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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

4469 messages,  Last post on Oct 27, 2006 at 9:04 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MPV, Van

Messages Page 235 of 447

#2340 of 4469 Bad Smell by mazda_guy

Oct 26, 2002 (9:24 am)

I think this is a problem with MPV and not with the gas. On my ES 02 I was having the same problem with bad smell like other owners. Initially, (first 600 miles) was really bad. Then it went away. Now, I made almost 10,000 miles and I used all kind of gas in US and Canada. Sunoco seems to be the best. But, nevertheless, from time to time I can get a sniff of HS2 but never inside the van anymore. I have to emphasize that I use the same gas on my 2001, Acura TL. I used the same gas on 1999 VW Passat and I have never experienced H2S wonderful scent. Mazda engineers should design their cars so they run fine on most fuels not just selected ones.

Overall the van is excellent. Superior handling, comfort, and performance. Only problem so far I have had is leaking fog light - replaced under warranty.
 
MB

#2341 of 4469 bad smell mystery by bsvoller

Oct 26, 2002 (1:20 pm)

I wonder if the answer to this mystery doesn't lie in the emissions system - and the solution Mazda took with the Ford Duratec to reach their power goals and still make the emission standards. (As I understand it, Mazda modified the intake and exhaust systems to make more power sooner than Ford's version does.)
 
It does seem odd that so many folks have this problem, and that very few have encountered it on previously owned vehicles.
 
It's clearly an intermittent problem for most, once the initial break period is over. This leads me to wonder if specific environmental factors (air temp, humidity, air pressure, driving style at the moment, what-do-I-know...), in conjuction with certain gasoline/additive mixtures don't combine to produce noticeably higher amounts of H2S, at least momentarily.
 
Is H2S one of the compounds targeted by emissions standards ? Could this be considered a temporary breakdown of the emissions system ? Or is it actually a "desirable" result from the standpoint of emissions (i.e. the H2S is produced when something worse gets broken down) ?
 
-brianV

#2342 of 4469 caniel by auerbach

Oct 28, 2002 (7:36 am)

Thanks for responding.
 
I have an appointment with a dealer (not the one I purchased from, a new Mazda dealer much closer to home) this Thursday. If you can remember anything before then, please post.
 
Right now I'm going in saying it's a humming noise coming from the front usually occurring within 10 minutes after a cold morning start.
 
I hope they can find it the first time.
 
I'm also due for an oil change and have a free oil change coupon for the same dealership, but I'm not going to ask them to change the oil. Just want them to concentrate on the noise.
 
Mike

#2343 of 4469 Bad smell solution ? by gampa

Oct 29, 2002 (4:04 pm)

I wonder if the sulfer smell has to do with the catalytic converter... several years ago... in the 70's... when Chevrolet came out with the Chevette... I once drove in a car that had the same, similiar smell... I am curious if this could be the problem?
 
Gampa.

#2344 of 4469 Sulfur Smell, LOL by tboner

Oct 29, 2002 (4:07 pm)

I realized why it might not bother me.
 
I drink copious quantities of Barium Sulfate for my semi-annual CT scans.
 
My emissions might not be pleasing in an olfactory fashion for a few hours after these scans.
 
TB
King of TMI

#2345 of 4469 Front noise solution! by caniel

Oct 30, 2002 (12:20 pm)

Regarding the "humming/buzzing" noise that occurs intermittenly when engine is cold and most often while braking - I called the dealer to find out what part it was they replaced for us. It is called the "idle air control valve." It was a very simple fix and war repaired under warranty. I don't have any idea of its cost, for those out of warranty. Good luck!

#2346 of 4469 Caniel by auerbach

Oct 30, 2002 (12:36 pm)

Thanks for the tip, and just in time. Dropping the MPV off tonight. Will post as soon as I know what is going on.
 
Thanks,
 
Mike

#2347 of 4469 Sulphur Smell... by bean3422

Oct 30, 2002 (12:53 pm)

Funny thing...I always and only use Amoco gas for all my vehicles. (Just an anal-retentive thing.) For the first 5000 miles, my 02 MPV never had the sulphur smell until I took a long trip. I tried to get Amoco gas at every stop, but I had to stop at an exit that did not have Amoco. I put Texico gas in there, and dang it all, within 20 minutes we started smelling the sulphur smell. I kicked myself for not trying to make it to the next exit. It was really bad for that tank of gas, but even though I went back to Amoco, and only put that in there, I still get a whiff of it every now and then.
 
I don't know if my story will help, but if you ever find a gas that works, don't switch. I will never regret buying the MPV...all of it's virtues far outshine the smell. But I thought I had avoided the Sulphur curse...

#2348 of 4469 anal-retentive by glideslopes

Oct 30, 2002 (2:42 pm)

bean,
 
I've been the same way with a certain fuel my entire driving life. I feel better after your post.
 
Mark. ; )

#2349 of 4469 RE: Sulphur Smell... by bean3422 by mazda_guy

Oct 30, 2002 (2:56 pm)

Bean, I also use Amoco and it works for me. In fact, BP (merged with Amoco) claims that its gas has the lowest content of sulfur on US market. I haven't tried BP yet but they building gas station just a mile from me. As soon as they open up I will give a try to BP. Nevertheless, IMHO it is Mazda's problem not the gas problem.
 
MB

Messages Page 235 of 447

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