MFS Bad Dealer won't fix need HELP!!! [Archive]

cornut

08-14-2005, 05:24 PM

I installed cold air intake with 15 miles on my 05 SP2.3 Mazda 3, it now has 2400 miles on it, the car started jerking at a load at won't run correctly, took it in the dealership they called me and said they will not repair the car and not warrant the Mass Air Flow sensor sense I installed the cold air intake and that it probably was destroyed because of that, and they charged me 1 hr labor for looking at it and want $151 dollars for a new one!
THey told me to unplug the MFS sensor and it will run ok for now until I do something with it. I did and now the battery light will not go off as well as the engine light, as well I pluged it back up and it still not go off on the battery liht and engine. Any suggestions??? Does anyone sell a aftermarket MFS or can I get a cheaper one somewere? Has anyone else had this problem? If I buy this new sensor will it do it again??? HELP!!! (group)
What is a fella to do? How do I reset all codes and computer as well once new sensor is installed???

mobomelter

08-14-2005, 05:34 PM

there really is nothing you can do if you killed the mass air flow sensor. basically shit happens and unfortunatley they are well within their rights to not honor your warranty on something you quite possibly broke yourself. i'm not trying to be mean but unfortunatley i've been on this road before with my focus and there really is no choice but to give in and pay.

cornut

08-14-2005, 06:53 PM

mazpro

08-14-2005, 06:57 PM

did you take out the intake before taking it to the dealer?

miss_steele_msp

08-14-2005, 07:00 PM

put it back to stock and take it to another dealer

cornut

08-14-2005, 07:07 PM

put it back to stock and take it to another dealer
thats what the service advisor suggested, it is a pain in the rear 2 hours woth of work!

cornut

08-14-2005, 07:08 PM

did you take out the intake before taking it to the dealer?
I put it in the way it was it really looks good hoping they wouldn't say anything!

hellcat

08-14-2005, 07:17 PM

I put it in the way it was it really looks good hoping they wouldn't say anything!

I have had some bad experiences with Mazda warranty too. They don't want to honor it if there is any way that they can snake their way out of it. Unfortunatly, this is why so many people don't drive Mazdas. This of course is based on my opinion and personal expreience.

cornut

08-14-2005, 08:28 PM

I have had some bad experiences with Mazda warranty too. They don't want to honor it if there is any way that they can snake their way out of it. Unfortunatly, this is why so many people don't drive Mazdas. This of course is based on my opinion and personal expreience.
Do you or anyone on here know how to reset the computer on this car?

jersey_emt

08-14-2005, 08:30 PM

Do you or anyone on here know how to reset the computer on this car?

Same as on every other car. Disconnect the negative battery cable, pump the brakes a few times, wait about 5 minutes, and reconnect the battery cable.

mobomelter

08-15-2005, 02:31 AM

once you put anything aftermarket on though, you should expect mazda to pull bs. its just how they make money.

cornut

08-15-2005, 02:36 AM

once you put anything aftermarket on though, you should expect mazda to pull bs. its just how they make money.
whats really bs is they want you to buy their sh%$ and rip you head off for a warranty.

FemGearHead

08-15-2005, 06:26 AM

whats really bs is they want you to buy their sh%$ and rip you head off for a warranty.

I hate to say it, but it's THEIR warranty. If you want the car fixed under the warranty at no cost to you, you need to ensure your car is stock when it goes in for servicing.

Of course they want you to buy their products. Any car maker would. *shrug*

shibaman

08-15-2005, 06:59 AM

I hate to say it, but it's THEIR warranty. If you want the car fixed under the warranty at no cost to you, you need to ensure your car is stock when it goes in for servicing.

Of course they want you to buy their products. Any car maker would. *shrug*
Besides spending the $ on the intake I have heard too many horror stories about Mazda dealers and mod problems. I just hope that they don't use my exhaust for an excuse for warranty denial. I just spent my intake $ on a Scottish band on my arm. When it heals I will post it.

FemGearHead

08-15-2005, 07:02 AM

I've heard the same thing about mods and Mazda warranty. From what I understand, unless it's been insalled by Mazda, they will nitpick - which is why I don't plan on modding my car while under warranty.

Ryoga28

08-15-2005, 07:27 AM

They are within their right to deny warrenty work on the MAF since it's attached to a CAI. Actually your dealership is already doing you a favor by not red flagging your car and thus cause you to have warranty issues further do the line or worse get masdausa to void your powertrain warranty. The only thing you can do in this case is to buy a new MAF yourself or just do as many people (and also the SA) suggested. Replacing the Cai shouldn't be a 2 hour job.

good luck.

JOS3

08-15-2005, 09:17 AM

mazda warranty <------ oxymoron

goldwing2000

08-15-2005, 09:26 AM

The MAF itself might not be bad.

Did you remove the wire harness from where it's clipped onto the battery box? If you didn't, then you may have actually stressed out the wires. It's a common problem.

Disconnect the negative battery terminal, check the two wires inside the plug for the MAF sensor and see if they're yanked out. If they are (and if you feel confident doing electrical repairs), fix the wires and you should be ok.

There's a chance that bad wires could also tank the MAF sensor, so you still may end up replacing it. Do it yourself and save $40-$80.

Also, if you opt to take it to a different dealer, just remove the CAI and replace the top airbox portion. They'll never know if you don't put the lower resonator on.

mazda3zoom

08-15-2005, 02:26 PM

Yea i had the same thing happen to me and come to find out the 2 wires that connect to the maf sensor had pulled apart inside the insulation but i just replaces the top part of the air box like GW just said that took it back. the dealer remembered that i had a CAI but guess they werent too concerned.

cornut

08-15-2005, 07:30 PM

Went to dealer bought new MFS put on put new filter reset computer fired it up BAM...it's still runs the same no differnce. Called matt at Mazda dealer told him ok I bought new sensor installed it reset computer and battery light as well as engine light is still on and it drives like crap, he told me to bring it in the way it is and they will look at it closer???I'm waiting for a call now...
I think it may be another issue somewere. Guys as well as ladies I worked around 15 different dealers from gm/ford/imports over the last 15 years and quit doing graphic detailing 5 years ago so were I live now I don't have conections but I will tell you this, it's who you know is what you get done. I bet if I was a employee their it would have been handle no matter what, these dealers have the power to do any repair usally if it's under replacing the engine, I have seen it all. these guys are pure idiots. I will keep everyone updated. It's all a power trip to them they want to play GOD judge and jury. (pissed)

wrightdl

08-15-2005, 09:43 PM

I had the exact same problem, I was getting a check engine light on, and it was hesitating like crazy. Took it to the dealer, they read the error code, and said it was because of my AEM Intake, I argued but you can't make them fix it. You could still be having the problem because when the wires are still attached to the battery box it could also pull the wires from the plug which explains the same result with the new sensor. Unplug battery, pull the plug from MAF and the wires from the battery box. Then make sure all your wires are pushed securely into the back of the plug. I did this to mine and a couple of hours later the light turned itself off. I couldn't beleive it but my car has been running great for quite a few months now. GIVE IT A SHOT! Just thought I would try to help.

ForceFed

08-15-2005, 09:55 PM

Same as on every other ...car. Disconnect the negative battery cable, pump the brakes a few times, wait about 5 minutes, and reconnect the battery cable.This statement is totally untrue....Every car is not the same....not even most....Sorry...Just had to chime in on this comment.

goldwing2000

08-15-2005, 11:50 PM

Went to dealer bought new MFS put on put new filter reset computer fired it up BAM...it's still runs the same no differnce.

I'm telling you it's the wires. It's a common problem when people install a CAI.

cornut

08-16-2005, 12:29 AM

I'm telling you it's the wires. It's a common problem when people install a CAI.
Get this they said they want me to pay them to put a 1500 dollar wire harness in it if thats the case, they are full of it, now everyone why is the battery light/Alt on than???

mobomelter

08-16-2005, 01:42 AM

find someone with a code reader that will work on our mazdas. that will tell you what the light means.

Dexter

08-16-2005, 02:54 AM

Geez, the MAF probabaly isnt toasted...

Chill the fuck out, first of all. The battery and alternator light are probably coming on because you disconnected the MAF. If you disconnect the Air Intake Temp sesnsor on the Protege, the battery light will come on.

Second, if you read about the Mazda3 intakes, when they were first coming out, the MAFs would freak out from the increased airflow and throw codes. So you buying a new one did absolutely nothing. Go ask the Mazda3 forums why you are getting CELs with a CAI and how you can fix it, they will most likely be able to help you more than the dealer....

goldwing2000

08-16-2005, 09:43 AM

Get this they said they want me to pay them to put a 1500 dollar wire harness in it if thats the case, they are full of it, now everyone why is the battery light/Alt on than???

The harness doeswn't have to be replaced, only repaired. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, have a competent non-dealer shop do the work for you. It shouldn't cost more than a few dollars.

Post your location in your profile and maybe somebody in your area can help you out!

Dexter: it's not just a CEL, it's a CEL coupled with poor engine performance. There is definitely a problem with the MAF system. You're right that the problem probably isn't the MAF itself but whoever is over at M3F isn't going to tell him anything different than we're telling him right here.

Nolimits: It's pretty much obvious that the problem was caused by installation of the aftermarket parts, if not the parts themsleves. Change intake, relocate MAF, MAF craps out. That's all the proof they need.

cornut

08-16-2005, 11:27 AM

The harness doeswn't have to be replaced, only repaired. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, have a competent non-dealer shop do the work for you. It shouldn't cost more than a few dollars.

Post your location in your profile and maybe somebody in your area can help you out!

Dexter: it's not just a CEL, it's a CEL coupled with poor engine performance. There is definitely a problem with the MAF system. You're right that the problem probably isn't the MAF itself but whoever is over at M3F isn't going to tell him anything different than we're telling him right here.

Nolimits: It's pretty much obvious that the problem was caused by installation of the aftermarket parts, if not the parts themsleves. Change intake, relocate MAF, MAF craps out. That's all the proof they need.

your wright on all points here.

wrightdl

08-16-2005, 02:31 PM

They are right about having to prove it was the CAI that caused the problem. When I put on my custom Angel Eyes, one of my HID's burnt out. I was straight forward with them and told them my custom job. They said that is what caused it to blow, which is TRUE, but I told them to prove it cause I didn't tap into any wires connected with the HID, I used the turn signal. They couldn't prove me wrong so they fixed it. I went home took it apart, and found that the holes I drilled to run my wire for the angel eyes were allowing water to drip onto the HID ballast. It was pretty funny that I was arguing with them about the ballast, and they didn't even uderstand what I was talking about, even the tech's. They're stupid asses and if you know what your talking about they don't stand a chance, but like everyone says they do have the right to deny you warranty. GOOD LUCK.

cornut

08-17-2005, 02:15 AM

Well I put it back to stock the wires was not an issue, checked all that no change, I put it back to original to as close as I could it looks go but we will see took it to another dealer let me hold my breath....I dealer I first took it to called me and told me to pick it up the tech refused to work on it and threatened to black flag the car to mazda, oxy moron, jerk, I told the service guy if I offered the tech $50 buck I bet he would fix it and he said your probably right, whats wrong with this picture. The system sucks period. Hope this dealer will take care of it. Keep everyone updated. :bs:

cornut

08-18-2005, 08:57 PM

Update....Fixed by Another Mazda Dealer, TWo wires were stress broke as well as the MFS was bad, they fixed both ME Happy They are happy to fix as well as I tip the rep a thank you lunch. I rest this post with a happy ending thxs everyone for all you suggestion many were correct most were close a couple were right on, thx :)

goldwing2000

08-18-2005, 10:25 PM

tsunami

08-18-2005, 11:29 PM

shouldn't you just sticky a warning about installing a cai or an sri?? that way shiat like this should begin to at least subside if not go away...??

cornut

08-19-2005, 12:35 AM

shouldn't you just sticky a warning about installing a cai or an sri?? that way shiat like this should begin to at least subside if not go away...??
give that to me in laymen terms, thx

goldwing2000

08-20-2005, 01:56 AM

give that to me in laymen terms, thx

Don't worry about it. He was talking to me.

tsunami: I'll see what I can do about writing something up. If you can take some pictures of the offending area, it would save me some time. Even better, if you want to write something up then I'll review it and sticky it.

Thanks.

tsunami

08-20-2005, 06:49 PM

Don't worry about it. He was talking to me.

tsunami: I'll see what I can do about writing something up. If you can take some pictures of the offending area, it would save me some time. Even better, if you want to write something up then I'll review it and sticky it.

Thanks.

do'h... what work for me?? well since today is a wash out and i wasn't able to get my stereo install finished i may be able to just take a couple picks of the that area (mine is already cut away from the batt box) and give a quick explanation tomorrow when i hopefully take pics of a nice new stereo install...