Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3 Maintenance & Repair
4532 messages, Last post on Nov 16, 2009 at 2:06 PM
You are in the Mazda3 Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer
|
|
|---|---|
Note that the 7/10/08 sample included three track days. 
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: shipo (Mar 05, 2009 4:14 pm) I figured $25-30 for one extra oil change per year was not a big deal. Plus I got my first 3 changes for free and I am now expecting to get another free one in exchange for my kid test driving a mazda3. Also every oil change gets me a free car wash, as long as it is not too cold at the time. BTW, when my car was new I had emailed Mazda about this issue, I sent them these questions: Can you please clarify some of the terms and conditions that are used to describe conditions under which maintenace schedule 2 applies? What is considered short-distance driving? Why does driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used mean that a shorter oil change interval is required? What specific temperature range qualifies as "cold"? Their answer was: Since our office is not technically trained, I can only stand behind what our owners manual states. Short distance driving is many city stops. Cold weather, daily temperatures under 40 degrees has an influence on types of lubricants used. If you have any further questions regarding maintinance or terms and conditions, I have listed a Mazda dealership which there service department can help assist you. |
|
|
|
|
Another email exchange I had went like this: Me: Can you explain why there is such a big difference in maintenance schedules for the very same 2.3L engine depending on whether it is in the Mazda 6 or the Ford Fusion? According to Ford, my driving would be "normal" this would mean changing oil every 7500 miles. Even the Ford severe schedule is 6 months/5000 miles. Meanwhile with the Mazda6, I am told to follow schedule 2 which means a 4 month interval for oil changes. Mazda: I apologize for any confusion you have experienced. I cannot advise you on a Ford Schedule Maintenance Guide. However, I can advise that Mazda North American Operations strongly recommends following the guidelines presented to you in the Mazda6 owner's manual. These intervals were presented this way based on testing performed by Mazda engineers. |
|
|
I have a 2006 Mazda 3s. It has 42k with the 2.3 and a manual transmission. I use only Mobil 1 synthetic oil. You are quoting the manual for the service intervals. My manual only states using 5w-20. Is there a reason you are using 5w-30? Will the oil have any trouble with the tight tolerances? Thanks, Halser
|
|
|
Replying to: halser (Mar 06, 2009 11:58 am) In my case I'm running 0W-30 in my 2009 Mazda3 i Touring (with the 2.0 liter engine) 5-Speed, and like your 2.3, the physical engine block, crank, pistons, heads and valve assemblies are identical to the ones sold in European Mazdas, and those engines call for 5W-30. For the U.S. market, the reason 5W-20 is recommended has nothing what-so-ever to do with tight tolerances and everything to do with getting the best fuel economy numbers. Best regards, Shipo
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: shipo (Mar 06, 2009 12:17 pm) 
|
|
|
2004 with 53K miles Power steering unit decided to function intermittently last year. Now it is completely dead. The dealer wants an arm and a leg and my first born child to replace it. Has anyone else been through the diagnosis and replacement of this unit? Any tips? Do you have to reset the computer after replacement? THANKS!
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: drpr (Mar 10, 2009 3:31 pm) Have you checked the power steering fluid? Have you ever had it replaced? Do you see any leaks under the engine? Did the dealer quote a new unit or a replacement unit? I had to have mine replaced last year after I ran over a speed bump the wrong way and created a crack in the unit which slowly dripped out all the fluid. I had a replacement unit installed upon the dealer's recommendation at roughly 1/3 the cost of a new unit. Good luck!
|
|
|
Replying to: autonomous (Mar 11, 2009 3:19 pm) No leaks, Good levels, Not replaced since I bought the vehicle a year and a half ago. The dealer didn't think replacement fluid would have any effect. They quoted me on a new unit and indicated that was the only option. I will have to recheck that. Was yours a rebuilt? Anyone out there replaced the unit themselves? Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: drpr (Mar 11, 2009 4:00 pm) Yes. If memory serves, the factory unit was approximately C$2000 and the rebuilt was C$800 (Canadian $ is currently worth about U$.80). In addtion to the unit, you will need to have new power steering fluid and a wheel alignment.
|
|
You are here:
Forums
Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3 Maintenance & Repair
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 Mazda MAZDA3
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
