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Mazda CX-7 Smoke

57 messages,  Last post on Jan 30, 2011 at 9:49 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda CX-7, SUV

    

Messages Page 4 of 6

#28 of 57 Fix for the CX7 Clanging Noise in Engine with the Black smoke out the back by slw5

Mar 30, 2008 (12:37 pm)

For those of you out there that responded regarding the awful clanging/rattle noise in the engine that resulted in black smoke that blows out the back on my CX7 . . . . I finally got it fixed by the Mazda Specialist that came to our local dealership.
 
Keep in mind I was involved in the PCM recall that had to do with the light on the dash but that never fixed the problem.
 
The special Mazda engineer had my car for 2 days. He had trouble duplicating the issue at first but our local dealership serviceman showed him what he did to make it to happen and HOORAY, they both got to experience it more than once. They put 50 miles on the car in their effort to duplicate it and some reprogramming.
 
I had to bring all my keys for the repair which I thought was odd but now I understand they go hand in hand with the programming of the PCM. They put all new 2008 parts on it: Replaced the PCM and the Variable Timing Actuator, did reprograming of the PCM, decarb of the intake, and changed my oil.
 
Of course, this is only a few days into the repair but it truly drives like brand new and is more responsive with less turbo lag.
 
They gave me the Sport version of the CX7 for my rental and I felt so deprived of all my amenities. Can't tell you what a chore it was to use that switchblade key . . . just the mere fact of getting it out of my purse when I am so used to walking up to my car and just getting in was an effort). Gosh, and no back up camera or heated seats. I am so happy to have my very own car back . . . and gosh, it is such a great looking car!!!!!
 
Anyway, I am a very happy CX7 owner now!!!!!

#29 of 57 Re: C-7 Clanging Noise and black smoke out exhust when accelerating [slw5] by slw5

Apr 05, 2008 (7:37 am)

Replying to: slw5 (Jan 22, 2008 8:58 pm)
Vince,
 
I posted the outcome of my situation with Mazda but not sure if I replied to the thread so I thought I would email you separately since you were the first to contact me and you wanted to know the outcome . I am very happy with my outcome with Mazda and my car drives like a totally different car. Amazing!
 
I finally got it fixed by the Mazda Specialist that came to our local dealership.
  
Keep in mind I was involved in the PCM recall that had to do with the light on the dash but that never fixed the problem.
  
The special Mazda engineer had my car for 2 days. He had trouble duplicating the issue at first but our local dealership serviceman showed him what he did to make it to happen and HOORAY, they both got to experience it more than once. They put 50 miles on the car in their effort to duplicate it and some reprogramming.
  
I had to bring all my keys for the repair which I thought was odd but now I understand they go hand in hand with the programming of the PCM. They put all new 2008 parts on it: Replaced the PCM and the Variable Timing Actuator, did reprograming of the PCM, decarb of the intake, and changed my oil.
  
Of course, this is only a few days into the repair but it truly drives like brand new and is more responsive with less turbo lag.
  
They gave me the Sport version of the CX7 for my rental and I felt so deprived of all my amenities. Can't tell you what a chore it was to use that switchblade key . . . just the mere fact of getting it out of my purse when I am so used to walking up to my car and just getting in was an effort). Gosh, and no back up camera or heated seats. I am so happy to have my very own car back . . . and gosh, it is such a great looking car!!!!!
  
Anyway, I am a very happy CX7 owner now!!!!!

#30 of 57 black smoke by dmele426

Apr 08, 2008 (9:21 am)

i have not heard the noise from the engine that most people describe. However, i just started to realize that my tail pipes are black. I cleaned them for the 1st time yesterday and I am keeping tabs on how long before they get black.
is too much of the black stuff mean that my gas is not being burnt efficiently??
do i need to mention it to the dealer?
i have 5k miles on my car, 2nd oil change was done today. any adivse?

#31 of 57 Re: black smoke [dmele426] by slw5

Apr 08, 2008 (6:25 pm)

Replying to: dmele426 (Apr 08, 2008 9:21 am)
I never checked my pipes.
 
My biggest complaint was the rattle/clanging noise which resulted in black smoke blowing out the pipes and, of course, the turbo lag. My car was purchased June 2006 so it was one of the early ones sold and I complained about it since the first month I owned it. I now have all new 2008 parts and it runs great. New PCM, actuator, and they did a decarb of the intake I think and an oil change. They never told me what was really wrong with it but I assume my gas was not being burnt efficiently either.
 
I did notice that the noise/smoke was worst if I used Techron gas during the issue but I've put it in since and the car continues to run amazing. It has a tighter feel if that makes sense and it shifts smoother and I haven't heard the noise once
 
It is like driving a completely different car now. I am so happy to get in it every morning and zip around town to work. Not very far but I'm having fun again.
 
Have they done a PCM reflash? They did that to mine months ago and it didn't help but since yours in newer maybe it would help.
 
good luck!

#32 of 57 Re: Fix for the CX7 Clanging Noise in Engine with the Black smoke out the back [slw5] by zoom_ute

May 09, 2008 (10:25 am)

Replying to: slw5 (Mar 30, 2008 12:37 pm)
glad they fixed the variable timing actuator, I was going to suggest that (or the wastegate actuator for the turbo). These can be common defects on turbo cars.
 
Sooty tailpipes are also common on turbo cars, when under boost they run richer air-fuel mixtures than non-turbo cars....by design, they use excess fuel to cool the combustion process to prevent pinging/detonation.

#34 of 57 Re: Fix for the CX7 Clanging Noise in Engine with the Black smoke out the back [slw5] by wc524

Sep 26, 2008 (12:24 pm)

Replying to: slw5 (Mar 30, 2008 12:37 pm)
Slw5,
 
I'm having the same problem less the black smoke, but then again I never paid attention to the back of my car. It's always upon acceleration and from the same spot. Same deal as yours, bought the car back in '06 so it's one of the first, took it in for the PCM reflash back in 07. Taken it to the dealership before and car is sitting there as we speak. They've tried to re-produce the problem and of course it won't do it when they drive it or when I go on the test drives with them. Anyhow was hoping you could provide some insight on how the tech was able to re-produce the clanking noise or better yet provide the contact for the dealership who dealt with the issue so I can refer my dealership to call them to avoid having to go through the same ordeal you did.
 
Thanks!

#35 of 57 Mazda CX-7 Rattling or Clanking Noise by just1mnbound

Mar 31, 2009 (9:48 am)

The rattling noise started for me about a month and a half ago. My CX-7 is at the shop this morning to find out why. I couldn't find the "why" it is happening on here from other user posts. I'll post how Mazda fixed it once I get my car back.

#36 of 57 Re: Fix for the CX7 Clanging Noise in Engine with the Black smoke out the back [wc524] by slw5

Apr 01, 2009 (8:34 am)

Replying to: wc524 (Sep 26, 2008 12:24 pm)
My dealership could not produce the issue either each time I took it in till the last time when I drove for them and they witnessed it. I had been speaking to someone else on this form who wouldn't get it reproduced/verified either. He contacted the attorney I used and since there is a Service Bulletin now his dealership still wanted to verify it or they wouldn't do the work. My attorney suggested that he go to another Mazda dealership and tell them he wanted a new service dealership and to explain what was happening with the vehicle and that dealership performed the fix for him.
 
My suggestion would be for you to drive it for your dealership; however, if your CX7 is like mine I had the worst trouble causing it to shudder but it did it all the time when I least expected it. I was just lucky to go in totally pissed at the end of the day and my technician road with me and it did it again. The corporate technician couldn't make it do it but my tech guy got in the car and did what he saw me do and it did it otherwise I would still be here complaining.
 
My car runs great now with no shudder/clanging noise. I have no black smoke now unless I stomp on the gas but there is no noise at all. I am a very happy camper now. Good luck in your effort to get it fixed.
 
The Service Bulletin is: ENGINE PINGING AND/OR LACK OF POWER UNDER ACCELERATION #01-041/08.

#37 of 57 Re: Mazda CX-7 Rattling or Clanking Noise [just1mnbound] by slw5

Apr 01, 2009 (8:39 am)

Replying to: just1mnbound (Mar 31, 2009 9:48 am)
suggest Service bulletin #01-041/08 ENGINE PINGING AND/OR LACK OF POWER UNDER ACCELERATION
 
Replacing the PCM and variable Valve Timing Actuator etc. has made my car like a brand new one. Love it now!!

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