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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions

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  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    Our 2004 MPV is going in Friday for the first oil change, a problem with the drivers side power door not closing and the hard shift issue. When I asked the service advisor over the phone about it he spoke of an advisory they received today and read it to me. They either have their story down or there is an advisory for the service department. I'll see if I can get a copy of it to post here for review.

    We will have it back the same day unless their is something major so this is good.

    As far as Jiffy Lube, etc., I will not allow any small chain work on any of our vehicles again. This is because our last vehicle had a plastic skid pan "protecting" the bottom of the engine compartment and the bolts used to attach it were not replaced with the originals thus stripping the sockets. Don't let just anyone work on your car. Make sure they can be trusted.
  • dan2004dan2004 Member Posts: 86
    How are the updates working so gar. I got a call from the Mazda service rep calling me in tomorrow. And I didn't have to bug them about it! One point for Mazda.
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    ....still good.

    Steve.
  • 2003mpv2003mpv Member Posts: 1
    I used have 94 MPV that had 171k miles with original engine and transmission. the car was great with hardly any problems. after all that miles transmission started going in the first to second gear. I was very satisfied with MPV, so bought another one.
    It seems like this my new MPV's transmission may have problems already; it has hard shift between 2nd and 3rd ( I think). Is this a common problem?
  • vickie5vickie5 Member Posts: 12
    I was at my dealer on Tuesday and was told he has no information about any tranny "fix." Does anyone actually have an info directly from Mazda or something I can refer to?? A Bulletin from Mazda or whatever it takes to get this fixed. Help is appreciated.
  • dan2004dan2004 Member Posts: 86
    Call Mazda directly. The number is 800-222-5500. Your dealer is giving you the run around and is probably too lazy to follow up with the factory.
  • owr084owr084 Member Posts: 46
    Have you tried cleaning the door/doorframe contacts with a pencil eraser/soft cloth? Also check the lower track for any obstruction (cheerios, etc.) and clean it out. Those two thing have always worked when the power doors act up on my 02 ES.

    As for the oil change, the MPV is very DIY friendly.

    RBB
  • svmazdasvmazda Member Posts: 5
    So far so good. Maybe a little hiccup between 2&3, but I am hyper sensitive to it now, or the tranny was hurt by all the hard shifting. The service manager couldn't tell me what the software fix did other than it was just a TCM re-flash and that it would take a 1000 miles for it to fully train itself again. I've filed lemon law, but mine was a severe case. If you file lemon law, DO look for a lawyer, there's no out of pocket and you have a better chance of winning. The car companies pick who does their arbitration, so who do you think wins most of the time. However, you can still pursue it legally (at least in Minnesota) and then you can get damages (not common) if you win. They are more likely to settle if you use a lawyer and you are playing on a more level playing ground. The lawyer gets legal fees and 1/3 of "damages" NOT reimbursed purchase cost. So if you paid 21,000 for the vehicle and got that and 3000 in damages (again, damages are not all that common), your lawyer would get his legal fees and 1000, you would get 21,000 plus 2,000. This is not car technical I know, but hopefully it's informative.
  • edmundsuser328edmundsuser328 Member Posts: 3
    to: 2003mpv
    search for transmission using 'search this
    discussion' and you will see it is THE topic
    for >2000 tranmissions. THanks for posting,
    good to hear 170K miles without problems!
  • tomj5tomj5 Member Posts: 209
    I prefer 89 octane. It makes the engine respond quicker and better on the injectors. It kind of depends on your(clean air but, you die of cancer from the polluted water) regional mixes.. I don't believe feel good propaganda put out by the Nation's El Primo Rag newspeak...
    Tj
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    lol looking at blondes usually costs me at least $0.20 a gallon, except when my wife is there and then the cost escalates rapidly :-)

    John
  • jwm271jwm271 Member Posts: 27
    "Is this a common problem?"
    Try reading the last few hundred posts here & you may notice a trend.
  • dan2004dan2004 Member Posts: 86
    Did it today. "M" version of sofware. Noticed immediate difference and is shifting smoother. The Mazda service rep who did it did and "intermediate" training of the transmission so it did not start to re-learn from scratch. My tranny has been shifting pretty good for the past few weeks but it is even better with the re-flash. Will keep posted to see if it sticks.

    BTW, the service manager was kind of apologetic about caliming the transmission shifter "normally" before.
  • rumor24rumor24 Member Posts: 74
    I pick mine up tonight. Dealer mechanic has had it for 120 miles, drove it and said there has been no hiccup so far. They are filling it with gas and even washing it before I pick it up tonight. Will let you know if it will hiccup for me (maybe it is shy). Anyway so far so good according to him.
  • bigdadibigdadi Member Posts: 72
    Let us know what you repair slip said regarding the hard-shift part. Is it something like "M- software xxx-xxxx refresh TCM"?
  • rumor24rumor24 Member Posts: 74
    The van so for has had no hiccups. The dearler filled it with gas and had it deatailed. I will drive the heck out it for the next week and let you all know. All it said on the repair sheet is that the tcm was reflashed from a download.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    I haven't checked for obstructions or cleaned the contacts. I'll check for and see what I can find. As far as cleaning the contacts we've only had it 2 months and I'd hate to know this was "normal".

    I am a DIY oil changer and always will be with one exception, free changes by the dealer.

    It'll be dropped off around 7:30 CST and I'll see what paperwork I can get showing the suggested service on the tranny.
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Dan,

    If you can let us know what the procedure numbers were, that would help owners. I don't think the average service writer is going to have the fogiest idea what the 'M'version of software is.

    This is because it isn't a published fix yet on their online database. In fact Mazda hasn't published but two TSBs since Jan 15th, and those were for some shock absorber guidelines for all models, and a missing engine cover grommet for the RX-8.

    I am glad that your issue seems to be fixed, but it's really early for information to be out to dealers that aren't pursuing it heavily, such as I know yours has.

    Hi Steve, I'm back!!! 'It' doesn't arrive till Feb 3rd or so. :-)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Kewl Java! It won't be long now... and neither will Spring, LOL.

    Steve, Host
  • dan2004dan2004 Member Posts: 86
    I didn't get any special numbers with my documentation. I had to chat up the factory service rep a bit to get the "M" version number. Mazda really doesn't like to give customers too much info.

    If this fix really works--and time will tell--there is no reason why any Mazda dealer wouldn't want to do it. Its just a software download after all.
  • dan2004dan2004 Member Posts: 86
    Spirit's transmission was provided by JATCO, which claimes the garbled messages from the rover are "normal."

    NASA is insisting that a software patch should be beamed up immediately.

    -----------------

    :-0 couldn't resist....
  • eapkingeapking Member Posts: 3
    Anyone besides me think the drivers seat is the most uncomfortable thing they've ever sat it? 2003 MPV, leather.
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    Also a 2003 with leather. I find the seats comfortable enough. Longest drive only about 125 miles. Would have liked a heater option though, especially on these cold Minneapolis mornings.

    Steve.
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Oh my... that is witty!!!
  • vickie5vickie5 Member Posts: 12
    <<Call Mazda directly. The number is 800-222-5500. Your dealer is giving you the run around and is probably too lazy to follow up with the factory.>>

    Thanks and I will do that first thing in the morning.....God I hate the service department.
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    I called my north metro ST. Paul Mazda dealer today and he said he hadn't heard of the fix yet. I said there are threads saying that it IS known at some other Mazda dealers in the Twin Cities...he just said to be patient, I'm on "THE LIST" to get called. Ho Hum! Since the temp is below zero, it seems to not jerk out much now...of course, I'm shivering so much, I probably can't notice it anyway! Geez, I'm glad I don't have leather in THIS weather!!
  • notasoccermomnotasoccermom Member Posts: 55
    doesn't have the info on the fix yet either as of yesterday. I told them I heard a "rumor" that it was out. They said they are checking daily on their computer database and they don't have it yet. I guess they need to call into corporate to get the info faster? Maybe I'll press them some more.
  • tomj5tomj5 Member Posts: 209
    I still would like to know why the "old" software works on some cars and not on others?

    Tj
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    I wonder if Mazda are being ultra cautious and only releasing the fix to selected dealers? Perhaps those that shouted the loudest? Or had the most MPVs with problems? Of course, with no information it's really easy to come up with all sorts of theories.

    Steve.
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    ...probably because the input parameters vary from MPV to MPV. No two are going to be exactly the same; temps, pressures, tolerances, driving styles, etc will all vary.

    Since we'll never know what was done, I'm not gonna worry about it. Unless the problem comes back.

    I just found a problem in an application I'm testing. It took the same test looped for 10,000 iterations to get a single failure. I'm glad I didn't have to do THAT by hand.

    Steve.
  • owr084owr084 Member Posts: 46
    steveeast wrote: "Also a 2003 with leather. I find the seats comfortable enough. Longest drive only about 125 miles. Would have liked a heater option though, especially on these cold Minneapolis mornings."

    A quick and dirty solution to the lack of seat warmers is to place towels around the base of the driver's seat in order to block the heat vent underneath. The flow from the vent then has no place to go but into the seat... ;^) Of course the rear passengers might not like the loss of their "toe warmers." But if you have the rear heater (and I'm sure you ordered the cold weather package...), they should be OK.

    RBB
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    Thanks for the tip. I'll ask my boys for permission to try it :-)

    Steve.
  • swagakswagak Member Posts: 6
    How does this fix get applied to the MPV's already on a dealer lot? Do they apply the patch to every MPV on every lot?...or do they wait until the customer brings it back?
    And should we expect all MPV's built after Jan/04 to have the patch applied?
  • vickie5vickie5 Member Posts: 12
    Thanks again for the phone number for Mazda Dan2004

    I called Mazda this morning and spoke to one of the reps. He said that they are in the process of putting out a bulletin and should hit all the dealers within the next two weeks. He was calling the service manager at Mazda today and will have me put on the contact list for the repair. Of course I won't wait for the call from the dealer I'll call in about a week and a half.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    The tranny service, oil change and power door problem was addressed in about two hours this morning and I'm waiting on some driving time this weekend to see what results will lend. The service guy was a stand in for someone having bypass surgery but I still couldn't talk my way into a copy of the bulletin they had.
    He explained it was an internal, yet to be officially published TSB which tells me anyone getting this done is the actual field testers and they most likely wait until making it "official".
  • tmossatmossa Member Posts: 8
    I had my 2003 MPV reflashed yesterday at my Ofallon IL. Mazda dealer. He said that I could expect a hard shift while it was could but not after it warms up. As I left the dealership it had two hard shifts (Harder than before the reflash) at the first two stop lights, then shifted fine the rest of the day. Why did it not shift hard when I bought it and it was cold? I do not feel like it should shift hard anytime. Is this really the fix?
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    Sounds like Mazda is still experimenting with the reflash trying to find the right mix. How about a switch on the dash to flash for cold and reflash for normal driving? Who is Mazda trying to kid, it ain't fixed till it shifts smooth all the time or buy it back!!
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    Had the dealer driven the van after the reflash? Some 2-3 hard shifting is normal for the first 10-15 miles after a reflash or battery disconnect. That's why my dealer always wants to drive at least that far after a reflash. Here's an extract from one of the Mazda notices to dealers:

    The ATX has "adaptive learning" and will not shift properly untill the vehicle has been driven at least 10-15 miles. Disconnecting the battery cable will cause the ATX to have 2-3 shift shock until it "learns" the driving pattern and has had time for clutch packs to properly seat.

    Steve.
  • downthumpdownthump Member Posts: 2
    So far I haven't come across with a message about "hard downshifting". My 03 will 9 out of 10 times downshift with a thumping sound before it comes to a stop, volumn depending on how quickly I brake the vehicle to stop. Even though it is generally not as loud/abrupt as the very hard upshifts I've had for fewer times, it is something almost everytime I'm dreadfully ready to hear and feel before the van stops with my moderate braking. It's driving me nuts. I've taken it to the dealer several times and they are just deaf stubborn, not admitting to this issue. Called Mazda (as deaf and stubborn) yesterday and was reluctantly referred to another dealer. The ticket writer said Mazda would be issuing a bulletine in 2-4 weeks. God knows whether the reprogramming will work. Wanna sell it G Dmmmmmmmm by consulting the blue book I found out the value depees like a mudslide, even with this my 4 season/tow pk. Why didn't I just get that Accord LX. There'da been much less trouble. One misstep leads you to a very marshy swamp. As far as these matters are concerned all the dealers listen to the mfg. I'm within driving range to Mazda I'll soon someday go there and give them a piece of mind PO'd mind on behalf of all of you. After all what bothers me the most is when some of these people shamelessly lie to you without even blink a wink and abruptly refuse to face the fact.
  • dan2004dan2004 Member Posts: 86
    Clunking while downshifting happens when you get a unique combination of parts in your drivetrain that are at the edge of manufacturining tolerances. The total result is excess lash causing the clunk. This is rare in Japanese cars and more common in domestics (particularly GM large SUVs).

    This is unfortunate for the buyer to say the least, and Mazda customer relations practices leave a lot to be desired. It would be nice to see them step up to the plate for a change.
  • rumor24rumor24 Member Posts: 74
    OK, had it since thurs and have not been driving too much since we had a blast of snow and it is so freaking cold here no one in their right mind would pleasure drive. Its to work and home until I see some warmer weather. No hard shifting at this time but again too cold to test. Will let you all know when I can if the fix held. And yes the mechanic said there is a period of re-learning after reflash. He did most of that afterwards himself, but it still has to have time with my driving. So far it has held with the 120 miles he put on it and the 30 I have. Keep you all informed.
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    My understanding is that the relearning goes on for about 1000 miles after the reflash, but there shouldn't be any hard upshifts after about 10-15 miles.

    Steve.
  • bigdadibigdadi Member Posts: 72
    how should we drive after reflash in order for the adpative learning tranny to learn the driver behavior properly? Just drive as usual as you drive daily or take it easy no abusive gas pedal step on?
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    I was told to just drive normally.

    Steve.
  • dan2004dan2004 Member Posts: 86
    Just drive the van normally. A properly working tranny should be completely transparent and you shouldn't even notice it at all.

    My MPV is working fine so far, and my gut tells me that the reflash combined with the Mobil1 ATF should be OK. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

    Other than the tranny issue I'm satisfied with my 2004, and I haven't seen any other '04s on the road, so its like driving a custom van ;-).
  • rumor24rumor24 Member Posts: 74
    Mechanic said to drive normally and take off from a stop sign should vary. Don't take off the same way all the time, mix it up a little. I have not seen any other 04's on the road but the dealer here has about 4 05 5 on the lot. 2 my color, a white and this really strange goldish color, also a silver.
  • map1199map1199 Member Posts: 1
    I only have 400 miles on my MPV just picked it up the end of December. So far I have had 5 instances of hard shifting from 2nd to 3rd. I am planning a trip to Florida this week from NY and of course today I had 3 out of the 5 hard shifts. Has anyone had there MPV breakdown on them due to this problem? I already wrote a very nice letter to Mazda Corp and I am calling service again to see if there is a fix yet I asked the question when the car had only 140 miles on it because the 1st time I had the problem was when it had 130 mile on it.
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    I only recall one instance of someone having a catastrophic failure associated with the hard upshift - that resulted in a new transmission.

    The fix has been available for about a week, though not all dealers even seem to be aware of the problem. Call your dealer.

    Steve.
  • notasoccermomnotasoccermom Member Posts: 55
    They have the info for the hard shift fix, and we are taking it in Monday night for them to fix it Tuesday. We are also supposed to be having the blasting hot heat out of the one vent problem fixed (20 deg difference from the other vents).

    Does anyone know if the reflash is just a "resetting" of the TCM or if they are actually reprogramming it? I'd hate for it to be reset and then just do the same thing again. I don't want to have to worry about if it's going to relearn the hard shift again!

    I will also keep everyone posted. Let's hope we can stop complaining about our vans and start enjoying them and bragging about them instead!
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    It's a genuine reprogramming, not just a reset. That's why we had to wait so long :-(

    And you're absolutely right. It'll be nice to put this problem behind us and start to remember all the good things that made us buy the MPV in the first place.

    Steve.
This discussion has been closed.

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