2005 Mazda 3

[Zoom Zoom Zoom]

Hi,

Just like to know how many people on the forums here have a 2005 Mazda 3? I've been reading the forums, and it seems that the first year production of this vehicle (2004) seems to have a lot of problems with major problems being the air conditioning, excessive rear brake dust and something about the automatic transmission. Just like to know if Mazda has rectified most if not all of the problems yet?

[Alpinejwl]

I've got a 2005 mazda 3 and the air condition works but it suck ass. Other then that, the car is strong.

[Zoom Zoom Zoom]

Basically, it seens Mazda has apparently done nothing to solve the air conditioning problem in the vehicle.

With the 2006 model year coming near the end of the year (2005), will the air conditioning problem be resolved? Or will Mazda do nothing about it since it technically works?

[Alpinejwl]

technically it works...its' just that there is absolutely no juice!

[FrigginGLI]

Mine is fine, 04 model.

[WookieOnRitalin]

Open a window you panzies...

Who needs Air Conditioning? Kills gas mileage anyway right?

:D

[HighTymes]

My week old 2005 M3 hatch works fine. I just keep it on recycle and on 2 or 3 for fan power(any higher and the air comes out too fast to feel really cold).

[Mikey444]

And, what will they do about te lackluster paint if anybody knows?

[Osidecaliguy]

I just got my Mazda 3 about two weeks ago and everything works pertty strong. No complaints here. (drive)

[Monkey_3]

We actually have a diffuser plate in the 05's which the 04's didn't have. This is what they install in the 04's if you complain about the A/C not being cold enough.
The 06's will have a cabin filter with a built in diffuser. This is for Canada since the SP23 in the States already has this option.

[dukefanmaz3]

i have a mazda3i no cmplaints with air condition it gets pretty cold, no complaints here, mine is 2005 also (drive) (rockon)

[dukefanmaz3]

Open a window you panzies...

Who needs Air Conditioning? Kills gas mileage anyway right?

:D
haha i like that good idea and yes it does kill gas mileage (drive)

[Lord_Zath]

Actually driving high speeds with the windows down is worse for mileage as drag is dramatically increased. As soon as I hit 45-50, I always transform from windows down to A/C on. Then again, I'm in a p5 and my A/C works great :D

[Sylent_Snyper]

haha i like that good idea and yes it does kill gas mileage (drive)

Actually, in the newer cars the A/C has very little effect on your gas mileage. This is partly due to the change in gas used in the system. I drive fairly agressively and get 300+ mpg with and without my A/C and a lopt of it is in town.

[dukefanmaz3]

running the a/c hurts my gas mileage for whatever reason

[Alpinejwl]

I only turn on the AC to level 1, and I get the same milage if I open the window so I just leave it like it is, but the level 1 is a lot weaker than my p5

[FrigginGLI]

You do know that you can do half numbers in the 3, for the air speed. It's those little slashes in between the air location settings.

[dukefanmaz3]

You do know that you can do half numbers in the 3, for the air speed. It's those little slashes in between the air location settings.
i didnt know that cool man thnx for the info, can u find a link that shows what a maz3 does in the 1/4 mile? (drive)

[goldwing2000]

Actually, in the newer cars the A/C has very little effect on your gas mileage. This is partly due to the change in gas used in the system. I drive fairly agressively and get 300+ mpg with and without my A/C and a lopt of it is in town.

300 miles per gallon?? (wow) Call Ripley!

[goldwing2000]

You do know that you can do half numbers in the 3, for the air speed. It's those little slashes in between the air location settings.

The halfway marks between location settings have no effect on fan speed, only where the air is routed to.

[goldwing2000]

i didnt know that cool man thnx for the info, can u find a link that shows what a maz3 does in the 1/4 mile? (drive)

About 16 seconds.

[Mikey444]

What about the lackluster paint, any changes?

[Sylent_Snyper]

300 miles per gallon?? (wow) Call Ripley!
My fault.... I meant 300+ per tank

[xenon929]

Open a window you panzies...

Who needs Air Conditioning? Kills gas mileage anyway right?

:D
Come live in Puerto Rico for a few months...We'll see if you still say the same thing! ;-)

Specially when u have to wear a suit to work! (rant) (eyeballs)

[Murray]

and it seems that the first year production of this vehicle (2004) seems to have a lot of problems with major problems being the air conditioning, excessive rear brake dust and something about the automatic transmission.That's odd ... I haven't had problem 1 with mine aside from that time the wife left the dome light on all night. :)

A/C problem? Ehm, it's no worse than the MSP's A/C and believe me, it gets crazy hot down here (Louisiana).

[BlueMonsta]

read the TSB sticky, to learn about resolved issues.
edit:
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106250

[mobomelter]

isn't it true that running the a/c is better for gas mileage since putting your windows down creates more drag?

[Lord_Zath]

At higher speeds, yeah. Which is why I switch over from windows to a/c int he 40-50 mph range.

[mtbracer]

For those that have issues with rear brake dust, AC, and rattling from rear.
Go this link http://www.finishlineperformance.com/mazda3/bulletins_index.html


They have a Serice and Parts Recall Bulletins. You can download the pdf file that suits your problem. Then make sure your car is within the vin number recall or problem issue. I hope this helps for some people.

Here is the list. http://www.finishlineperformance.com/mazda3/bulletins_index.html


2004 MAZDA3 Crash Zone Sensor Recall
Engine Vibration / No. 3 Engine Mount Rubber Broken - Issued 07/13/05
One-Touch Power Window Stops Halfway
Brake Squeak / Grind Noise From Rear Brakes
Mazda3 i Trim Level (4-Door) Accessory Fog Light
Front Brake Squeak When Cold
Front Door Rattle
Front Crankshaft Bolt Service Warning
Drive Belt Tensioner Pulley Breakage / Charging Warning Light On / Overheating
Brake Rotor Grooved
Trunk Lid Difficult To Open
Engine Hard To Start
Driver Door Lock Inoperative / Room Light Stays On
Information Display Shows Bars
AC Poor Performance
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Lamp Illuminated & Warning Buzzer
- Service Tip
Power Window Inoperative
Fuel Delivery Module Installation
O2 Sensor DTC Error, P2195/P2196
Loose Door Trim Screw Cap
Front Wipers Do Not Wipe Well
Abnormal Whine Noise From Steering System
Room Fuse Removal / Installation Caution
Stains on Paint
Squeak Noise From Rear Brakes
Splashing Sound From Inside Dash During Cold Start
Scraping Noise Over Bumps From Right Rear Wheel
Seat Belt Minder Deactivation
MIL ILLUMINATION WITH DTC P0128
Water Droplets / Moisture Inside Front & Rear Lights
License Plate Frame Installation

[blondee_yvr]

Bulletin for A/C only applies to 04's and those that don't have a diffuser installed. 05's and higher have it already installed. A/C is the shits in the 05's. Heard some info that he 06's are a LOT better. Have to wait until the summer to get more info.

[blondee_yvr]

My week old 2005 M3 hatch works fine. I just keep it on recycle and on 2 or 3 for fan power(any higher and the air comes out too fast to feel really cold).
U should NOT have to keep on 2 or 3 (besides, that's way too loud). It's suppose to work properly at 1.

[Gambino]

And, what will they do about te lackluster paint if anybody knows?
thats my main complaint. anything any little piece of debris touches the front of my car, it takes all the paint off down the dark color underneath.....I hate it. I really want to repaint my entire front end and make it about 3 times as thick

[trees]

iI hate this paint, i think the snow chipped my hood last week

[blondee_yvr]

Talk about hating your paint. My silver 3 Sedan has the driver and pass doors slightly darker than the rest of the car. I had the dealer and a body shop look at it and they both agreed that the car wasnt painted. Looks like it's from the factory this way. They must've ran out of paint or painted the doors separately. This new environmental paint is so fragile, it's not funny.

I wonder if adding extra layers of wax will help protect it from chips; otherwise, we can always get 3M clearcoat type hood protector.

[trees]

i dont think the wax will help at least it didnt help my car much

[Gambino]

I wax my car regularly and thouroughly (sp?) and it doesnt help me.

[rallywhite3]

first week into ownership, i had the check engine light come on. took it in w/o an appointment and found out it was misfiring other than that no problems.

[rallywhite3]

Talk about hating your paint. My silver 3 Sedan has the driver and pass doors slightly darker than the rest of the car. I had the dealer and a body shop look at it and they both agreed that the car wasnt painted. Looks like it's from the factory this way. They must've ran out of paint or painted the doors separately. This new environmental paint is so fragile, it's not funny.

I wonder if adding extra layers of wax will help protect it from chips; otherwise, we can always get 3M clearcoat type hood protector.

My ford has the clear bra and it has really saved the paint. i think i will shell out the money for my 3.

[thasilver3]

i hate this paint on my 3 my paint is chippin all on the front. i think its comin close to either get a clear bra or paint the front after im done moddin the car but first comes my r6 :)

[HighTymes]

U should NOT have to keep on 2 or 3 (besides, that's way too loud). It's suppose to work properly at 1.


Oh it does work great on 1 but when I get into a hot car here in Bakersfield, you want alittle more air flow then what 1 puts out,lol. That least until the car is cool and then it goes to one and keeps the car cool from there.

[blondee_yvr]

Oh it does work great on 1 but when I get into a hot car here in Bakersfield, you want alittle more air flow then what 1 puts out,lol. That least until the car is cool and then it goes to one and keeps the car cool from there.
Sounds like yours is normal. Lucky! (thumb)
What year is it?

[altspace]

Open a window you panzies...

Who needs Air Conditioning? Kills gas mileage anyway right?

:D

Actually it depends on your velocity. With almost every car, there is a turbulance point in which air flow will reduce mpg when windows are open, moreso than running AC.

[goldwing2000]

Actually it depends on your velocity. With almost every car, there is a turbulance point in which air flow will reduce mpg when windows are open, moreso than running AC.

Yep. That point is around 50 mph.

City driving: open the windows
Freeway: use the A/C

Unless it's hotter than blue blazes. Then screw the gas mileage!

[blondee_yvr]

Or you're surrounded by gas polluters like diesel trucks and old beaters that shouldn't be on the road, so you HAVE to use the A/C.