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2002 MPV transmission problem
by dblchin
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Sep 18, 2006 (8:51 pm)
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At 48,120 miles, my 2002 Madza MPV automatic transmission needs to be replaced. I am upset that this has happened with such low mileage. I have owned an R-100, RX-3 and 323 with virtually only maintenance costs to pay. This $3900 failure seems unreasonable. Did anyone have a simliar problem? Did Mazda USA assist in the repairs?
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- #2 of 138
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2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit?
by ksaid2002mpv
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Aug 10, 2006 (8:47 pm)
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 I thought I was going CRAZY until I found this forum today! I have a 2002 Mazda MPV and have had numerous problems with the transmission. I've had hard shifting from 2nd to 1st at a stop - Sometimes so strong it feels like we were hit from behind! I've have felt the transmission gets confused sometimes and jerks between gears. I have had it in 5 times from 22,000 - 48,000. Now I have almost 80,000 and I'm so afraid it's warranty will expire and the transmission will break. Since they can't "recreate" the problem they tell me it is operating as designed - I'm sorry but then the DESIGN SUCKS! I have contacted a Lemon Law Attorney and they sound interested in taking the case but I'm wondering what you all think.....Thanks!
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- #3 of 138
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Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [ksaid2002mpv]
by backy
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Aug 11, 2006 (5:30 am)
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Replying to: ksaid2002mpv (Aug 10, 2006 8:47 pm)
It is NOT operating as designed. I have a 2002 MPV with 47k and have no such problems. No jerkiness, very smooth operation in all gears. Have you taken it "up the chain" at Mazda? Also, have you suggested to the service manager that you go for a ride in another MPV with about the same miles, back to back with yours, to see how the transmissions compare?
Wasn't there a software upgrade for the transmission awhile back? If so, has that been applied to your MPV?
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- #4 of 138
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Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [backy]
by ksaid2002mpv
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Aug 11, 2006 (8:06 am)
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Replying to: backy (Aug 11, 2006 5:30 am)
Thanks for responding. Yes, I have taken it up the Mazda chain I wrote to corporate and got a form letter back saying "working as designed". I went into my Mazda dealership yesterday to talk to my mechanic - I always request the same guy and he is GREAT - and he'd LOVE to replace the transmission but his hands are tied because he doesn't have the Mazda blessing. So while I was there I found out that the Mazda Representative was there. So I tracked him down and had a very "heated" discussion with him about what was "normal" and "what was unsafe!". We went for a test drive because he told me he could "recreate it" because it was a characteristic of Mazda's during specific years - but he couldn't and of course I couldn't - so he totally blew me off and said he was the "top" of the chain. And basically GOOD LUCK - SUCKER!!! That's what I feel like after spending $38,000 on this fully loaded van.
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- #5 of 138
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Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [ksaid2002mpv]
by backy
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Aug 11, 2006 (7:48 pm)
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Replying to: ksaid2002mpv (Aug 11, 2006 8:06 am)
Did you try the transmission re-flash? There are lots of posts about that in this discussion back in early 2004; you can search on "flash" to get in the neighborhood of those posts.
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- #6 of 138
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Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [backy]
by ksaid2002mpv
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Aug 14, 2006 (8:20 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Aug 11, 2006 7:48 pm)
 Yes - it is at the current version of the software N. I checked that first after reading all the other complaints but it seemed like even after they had their transmissions reflashed - they still had problems! The attorney is going to file a demand letter this week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because now that I know this - I'd have to disclose it to a potential buyer or I'd be liable. What do you think that will do to the resale value......Man I've been screwed. 
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- #7 of 138
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Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [ksaid2002mpv]
by criledo
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Aug 15, 2006 (5:16 am)
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Replying to: ksaid2002mpv (Aug 14, 2006 8:20 pm)
Transmission "gear slamming" on MPV's is a very well known flaw. It is by no means new and many, many people have complained about it. I had it happen to us on our '03 LX. According to dealer, the the tranny de-configures it's software and has to be re-programmed. Ours was covered under warranty. Teh rpoblem with mazda is that they don't have a recall on it, they view it as an upgrade, and is therefore, chargeable. I recall seeing an $800 price sticker on it somewhere in this forum. Whatever you do, don't let the warranty run out - I can guarantee you that your dealer will then "find" the problem, once he can charge you for it.
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- #8 of 138
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Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [ksaid2002mpv]
by jipster
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Aug 15, 2006 (11:21 am)
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Replying to: ksaid2002mpv (Aug 14, 2006 8:20 pm)
Did Mazda mechanics ever replace the transmission control module? I recall reading this helped in circumstances similar to yours.
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- #9 of 138
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Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [jipster]
by ksaid2002mpv
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Aug 16, 2006 (10:21 am)
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Replying to: jipster (Aug 15, 2006 11:21 am)
I am not sure if they ever replaced the transmission control module or not. But they had 10+ times the chance to do it. Now the attorney is dealing with them! Wish me Luck!!! 
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- #10 of 138
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Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [ksaid2002mp
by alenabubs
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Aug 16, 2006 (11:35 am)
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Replying to: ksaid2002mpv (Aug 16, 2006 10:21 am)
Let us know how it works out. I'm composing a letter with my husband tonight and we're going to send via registered mail to the Mazda customer service in CT. I almost feel like we're wasting our time, but I'm upset by all the problems we've experienced with our 2003 MPV.
Oh and the district manager finally called, but left a message for me at home without a callback number! She also said she would call me at work but never did. The secrecy annoys the crap out of me!
Anyone else have any ideas or suggestions?
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