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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions
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Comments
Regarding the question about the bumper reinforcement bracket campaign, I'd say if you don't know if you should be included in the campaign, call Mazda's toll-free customer service number and ask. They have been most friendly to any of my crazy inquiries so far. I received a notice recently from my dealer saying that I needed the update (Mfg date 5/99, purch date 8/99), so I took the van in and had the brackets replaced during an LOF stop. Total down time was less than an hour, good bagels too.
--Java
Drew
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Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
To find out if your MPV needs to have the bumper fixed just call your service rep. and provide him/her with your VIN# and they'll let you know.
I haven't posted in awhile. Purchased fully loaded LX in June, 2000. Had no complaints! Absolutely loved my MPG. However, after 7 months and 5000 miles, I have noticed some significant problems. The tires seem to be losing air regularly. Now the transmission appears to be acting up. My husband said it appears to be downshifting while driving at various speeds. I have noticed a significant drop in gas mileage. Occasionally when applying the brakes, a loud thump is heard. I scheduled an appointment next week with the dealer. I love my MPV, and up until this time, have had no problems. Anyone else experiencing similar problems?
We've had our van at the dealer's for a week and they are still "investigating" whether the seat belt buckles can be replaced, etc... (This after Mazda's first answer to us: you cannot install child seats in the 2nd row of the 2000 MPV -- all child seats can be installed only in the rear!)
This seat belt issue is a major safety issue (and should be a recall on Mazda's part to correct the problem). I also think Mazda needs to replace the seat belt buckles at their expense. Any help that anyone can provide about resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
I came across a dealer who said he is willing to get me Mazda 2000 MPG with 0 % financing for 48 months. The dealer is trying hard to get me one vehicle, it looks like there are only few 2000 models with ) % financing or is there any catch? This is my first new mini van. Any suggestions? Did any one buy 200 mini van with 0% financing?
Raman
My MPV is 1 year old with 18,000 highway miles (this is my 4th Mazda in a row). Its been wonderful (no pulling/noises/tire problems/vibrations), however the engine gradually got louder (valve noises/sloppy sounding). There is no loss in power or mileage, but now I could hear my wife coming home from a block away. I've even been asked, "what kind of a diesel is in that van?"
The tech at the Mazda garage has the engine apart and ordered new timing chains and tensioners. It will take 10 days total to get my van back. Meanwhile, I called the Mazda Customer Service people and they and the dealership arranged for a rental in the meantime (they didn't have to do this).
This van has had the oil (Castrol GTX 5W-30) and filter (Fram) changed every 2500 miles and was never abused. I personally did all the work myself because I don't trust anyone else.
I'll let you know how the repair works. In the meantime, keep an ear open for strange noises coming from your Duratec V6.
We are in the looking to buy a mini van in the near future, we are considering the Mazda MPV or the Honda Oddy..
Although we are inclined towards the Mazda MPV due to the great combinations of features, styling & pricing. We have many reservations with respect to the reliability/durability of the Ford Duratec engine & transmission (found also on the Contour, Mystique, Cougar).
If you have more than 20,000 miles (or more) on your MPV or experienced engine/trans. Problems, Could you share your experiences with us?
Thanks in advanced!
The transmission is Mazda's GF4A-EL, also seen in the base Millenia and the occasional 626.
This is a Ford designed engine. Any Mazda sales person who tells you otherwise is lying to you because he fears your dislike of domestic engines.
The engine was designed for the CDW-27 platform by Ford. The cars we've seen from that platform are in order, the Ford Mondeo (Europe only), the Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique, and the Mercury Cougar. (Yup, the Cougar is essentially a two door Contour, he he.)
The engine was designed using a process developed by Cosworth, (Pretty famous in racing circles) to cast in the cylinder sleve liners into the aluminum block.
The version of the Duratec used in the SVT was on Wards Automotives 10 best engines list for 1998 and 1999, producing 80hp/litre.
We have members at www.contour.org that have 150K on the Duratec, without much drama.
Things to watch for:
1. Choice of oil filter. I noticed an earlier poster here had trouble with timing chain tensioners and mentioned using Fram oil filters. If you look at the Ford/Motorcraft FL-820S, you will notice a silicon anti-drainback valve. The Fram filter does not have this. So, if you use a filter that doesn't have this valve, you will notice some valvetrain noise at startup. It usualy doesn't continue, but can be avoided with a good quality filter.
2. Water pump. Early duratecs (1994-1997???) have plastic impellers in the waterpump that would crack and become ineffective. (Wouldn't pump any more.) It seems there are some metal impellers available as replacement parts. Also, the newer water pumps appear to have a different plastic, so they may not be a problem.
If you are really worried, change your pump at 60K miles. It is actually pretty easy to do.
3. Some reports of oil starvation and engine failure. Remember, these are the Contour drivers who are taking 30MPH exit ramps at 70+ MPH. It seems that under very spirited driving, you can cause the oil pump pickup to no longer be submerged in oil. Do that long enough and you have metal on metal, which is a very bad thing. However, it is unlikely that you can toss your van around the way a Contour/Mystique or Cougar can on a track or long sweeping Right Hand Exit.
Keep your eyes on the Supercharger kit Vortech just released for the 2.5L Duratec. That will be the ultimate test of reliability.
Cheers,
TB
I am about to buy a 2000 MPV, but have read with dismay some problems with child safety seats. I am buying this so my 2 children can sit in the second row-both need car seats/boosters. Please update me on any problems and how they were resolved. Thank you.
It sounds like maybe your chain tensioner failed, which is rare, but not unheard of for any car manufacturer. This would not be an oil issue, since the chains don't slosh through the oil pan.
The 2.5 duratech should be a pretty bullet proof workhorse for our needs. It takes a lot of abuse in the CDW-27 cars on and off the track and comes back for more. I'm not a huge fan of domestic products, but having known that Cossie was involved in the development of the motor is always been a confidence booster.
Let us know how things turn out for your MPV. It's good to know that the service dept. at your dealership is taking care of you.
--java
First of all, I can not believe that Mazda told someome that you can not use child seats in the second row since that is where they have the tether anchors! We have our seat installed in the second row captains chair on the driver's side with the tether anchor. (Mazda installed this for free, the part cost $7 and looks fantastic. It has a nice cover when not in use and matches the interior. The floor mats also have a pre-cut area for where the anchor is located).
I have posted this information before but it seems like there are some more people who need the info. We currently use a Fisher Price Safe Embrace convertible seat in the forward facing mode. It was extremely easy to install. However, it was not as easy when we had it rear-facing but a tech at a child seat clinic did it with no problem. We were advised to use some shelf liner to keep the seat from sliding on the leather seats. I know that others use the Safe Embrace that post on this board and also have good fits. The seat doesn't move! We also tried the Maxi Cosi Priori and it also was easy to install and fit great. (The Maxi Cosi is a forward facing only seat for babies from 1 year and 20 pounds up to 40. The Safe Embrace is a convertible that rear faces up to 30 pounds and forward to 40).
When she was an infant we used the Century Smart Fit infant carrier seat with the base. I found this seat also fit very well but had to use a piece of a pool noodle to get a good angle (this is approved by the safety experts by the way and passed a check also).
Yes, the seats belts can cause problems with some car seats but there are also some car seats that are notoriously hard to fit in many cars (the Century Smart Move and the Century Breverra booster seats are ones I am well acquainted with). I had the Breverra booster with a previous car and have heard that techs really complain about their fit (or lack of) when using the harness but they fit better as a belt positioning booster.. So, my point is that there are seats that work and you might just have to try them out first (Toys R Us will let you do this by the way). Toys R Us sells the Safe Embrace and it is a great seat that is highly recommended. Also, a great source of information is the ParentsPlace.com car seat discussion board that includes a link to a database with info on what seats fit in what cars (and which ones don't).
I just looked up booster seats in the database and the following are recommended as good fits:Cosco high back booster, the Graco Cherished Cargo and the Century Breverra Contour when used as a belt positioning booster. Someome reported that the Century Next Step booster was NOT a good fit at all.
Please don't despair that you can't fit a child seat well in this van - it might take a different seat but it is possible. I am adamant about installing a seat so that it doesn't move and feel very comfortable with this van.
On your recommendation I ran out and picked up a complete set of Bosch Microedge wipers (not refills) for my '00 MPV ES. While it was quick and easy to replace the liftback's 16" wiper (I used the replacement's adapter that was already mounted, I hope that was correct), replacing the 24" front wipers is another story. I believe I have the correct adapter mounted on the wiper assembly, but I cannot get it to snap onto the MPV's wiper arm. [Apparently others have had some problem with that same adapter type since I have encountered broken ones in two separate packages that I inadvertently purchased from an allegedly unsuspecting store.]
Any advice on the proper technique for mounting the replacement Bosch Microedge wiper assemblies without breaking the adapter would be appreciated. [When I asked a Pep Boys' employee for assistance, he replied that he had no experience with Bosch wipers, and that he only uses Trico because then he doesn't have to deal with adapters.]
Thanks in advance for any insight.
Am picking up a set for Rolf (the Volvo in my stable) tonight since the wipers on it are shot and I'm driving in rain/snow/hail slop this week, yuck. So I'll figure out the exact procedure and post it for you.
--java
I found out what one of the problems I had with mounting the Bosch wiper assembly was--I was trying to use the wrong adapter; it which was too deep [thick] to fit in the hook of the wiper arm. But what made me choose that adapter was, from the instruction diagram I thought the other adapter was only for Mercedes Benz; besides, it looked so strange and unlike any wiper adapter I had ever seen before. In fact, it took a friend and me together to figure out how to work that adapter. And his father used to work for NAPA auto parts!
I can't believe you and Drew thought installation was such a snap. I may have to remove and reinstall that adapter on a weekly basis so I don't forget how it works, for the next time I need to install new wiper blades again.
j/k...Glad you got it all sorted out. I hadn't had a chance to check the wipers yet and get back to you, the router on the home network was being a pill.
--java
The WIX # is 51372 - check your local parts store. I believe the Parts Plus stores carry Wix.
drrocket, I did find installation easy for a Grand Voyager. I don't drive a Mazda MPV :-) Actually, I found installation easy for the driver's side of the Voyager. I got the old blade out and the new blade on in under 1 minute. The passenger's side wiper was another matter entirely. The little hook like curve at the end of the wiper arm was bent too far (don't know how since we've been the only owners of this van) and I had a heck of a time getting it out.
On another note, be sure to scrape off all of the ice before wiping your windshield. My van was left overnight outdoors at the Chrysler dealership after a service and the next morning a 1-2 centimeter layer of ice had formed on the windshield. The wiper switch was left in the on position and when I started the van to warm it up, the wipers turned on (they actually got stuck after moving 1/2 inch; not good for the motor!) and ran over of the ice. Since then, I've had some inconsistency (albeit not much, but enough to a irritate a picky car nut like me) as to how well the blade works in some small spots. I believe the ice may have prematurely worn a couple of small 0.5-1 centimetre sections of the blade. Looks like I'll have to soon spring for another blade for the driver's side; the passenger side is still okay.
Drew
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Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
So you are either accustomed to using that wacky 2-piece Bosch adapter because you have experience using it on your Benz, or your Grand Voyager accepts the one piece Bosch adapter that appears slightly more logical (or should I say less illogical?), but is more fragile (the one that people prior to me have broken but managed to return for resale to be purchased by hapless people like me).
In any event, Bosch needs to have more detailed diagrams to facilitate installation. I sure hope the quality of the Microedge wipers warrants all the time I spent trying install them. BTW, I couldn't help but notice that Consumer Reports rated the Anco wiper blades highest in that same review you and javadoc cited. What do you know about them?
Regards, and thanks for sharing in my wiper blade trials and tribulations.
--java
FYI, there is a 7 passenger seating package that adds 2 full-sized (removable or fold down/fold to the sides) 3rd row seats with 3 point seatbelts and full head restraints, as well as power pop-out quarter windows.
You may find the ML320's V6 engine more than adequate for your needs. The ML430's V8 engine only truly shows its longer "legs" at higher highway speeds, and for extended hill climbing. Around town and even off the line (due to the ML430's lower rear axle ratio vs. the ML320's), both V6 and V8 MLs feel quite similar.
If you would like to discuss this vehicle further, please join me and other M-class owners in the MB M-class topic. Or you may contact me off the list if you wish. :-)
No, I don't know much about the Anco blades and I couldn't find them anyway. I've seen German test reports comparing the Bosch blades to other ones and they impressed me enough to win me over. It's not like the Bosch blades are terribly pricey either (this really surprised me).
Drew
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Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
For the ones who had done it, do I just need a cap or do I need something else?
Thanks.
After hand tightening the filter, and restoring the heat shield, and 4000 miles, the next oil change was much easier to remove using my hands only, no tools.
Cheers,
TB
Oil change. I haven't done one yet but my dealer has been sending me coupons to change the oil at $20 per change. That's what I have been doing. Sounds like money well spent.
1. We live in a rural area and often have to pass on two lane,somewhat winding roads. Our current car (Subaru Outback wagon) has good power in this situation. If I have an MPV, am I going to have to give up on passing in somewhat tight situations? Are there folks out there who were worried about this issue before they bought the van and how do they feel about it now? I realize we may just have to be more patient about passing, but it is hard to gauge from our test drive situations since they are on a 4 lane highway and it is a bit different from "real life" passing situations where you start to sweat a little.
2. FYI-I called Mazda today and spoke to someone in customer service. She told the that the pulling to the left problem and the shaking at high speeds problems were both corrected on the 2000 model early in the model year, but it seemed to me that some folks were having these problems with 2001 model year. Is that right?
3. Also FYI, she said that model year 2002 will be out soon, and that model year 2003 will be the first one to have a more powerful engine--no specs announced as of yet but she said it will still be a Ford engine. She said that model year 2003 may be available as early as next spring, though this seems strange to me since fall is the usual time.
and finally 4. THANKS for all your help in advance because even if I don't get any responses to this message, these discussion boards and your contributions have already been really helpful.
I'll calm down now and sign off....
Wendy
The transmission is, well, it could maybe improved upon in the smoothness category. I've replaced the OEM tranny fluid with synthetic, and I have to say, the shifts are "like butta" when you're driving normally, and crisp and right-on when you hoof it around.
Sorry to hear about your unhappiness with your van. It's not for everyone.
--java
Now the MPV engine is a smaller displacement, lower torque powerplant. So, it just starts coming on at 3000+ RPMs and pulls hard to it's redline.
Now in my experience, the engine does much better in the 50-70 passing move than it does in the 0-60.
So don't be afraid to get those revs up there. This engine ain't no lump of iron.
TB
Cheers,
TB
I own both a Sienna (2000) & an MPV (2001). I don't see much (if any) difference between the two engines except the noise from the MPV is louder during acceleration while the Sienna is quieter. The Sienna does not have an RPM gauge (CE) so I can't see the revs between shifts etc., but, acceleration seems equal. I wonder if noise from the MPV is giving a lot of people the perceived notion of underpower? Both vans get 20 - 22 MPG - and the MPV is fun to drive.
Just a thought....
designed the interior insulation to let a little engine in, as not to completely isolate the driver from the "driving experience" of the MPV.
(A little Zoom-Zoom.)
If you need a little more pickup, after about 3,000 miles replace you engine oil with some Castrol Syntec 5w-50. (Always use the Mazda oil filter though.) The synthetic oil does wonders for that throttle response most people are looking for.
If you can't find a Mazda or Ford (FL-820S) then the Purolator PureOne is a good filter as well. The Ford/Motorcraft filter is essentially a Purolator nearly PureOne filter.
TB
now back to shoveling the driveway...
--java
Javadoc, didn't you win some sort of friendly bet with your service manager about the filters?
TB
1. Get them at many convenient parts stores.
2. Also made by Purolator
3. They work just as well on the Duratec in my SVT Contour, so I can keep a few on hand, especially when I catch them on sale
TB
That friendly wager netted me a lifetime oil change from the dealer. I've since switched to Redline oil (synth), my old fav, but the service dept. is "cheerily" supplying the filters, and I supply the oil...they do the labor, which is what I really like.
I too will be sticking to the OEM filters.
--javadoc