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Mazda3 Maintenance & Repair

4991 messages,  Last post on Jan 21, 2013 at 9:58 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Hatchback, Sedan

    
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Messages Page 496 of 500

#4949 of 4991 Dealership Maintenance by crowheart

Mar 08, 2011 (2:47 pm)

I just got back from having warranty work done on my 2009 Mazda 3 Hatch. They also told me I needed a Transmission flush(fluid burnt according to him),Engine flush (varnished) and injector service. This car only has 19,000 miles on it.
 
The owners manual doesn't even mention a trans fluid change out. An engine flush on a car with 19,000 miles? What the hell is varnished? What kind of injector service would I need?
 
Can someone please give me some advice? I really know next to nothing about cars.
 
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks...

#4950 of 4991 Re: Dealership Maintenance [crowheart] by shipo

Mar 08, 2011 (6:05 pm)

Replying to: crowheart (Mar 08, 2011 2:47 pm)
Tell them to pound sand; they're trying to fleece you. If you want piece of mind, find a good local indy mechanic and have him (or her) take a good look-see.
 
FWIW, you should never-ever need an engine flush (assuming you've followed the factory recommendations for oil changes) or injector service, and unless you beat the snot out of your transmission, the factory fill of synthetic transmission fluid should last (at the bare minimum) sixty to one-hundred thousand miles.

#4951 of 4991 Re: Dealership Maintenance [shipo] by crowheart

Mar 08, 2011 (7:42 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Mar 08, 2011 6:05 pm)
I feel like they are trying to rip me off. I did read on other Mazda 3 forums that the trans fluid is an issue on this car early on. I did check the fluid and it is not pink, the fluid is dark. I don't know what color the trans fluid should be at 19,000 miles though.
This is my wife's car and she is in her late 40's; there is no aggressive driving going on here. If the engine needs a flush at 19,000 miles I am going to sell the car. I can't believe they are trying to sell me 1,000 dollars worth of unnecessary garbage. Maybe the service adviser gets a commission.

#4952 of 4991 Re: Dealership Maintenance [crowheart] by shipo

Mar 08, 2011 (8:49 pm)

Replying to: crowheart (Mar 08, 2011 7:42 pm)
If you want to mess with them a bit, have them put their recommendations in writing, and then mention that you might go and visit your local BBB.

#4953 of 4991 Re: Dealership Maintenance [shipo] by crowheart

Mar 11, 2011 (7:32 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Mar 08, 2011 8:49 pm)
I actually went to an independent shop the fluid was dirty, but he used Valvoline MaxLife V-324 I am not sure if this is the correct trans fluid he put in there!

#4954 of 4991 Dealer is a rip off? by soundhealing

Sep 24, 2011 (4:18 pm)

My 07 3 sport has just failed emissions testing - good news is with 78K plus miles the catalytic converter is supposedly the issue and is covered until 80K. Yay!
 
However, when I took it to the dealer they said the front struts are leaking and they would charge me $165 for EA strut and with parts and labor, $702 to replace them.
 
They also say the trans oil pan is leaking and would cost $235 plus tax to fix.
 
Oh - and rear brake pads replaced - no estimate on that.
 
Last time I had the 60K maintenance done there plus some other things they came up with it was over $900. Frankly, I can't afford these maintenance costs and am going to get another estimate from an independent. Scary though because who knows if they know what they're doing?
 
I know nothing of car mechanics and always feel vulnerable to rip off. Any thoughts on whether these prices are outrageous? Any advice?

#4955 of 4991 Re: Dealer is a rip off? [soundhealing] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 24, 2011 (4:52 pm)

Replying to: soundhealing (Sep 24, 2011 4:18 pm)
All 4 struts leaking at once? Doesn't seem likely, although the price for parts and labor is not outrageous. Also don't see why we couldn't first try to snug up the trans oil pan bolts a bit (not too tight!).
 
From what I'm seeing, I think you should take the vehicle to a trusted independent shop for verification of these faults.

#4956 of 4991 Re: Dealer is a rip off? [Mr_Shiftright] by soundhealing

Sep 25, 2011 (3:15 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 24, 2011 4:52 pm)
They said it was the front struts. Dealer said the oil pan was cracked. I will check out a local mechanic that was recommended this week and post what they say.

#4957 of 4991 Re: Tire Pressure [jdh008] by gcarolmarie

Nov 12, 2011 (7:29 am)

Replying to: jdh008 (Apr 13, 2008 5:42 pm)
I have a 2010 Mazda 3. Tire pressure warning light came on one week after I purchased the car. Dealer said it was due to a bent wheel rim so I had the rim replaced at 325.00 and bingo, light comes back on one month later. Dealer said it may have to do with weather temperature; that's ridiculous.
My Mazda has only 6K miles on it.
Dealer can't explain the cause. I checked pressure and it was a 32 psi. There is obviously a problem that Mazda does not want to recognize. This is my 7th Mazda car in 19 years; no more Mazdas for me.

#4958 of 4991 Re: Tire Pressure [gcarolmarie] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Nov 12, 2011 (8:25 am)

Replying to: gcarolmarie (Nov 12, 2011 7:29 am)
Did anyone use the special tool that checks the battery life in the tire pressure sensors?
 
Also some cars have a sensor in the spare tire, which can energize the light as well. Not sure if your car fits that profile.
 
this light periodically goes on in my MINI--I just shut it off with a scan tool and don't see it again for 6 months or so.

Messages Page 496 of 500

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