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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • bigdadibigdadi Member Posts: 72
    Thanks for the update. I think what you need to do is find out whether you got the TCM reflash version-1 or the latest software downloaded like 1-2 wks ago.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    It was the newer flash just released by Mazda. It happened again this morning. I'll call the service department and discuss it with them.
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    This is not good news. Now everyone that's had the reflash will be on needles and pins waiting for the two week jerks to start. Perhaps Mazda's TCM reflash is characteristic of the addage; "you can't teach an old dog new tricks".
  • dan2004dan2004 Member Posts: 86
    My reflash was over two weeks ago and so far so good...still. The factory rep did say that one or two "hiccups" could be expected.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    other than it is much worse than before. I had absolutely no time today to call the dealer or Mazda. This is the frustrating part! Its not like we have other activities (kids, work yada yada) and sit around waiting for a vehicles to demonstrate problems. I know, I'm preaching to the choir.
    Hopefully I'll have time to call in the am and update everyone waiting on the news.
  • rumor24rumor24 Member Posts: 74
    It has been 2 weeks for me also and I have not had the hard shift yet, but it has been freakishly cold here so I am not sure if that has anything to do with it or not. I have felt slight hesitation during the 1st to 2nd, but that might my imagination. I do have the moose call when it is cold and I first back up and rattles but nothing like the the hard shifts from before.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    MPV going back to the shop Monday. Service guy said I was the first out of 12 or so to have the hard shift occur after the latest tranny flash.
  • tmossatmossa Member Posts: 8
    I had my 2003 MPV Reflashed on Jan. 21st and was told by the service manager that I could expect a hard shift when the van is cold. It has hard shifted ever since I left the service center until it warms up then seems to go away. It never done this before I took it there. Before it would just randomly hard shift. Is this normal? Are others having hard shifts while the van is cold or should I return to the service center? I now have around 12,000 miles on it.
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    I had mine done on Friday am. So far it has been smooth as silk. My actual mileage is at 21K now at just over a year of ownership. It seems to have more power too and very smooth shifting. What a pleasure....so far.
  • notasoccermomnotasoccermom Member Posts: 55
    We just had the reflash done almost 2 weeks ago and it hasn't hard shifted even once. That sounds wierd to me that they told you it will still do it when cold.

    We are not holding our breaths right now though after hearing that danog's started doing it again. How many miles did you put on it when it started again, danog?
  • rumor24rumor24 Member Posts: 74
    I am at 3 weeks, and went from 1782 miles when dropped off to nearly 2100 miles today. Still no hiccup to report at this time, temps are now in the upper 20's so it might be a good time to take it for a run. I might be driving into Chicago for the auto show and that is an hour drive one way, so if it is going to be naughty, that would be a good test. As always, I will keep everyone up to date.
  • sidiggiesidiggie Member Posts: 19
    My 2002 MPV has suffered from the sulfur smell from day one, but it seems cold weather this year has made the sulfur smell unbelievable. Anyone else notice this?
  • hadzickihadzicki Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2000 MPV with 60K. The alternator went bad. Wondering if anyone had one replaced and how much it cost. Would you recommend going to the dealer or somewhere else for this repair?
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    We had put maybe 600 miles on it before the hard shift started up again. While it has been cold, not freezing it happens almost every time we drive it now. This makes me think there is something they missed or gave us the wrong flash. We'll find out today.
    I dropped it off this morning and was able to read the bulletin from Mazda but wasn't allowed to get a copy, yet.
    It listed the procedure of re programming the tranny. I wasn't able to commit to memory every step but I did recall part of the procedure after the flash was performed.
    It mentions allowing the tranny to shift at least 6 times under light, medium and heavy exceleration along with a few other steps. Anyone have any idea why the tranny has to "learn" the shift pattern? If properly controlled the software should already know when to shift.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    And it is coming from the service center that is checking our 2004 MPV (built Sept 2003) that had the tranny re programmed 3 weeks ago.

    They called and told me that it definitely has a problem even after performing the update again and will be supplying a rental until they have discussed the matter with Mazda.

    He also told me that he "thinks" this re program was only a temporary fix anyway and that Mazda would most likely have a major fix where the TCM is replaced. This should exactly like the Acura TL debacle we went through 6 months ago.

    I'm calling Mazda to discuss this issue directly with them maybe it'll let them know their credibility will take a hit just like Honda/Acura did with the tranny issues.

    And for those who always post that users in forums only post to whine about problems, what would others do when major corporations don't inform their customers about widley known problems? I'll be glad to post good information when it becomes available but at the moment this is all I will be posting!

    So there you go, the bad news. Hopefully it'll be just our van and those of you who have had the service will continue to enjoy trouble free ownership as your supposed to.

    Make sure your documentation is in order.

    Dano
  • asa0526asa0526 Member Posts: 26
    My 2002 MPV (36K miles) is vibrating when engine is idling at Neutral and Park. Engine is fine at Drive.
    I have always used Shell gas - and Mobile 1.
    It's too early to change the plugs since the recommendation for platinum factory plugs is to change at 100K.

    What could be causing this ?
    Does anyone experience or has experienced the same problem?
    What is the probable cause of this ?
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    Sounds like either low idle speed or lean idle mixture. Does the tach rpm drop when transmission shifted into neutral or park? Either or these can be caused by such things as throttle position sensors (well known for failure), MAP sensors, or oxygen sensors. All are engine component or computer repairs, not shade tree mechanic skills and not solved by changing brands of gas unless you've got a lot of water in your fuel. Go to a auto parts store and have them check and read your diagnostic computer codes first. Nothing like being an informed consumer when taking your van in for service.
  • owr084owr084 Member Posts: 46
    Are you sure it is th eengine vibrating and not something else? Where do you feel the vibration - through the floorpan or steering wheel? Is it consistent (i.e., it starts when you turn on the engine or does it stop and start?

    The reason why I ask is that it could be one of the cooling fans on the radiator could be out of balance. The vibration can then be felt in the cabin. But, since it is thermostatically controlled, it cycles on and off. It is most pronounced in the conditions you mentioned since that is when the fan(s) normally come on...

    RBB
  • asa0526asa0526 Member Posts: 26
    My problem is only when at Neutral or Park.
    The idling is very rough ... almost shuddering but the drop in RPM in the tach is small --- but is still present.
    So I dont think this is the fan.
    This happens regardless if the engine is warmed up or cold. The engine is OK if in the Drive position so right now, I keep it at D for the most part.

    Do auto-parts store check the computer codes?
    I never thought Kraggen does this... do they charge for this ?

    Is this something that is covered by Mazda under their warranty program (van is still very much under 3 years and 50,000 miles) ?

    Thanks.
  • asa0526asa0526 Member Posts: 26
    On my 2002 MPV (36K miles), I experience a hard shift - only during initial start - moving from Park to Reverse or Park to Drive. This happens more often when the engine is cold.
    Is this normal ?
    Should I be worried ?
    I am bringing my MPV for warranty check up due to the very rough idling at N or Park (almost a shuddering). I think it's the air valve or something similar - as I am not sure of what to call this part.

    Thanks.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Several chains in my area check OBDII codes for free (AutoZone for one that I can think of off-hand). They hope that if something like an O2 sensor throws a code, you'll buy the part there.

    I don't know if the tranny codes get read somewhere else than the OBDII connection though?

    Steve, Host
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    With so much freaking misinformation being given by service departments its a wonder anyone ever gets their vehicle fixed.

    The official word from the service person is that the code they used over three weeks ago given to them by Mazda was the incorrect version. Since I did not get anything stating the actual version I cannot compare the two updates which really frustrates me to no end. I did speak with the Service manager and was able to get a fax with all but steps 1-10 on how the re program is performed. It does list the road test procedure and offers a explanation on the adaptive learning process.

    A call to Mazda will follow to open dialogue with them on a warranty extension as well as their official explanation as to dealers not getting the correct information in a timely manner.

    Only time will tell if this service proved beneficial and I'll keep posting any updates as they are available.
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    I guess in a sense we can call that good news!

    Steve.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    You're correct. I hope this spells the end of the trouble and we can all enjoy/use the MPV as we should.

    Mazda told me today that the latest update was made available on 1/26/04 and my service was on 1/24/04 which can only mean the service department didn't contact Mazda as they should and said they did. There was no record of contact around that time frame.
    I'm a techie and I never get the luxury of making these mistakes. It really shows how a break in communication can exacerbate a problem.
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    My reflash was on 1/19 and a bunch of people reported having it done that week. And my dealer actually called me on 1/16 to say they'd got the fix from Mazda.

    So this gets curiouser and curiouser.

    Steve.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    This is interesting news indeed. Why would any of these contacts want to mislead customers? Who really knows when it was available or if we'll ever find out.
    I checked the paperwork for both service visits and the tranny section list the exact same description even with the same tech performing the work. The only thing I don't have, and this is subject to misinformation, is the version information from the first re program. I do have the second, hand written on the document listing steps 11-14 of the procedure.

    Does anyone else have any information listed on the service record or otherwise we might be able to cross reference for verification? Check your service receipt and see if it lists Update TSB 05/011/02 to Update TCM. The first lists the TSB as 05-011/02 and is the only difference that I show.
  • asa0526asa0526 Member Posts: 26
    Here's the update on my MPV. The service department said it was a faulty air intake valve (they used a more technical term). It was the valve that controls/regulates air into the combustion chamber.
    It seems not enough air is getting into the chamber - thus the rough idling at Park, N --- and in some cases during Drive not unless I step on the gas.
    I should get my MPV by tomorrow - they said it will only take 2 1/2 hours to replace the part. I did get a loaner from the rental car agency ... unfortunately, I did not get a Mazda3 --- all they had were Hyundais and Dodge Neons.
    Thinking about buying an extended warranty now ... I think I will go for one that covers the transmission - although my shifting is butter smooth right now.
  • nd4speed35nd4speed35 Member Posts: 2
    THIS MESSAGE IS FOR PIGPT,WHICH LONG ISLAND DEALERSHIP HAS THE FIX FOR THE 2-3 UPSHIFT BECAUSE I'M DEALING WITH MAZDA OF GREATNECK AND I KEEP CALLING BUT ALL I GET IS THAT THEY DID NOT RECEIVED THE LATEST FEFLASH FROM MAZDA YET.
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    My invoice from 1/19 says:

    XX431XRX SB 05-011/02 MIL AND O/D OFF OR DTC
         P0757
             20 WMO

    Which seems to match your first reflash. But the numbers on your reflashes are really the same, aren't they? It's just the formatting that changes. You'd think if Mazda had come out with a second version of the fix that they'd change the bulletin number.

    Me, I'm just gonna wait and see what happens.

    Steve.
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    Looking at the "other" site, I see that there's a TSB 05-011/02 which dates back to 2002. The description matches what's on my invoice but is nothing to do with the hard upshift. However, it does involve reflashing the TCM, and it's the "last" TSB that mentions a reflash, so maybe the dealers just use it as a placeholder for the new TCM code.

    Yeah, when I look at the "old" NOTICE No: MT000003925 which describes the 2-3 flare, it tells the dealer to use 05-011/02 for TCM re-flash *procedure*.

    So the key is to know which code got used and that info doesn't seem to be available.

    Steve.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    That would make sense that the procedure or bulletin would remain the same but the actually version of the code would be different. It should be listed somewhere so we/they can keep a history of which versions have been flashed. I do have the most recent version written down given to me by the Service Manager.
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    My reflash reads:
    XX431XRX 6X/9W .7 PNMC AJ51-18-9E1 TYPE A
    XX474XRX 64/94 .50 PNMC FP01-19-444 QTY 0
    REFLASH PCM AND ADJUST RANGE SENSOR

    Some of the numbers you were mentioning are there, but what's the PCM and what's with the range sensor adjustment? My reflash was performed on 2/02/04. Is this the old or new reflash or does anybody know?
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    I'll check when I get home tonight.
  • alexv1nalexv1n Member Posts: 248
    XX474XRX is the operation number for range selector adjustment (TSB 05-006/03). Other numbers are: 64 = Symptom code; 94 = Damage Code; .50 = half an hour labor time; FP01-19-444 Part number main cause; 0 = Replacement part quantity.

    Same goes for the other work order (TSB 05-011/02R).
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    Can you tell from the work order codes if I got the new reflash or the old and is range sensor adjustment part of the new flash or just an unrelated problem that needed repair.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    I checked my receipt and there isn't any information similar to yours. I do have a blurb on the re program procedure page that lists the Warranty Claim Info. It is as follows:

    Warranty Type: A
    Symptom Code: 26
    Damage Code: 9J
    Part number Main Cause: AJ51-18-9E1* (the star denotes the calibration letter BEFORE reflash.
    (ie letter on TCM J, K, M, etc) see above
    Quantity: 0
    Operation Number/Labor hours: XX531XRX/0.7hrs

    The service manager hand wrote this file name that was used, FHEAF46.XHO. If anyone can get the file version or name from the servicing dealer we could check them against each other.
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    Tranny is still smooth as silk in snowy 20 degree temps. All the characteristics of hard shifting are gone....in the parking ramps, etc.

    Fingers are crossed; my fix was on 2/6.
  • bigdadibigdadi Member Posts: 72
    It is the TCM (Tranny Control Module) not working well with PCM (Powertrain Control Module). It is called "Shift Flare"

    I think the job is remove the TCM under passenger side dash & downloading a new program.

    That's what I saw from www.Mazdaworld.org forum
  • pjgptpjgpt Member Posts: 15
    I'm taking my MPV in tomorrow to Country Mazda in Huntington. I can't give you further info (phone #) or the message will be deleted again.

    Good Luck
  • rumor24rumor24 Member Posts: 74
    Temps here are in the 30's, drove the daylights out of the van, and yet no hiccup. I think the fix worked this time, for me at least. I still get lots of compliments on the vehicle for the looks. I have received 4 surveys in the mail in the last 2 weeks and I hate to say it but I will boast about the dealer, rave about their service, but as far as Mazda goes, they got the thumbs down on this one. However, my dealer mechanic tells me I am supposed to get the extended warrentee but the paperwork has not come in from mazda yet. He does not know anymore than that until the paperwork comes in. Lets see how fast mazda is with that, if they do well, I will give them good marks, if not then I tell it like it is. I will be sending in all the surveys next week. I know the major corps do take notice of these, they even send $1.00 as an incentive for you to fill them out. Lets see if Mazda makes it right.
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    Well its been 12 days since my reflash and still smooth as butter. Still can't tell from the workorder if I got a reflash for hard shift or shift flare, but it seems to work. This week I did get my second bottle of touchup paint. Pretty neat it came in the steering wheel shaped box. The first in plain envelope. No phone calls of apology yet, no extended warranty, or gift certificates for tropical crusies either. Maybe if I call Mazda USA and whine a little.
  • bry7bry7 Member Posts: 1
    Hello, I am new here. I am very happy with my 2003 mpv lx. The only problem is I did not get the dvd player installed because I had a portable one. While it works fine in my 95 Taurus wgn it shuts off after 2-3 minutes and resets in my mpv. My wife took it in for an oil change and had them check it but they said the lighter is working fine. Has anyone else run into this problem? Any input would be appreciated.
  • oldmedicoldmedic Member Posts: 78
    Sounds like one of two things either your lighter is wired to the interior lighting circuit that has a built in timer to prevent battery rundown or there's a weak circuit breaker that is tripping and resetting. Does this happen while driving or just setting in the driveway with the engine off. Check the lighter circuit at the fuse block to see what its connected to. I've never heard of a timed out lighter circuit.
  • bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    There is a TSB on the lighter concerning using the wrong size adaptor.
    I posted the Mazda TSB link but Edmunds kicked it off saying "..you can't post links per agreement when you signed up".
    Huh?? Steve?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You linked to a competing auto forum. That drives our bean counters nuts - no free ads! We have TSB summaries in the Edmunds Maintenance Guide.

    Chat Reminder

    Mazda chat starts in about 2.5 hours. Link's on the left.

    Steve, Host
  • vickie26vickie26 Member Posts: 7
    Left my van at the dealer yesterday for the updated flash and picked it up this afternoon. After all the drain bamage I received at the Riverside Mazda dealer the corporate office had me take the an to Norco for the flash. It was amazing never once did I hear the words "we cannot duplicate the problem so we can't fix it." No hassles - no test drive just a man under the hood of my car with his little computer fixing the van. So far so good I felt a couple of times where I could have had a hard shift but it slipped nicely into 3rd gear. I guess we'll see if this works. I wrote a nice long letter to Mazda regarding all the problems I've been having with the Riverside dealer. I'm sending it certified mail. We'll see what happens.
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    Is that Riverside, CA? If so, is Mazda and such still owned by Quaid? When I lived in Riverside (87-92) they were terrible.
  • alexv1nalexv1n Member Posts: 248
    Too bad that the Edmund's Maintenance guide lists two word summaries of only 45 TSBs for 2000 MPV and the "competing site" has 65 and all the details with pictures, etc.

    It doesn't seem to me that disallowing access to valid and complete information serves the best interest of Edmunds users.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    We got taken advantage of too badly back in the days when we were more flexible allowing links.

    Alldata has full text and lots of libraries subscribe to the service (mine does). Most dealers will give you a copy if you ask the service manager nicely.

    For those not familiar with TSBs, it's considered a better practice not to demand that your dealer to perform a TSB, but just describe the problem:

    You, Your Vehicle and the Technical Service Bulletin

    Steve, Host
  • alexv1nalexv1n Member Posts: 248
    From my personal experiences, Alldata sucks. I have subscribed for a year in hopes of getting full TSB information. I have paid 25 bucks and discovered that they had only 4 TSBs for 2000 MPV. I waited and waited for their "updates several times a year" and by the time my subscription expired, they haven't updated it once. I tried to contact them through email but all I received was an automated reply saying that they update their site regularly, so "stay tuned".

    Even now, several years later they list only 37 TSBs for 2000 MPV even though there are at least 65... That's definitely not the service I would suggest anyone to subscribe to...
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