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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions
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Anyway, the remote start we had installed (for those interested) is by DEI (Directed Electronics Inc.) and they make Viper car alarms. Very good systems, BTW. The unit we have will lock the doors when you turn the ignition on, and unlock when you turn it off. Also, it rolls up the windows when you lock/arm and will crack windows open if you use the remote start in warm weather. Hey, why doesn't my car have one of these?!?
Thanks Cyclerklm!
--javadoc
Side questions for this message board: is there a was to copy an individual message to another town hall conference so i don't have to re-type this in again to the MPV Cruisers II club??
Thanks..a newcomer
Cheers,
TB
You mentioned that you were considering seat covers. Remember however that if you get side airbags, they are built into the edge of the front seats. You cannot use a seat cover that would interfere with the airbags on the front seats.
You might be able to cover the cushions only, but not the seatbacks.
mazda actually replaced some front tie rods because of this. i'm not mechanically knowledgeable enough but maybe your tire problem was caused bye this.
click the "see all responses" on top and do a search on "tie rod" and also on popping sounds (maybe try "pop sound" or just "pop"). and when you have learned all you can call mazda on their 1-800 number and discuss it with them. based on previous posts here mazda seems reasonable in listening to customers complaints.
Moral: check your tires for wear and get the alignement checked before the warranty period expires.
I have never felt the van was sluggish as some auto writers have said & I'll let you know if I still feel that way when we get back from Colorado!
Thanks again!
You'd be essentially changing that circuit from "keyed" to constant, like your horn, dome light, head lights, etc. It's not terribly difficult, if you aren't skittish about monkeying with electricity (zap). It's only 12 volts though.
Let me know if you want a diagram...
--java (sshockkedd one too mmany tttimes, zzztt!)
When we first got our van it had a BAD alignment, took it back the same week for an alignment (no charge) and it still was not aligned. So I brought it back again and and they replaced both front tires (no charge), did an alignment and it fixed the problem. I have Yokohamas. I NEVER had vibrating problems though.
I also had the popping sound, it only happens when the van is warm and usually does it on turning, braking and accelerating. Dealer replaced the struts and outter tie-rods, with no success. So I called Mazda and complained, so brought it back in and the dealer said that the "Mazda Engineers" told them to replace the inner tie-rods and heck it worked! No more popping sounds. If ANYONE is getting this front-end popping sound, I would call Mazda Corp and complain, that is the only way for them to take serious action.
Other than these, no problems. Roswell Mazda in Rowell, GA is the BEST. Nothing but A+ service. When they found out I called Mazda Corp to complained (about the problem, not them) they practically laid down rose petals when I walked in the door the next time! They even rented a car for us while the van was there.
Gary
Cheers!
--java
Thanks for any help. Other than those problems, which are fairly minor in my opinion, van is great. It's been on vacation and it's extremely popular for carpool... A dream to drive.
Since you mentioned it, I just installed the step plate myself. $32 at my dealer. Don't know how much they'd charge for the install, since I took the 3 minutes to install it myself. Looks great.
I visited the dealer twice, and got nothing but cold shoulders. When asked about the bumper recall, the service writer said no such recall took place and never heard of it. I showed him a Yahoo printout concerning the recall, he dismissed it as internet information was not to be trusted. I was dumbfounded, as I saw the crash report on MSNBC.
Now an update on my pulling problems, first time they didn't bother to check alignment and only changed driver's side tire back to front (a waste of my time); second time after I insisted on an alignment check they said alignment was ok and told me to go to tire shop and if I ever went back with same problem they would charge me. OK! Then I just won't ever go back to you. Called Big-O and the guy said nowhere in the SF bay area any YOKO athorized tire dealer would do on the spot tire replacement, and I would have to pay for tires up front and they would then ship my defective tires back to YOKO to be checked out. Called Sears they said the same thing because tire manufacturer often don't reimburse their costs, but commented that the dealer should have taken care of the problem because they also sell tires now. However, called YOKO they said tire dealer should be able to do it in the store. What a run around! Now I understand why you left that SOB tire shop in a cloud of hot steam.
I am in the process of looking to buy a small sedans or small SUV for my wife, do like the Protege and Tribute, but will not buy a Mazda again because:
1) poor dealer service, I didn't even return the survey as if anybody would care;
2) hard to find parts as I read a post about the odd-size fuses and what the mechanic told me;
3) Ford took over Mazda and mess up the quality control and put in their own engine and defective tires (in my case)
If you don't agree, it's ok, maybe you get lucky with your van and dealer. As for me, when I have time, I will go to Big-O and demand my all four tires be exchanged because Ford blew up big on the SUV thing. Quilty by association, my own four tires probably won't fare any better and may one day blow up on the freeway and I'll be dead.
Vanmeister
The passenger side speaker on the door is making static sounds intermittently - annoying as hell.
I'll have my dealer replace that speaker, but I do find it strange that the same speaker on another car also crapped out after a couple of months of ownership. Go figure.
Dispatch1
When you take the van to the dealer, you might make sure it'd dry inside the door. If not, it'll happen again. I have not heard of this happening on the MPV, but maybe there's a gap where water can get in there. I dunno, just speculating.
Cheers!
--java
Take care.
A few drops of oil thrown on your exhaust manifold can just reek. Then it burns off, and maybe happens again when you take off (oil pressure builds) and a little more oil gets squirted on some hot part in the engine compartment. Did the dealer fix the oil leak? Does it maybe smell like someone was using a weed wacker or chainsaw? That would be a good oily smell, and might remind me of cut grass (not kidding).
Sounds like your dealer said, "take two aspirin, and call us in the morning." Trying a different gas would probably do nothing more than lighten your pocketbook.
Good luck on the probs.
--java
I've narrowed it down to an LX w/4Seasons & Security pkg. Anyone have experience w/o Rear AC in this neck of the woods?? (We haven't had it for the past 11 years w/ our 89 Voyager.)
Is Rear AC really worth the extra $512? A kid or 2 would probably sit in the middle & back seats. Any help would be appreciated. Am looking to buy after Sept 1. Thanks.
I have MPV LX (Silver) for 3 weeks now. In fact my friend noticed this and told me. On the rear wheel bay, there is a plastic lining on one side and not there on the other side. I could see the drilled holes and in fact it looks ugly. I am trying to explain with my limited knowledge. On the front wheel bay, I could see the full padding. Is it the same on all the MPVs? I dont know how to explain this better. If some one can understand this, please reply. Thanks in advance.
Sure enough, two-three weeks later there was no smell.
does smell awful. My wife and I didn't notice it
though, until we started using the AC at the
beginning of the summer. Once you turn the AC off
and switch the temp. to just "cool air" the smell
with begin in a few minutes (kind of a wet mold
smell). Maybe this is related to what Javadoc
called mold on the evaporator, but I don't know for sure.
Javadoc-- if this is what it is, is that smell
perfectly normal? And how long will it continue
like that? Thanks.
I will probably have time to take it in on Monday or Tuesday and see what they think about it. The main problem I seem to be having is that the static is intermittent, not constant, but there none the less.
Also, does the MPV come with road-side assistance and if so, what is that phone number?
Did the dealer give you an air freshener? That's rich. Maybe it's an air dryer spray, hmmmmm.
Todd48 - Condensation around the evaporator (that's up under your dash btw) can stick around and mold can result. The best way to avoid a musty smell is to run your vent fans for a few (up to 30) without the a/c on just before you shut off the van when you've been using a/c. This tidbit from my dealer, who seems psuedo-good.
Dispatch1 - I'm still voting on moisture for your speaker problem, but I'm willing to be wrong. Either way, your dealer should take care of their very valued customer such as yourself. Better than the toy my 15 month old just impailed one of my Polk home speakers with last night. That'll cost me some clams. Oh, and Ritz crackers don't work in Zip drives btw.
Cheers all!
--java
mass3: I too have smelled the similar smell that you describe. My thought is that it is probably some type of coating on the engine that will burn off in time. It does not smell like burning oil but does smell like "burning plastic". It is not a heavy odor and is imperceptible most of the time. But every now and then, usually when the air is running, the smell is noticeable. I plan to wait a couple more weeks to see if the smell persists. Keep us abreast of anything you find out from the dealer.
Edit: Just saw Java's post. Looks like the consensus is a new coating that will wear off over a period of time
Regards,
JB
By the way, I also have 190 watt system and I typically listen to music with a heavy bass line and sweet highs at a volume that may be a little louder than what you previously indicated. So I wouldn't expect that your speaker is blown as the speakers seem to be capable of handling the extra wattage. Hopefully, your dealer can find the problem.
Wish you the best.
JB
I think jb had a good idea of a short in a wire. Those are buggers to figure out. Worse, you take the van in and the problem doesn't present itself. A loose connection, IMHO, would either give you sound/no sound, but not really static. Do keeps the board informed, as we all want to know.
Cheers!
--java
I'm excited to say I'll be picking up my ES on 8/22
I've got the whole kiboodle of options including
the nlev emissions (included in the options of this
particular piece of inventory!) which leads me to
my question...what is it & is it an efficiancy
thing or "clean-air" thing? Why is it an option?
Just curious... Also, I have the 6cd changer.
Silly question, but is this the top stereo? It has
9 speakers right?
Thanks to everyone that can help.
BillG. :-}
Of course, you could just not turn...j/k
--javadoc
fluid spilled on the engine.(it has since gone away/burned off) I also had a vibration problem and I replaced my rims and had them balanced at a tire store.. I won't let Mazda mess with my wheels.. I no longer have a vibration problem..
I mentioned all this a long time ago in an earlier forum.. My van likes to go 70+ miles per hour.. I drive it from Florida to New Jersey every three months..
Thanks,
Jawa
Thanks,
Jawa
Also, thanks to this list, I finally (with some effort because it was forced in since it was not threaded correctly) took out my antenna and screwed it in, carefully and tightly. No more wind noise. Three visits to the dealer and one car rental (they paid) got me an explanation that MPVs ALL had a lot of wind noise and that mine did not leak water, therefore I had no problem and they were "sorry" the wind noise was concentrated on one side. And now it is gone!!!!
We have the Fisher Price Safe Embrace rear-facing and it works great. However, I had to take it to a child safety seat check and have them do it because I could not get it tight enough for my satisfaction. They also used part of a pool noodle to help get a good secure fit and correct angle. Another tip is to use shelf liner if you have leather seats to keep it from sliding (and protects the seats too I guess). I actually went to my Chrysler dealer who is participating in a free service called Fit For a Kid where they will schedule and appointment to check and install your child safety seat. It was great! We have it installed on the passenger side and it does interfere with the front passenger seat (it has to pushed way up and straight) but there is hardly ever anyone sitting there. Keeping my child rear-facing is the most important thing though and I will keep her that way until at least 12 months.
We too tried the Britax Roundabout rear-facing and the car seat techs could get it installled rock solid but it was a lot of work to do it so I decided to try the Safe Embrace. By the way, the Chrysler dealer also had a coupon for the Safe Embrace since Fisher Price is also a sponser.
We just had a tether bolt anchor installed for when we turn the seat around forward facing. It is really a neat deal and the dealer did it for free. The parts cost $7.40. They also installed my rear-bumper plate for free at the same time.
By the time I took my van in for the 5K check the rattle was very noticeable. The dealer figured out immediately that there was a "mechanical failure-roller to small" and they ordered and replaced my rear door roller assembly. They said the ball was smaller than the bearing it was in causing the annoying rattle. The fix was easy and quick and they did a great job keeping the van clean and I could not tell where the work was done.
Also, they replaced for free my cracked visor. The cover would not stay in the open position. Someone here was trying to order one for 80 something dollars but list price in FL was 49.30 and actual cost would have been 69.02.
Hope no one else ever has that annoying rattle!! It drove me crazy but Mazda did a great job fixing it!