recirc trick and it helped a little. But I drove 10 miles today in 80 degree heat with the moonroof open, windows down and heat blasting out of the side dash vents ALL THE WAY! How long does it take to clear out the heat in the ducts??? This sounds lame to me. Why is Mazda the only one that has this issue? All cars get hot under the hood.
Heck, I've had cars with no AC and they cleared out to outside temp within a minute or so.
Posted 24.5MPG on a 600 mile romp this past weekend...pretty loaded down too...a positive thing!!
Yeah, the lap thing sounded kinky...but it's another story for another thread I guess;-))
I am totally perplexed on your "heat" issue? When you run the a/c does it still come out hot? Do you have the 4 Season Pckg.? I'm assuming the answer is yes to the latter considering you live in a warmer area. My MPV doesn't have the issue to the degree (no pun intended) that your's does.
Keep us posted on how you make out at the dealer. Oh and if you should be having warm, rain free weather, could you send some my way? I'm sooooooooo sick of this rain! I may need to trade my MPV in for a boat! LOL!
Good Luck!
Lsinc
I go now!
Lsinc
Just when I have the thermo dial to the coolest position, no fan on, vent set to ANY position....and then I play with the recirc button to no avail.
We'll be taking her in on Friday. Suppose to stay around 80 here for a bit. We have been having our wettest May in many years here too...but it's been drying out lately.
I've gotta watch out for lsinc... she's on my list. >:-?
List what list?? Bring it on, I'm ready for the challenge! I'm not touching the California subject. I was in LA once and haven't been back since. That's all I'm gonna say!
My job is done here, I go now!
Lsinc (AKA: Trouble Maker)
P.S. I see there is quite a line forming in back of me for the trouble maker title. =o +
As for much needed content... old Mochavan will be in the shop for some much needed repairs... bodywork, that is. Someone was kind enough to graze the front bumper, so it, and the front fender are getting fixed. So, it'll be looking almost as good as new soon!
It must be the time of year or something but someone was kind enough to hit my mother's car in a parking lot and take off. She has a huge dent in the front left fender of her car. Then, yesterday a.m. I was on my way for COFFEE (yipppeeee). Some lady decided that not only would she tailgate me but she wouldn't keep her eyes on the road. I stopped for a traffic light and she almost didn't! She slammed on her brakes and skidded left, right and back again before stopping a hair from my bumper! Sheesh, then she made it seem like it was my fault! My MPV is only 2 months old and I would not have been a happy camper.
Ok, gotta go! COFFEE run needed! LOL!
Lsinc
I keep feeling a nasty 2-3 shift, and it's reproducable. If I've been driving (somewhere remotely near the speed limit) on the freeway, take an exit, and accelerate, under moderate loud-pedal input, up a hill from that light, the 2-3 shift feels like the tranny is confused, and actually pauses between shifts. It's a bit freaky, considering I'm out of warranty. I figure, being an electronic AT, it knows I'm going up a hill, and shouldn't go through the fuzzy logic learning curve. This only started recently, btw. Hmmmmm, time for a 2004?
I'm in TN driving my mom's '92 Protege this week (I think that's why Lsinc is picking on me <g>). It has 77,000 miles on it and zooms around pretty good.
Steve, Host
Don't worry Steve, I'll be good and not hawk over here.
By the way, I saw an '04 Sienna today and it was coming towards me, in it's correct lane I might add, and I couldn't believe how low the roof looked. With the bulging headlights it almost looked like a squished bug! Sorry to those of you who like the '04 Sienna but I find the front end ugly. Anyway, not that it has to do with any MPV problems but I just thought I would add it in.
Attending any camp fires in TN Steve? If so, don't get burned and by all means stay away from female doctors wielding pins. Rum and Coke is also a danger and could lead to "subpar" ratings. I have heard that a combination of all of the above can also lead to the need for higher rpm's and it could hurt your mileage. }=o +
Just so I'm staying on subject, I actually have an MPV problem. I like it way too much!
Ok, I'm going! If it makes anyone feel better, I have a $%$#$%^ cold which I caught from my daughter! UGH!
Lsinc