Mazda3 Maintenance & Repair

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

You are in the Mazda3 Forum.

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

    
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#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.

#4959 of 4991 Transmission problem 2004 mazda3 i by krisinua

Nov 13, 2011 (7:04 pm)

I have a 2004 mazda 3 4 speed automatic and 3rd gear is slipping i did a tranny sevice and it is still slipping .1st and 2nd gears are fine.When it goes in to 3rd it slipps then into 4th it is fine again.Could this be the tsm? (transmission shifting module)or a new transmission? ive only had this car for 1 year and there are no dummy lights on.It has about 75,000 miles on it. HELPPPP

#4960 of 4991 replace belts by halser

Nov 23, 2011 (10:06 am)

I have an 06 Mazda 3 S with 82k. I have the 2.3 with a 5 speed. I noticed my alternator belt is starting to fray. I looked at dayco belts and its looks like the air conditioner belt is a stretch belt. A special tool is needed to install the belt. Has anybody run across this? Are there special instructions to change this belt? Hal

#4961 of 4991 Re: Airbag light [JBaumgart] by fordnuts

Nov 29, 2011 (8:36 pm)

Replying to: JBaumgart (Aug 18, 2010 6:37 am)
2007 Mazda 3 HB, Airbag light came on around 100K (now 107K). Thought it was due to me placing backpack on seat for many years and not latching seatbelt. Anyways, paid the $99 diagnostic check, when I had it in for other fluid changes, and they indicated/recommended that at a minimum the wire that leads to the AB sensor would have to be replaced, which is part of the steering column harness. So $200 for part and 300 for labor was their fix. I didn't take the bait. This should be a recall item! Risk is the AB may not deploy (on passenger side), but always you and passengers wear your seat belt. Letter to Mazda forthcoming.
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