loud clicking sound at startup

[tomkit]

Anyone hear a loud click sound in the morning when you start your CX-7 up cold and switch it to drive from park? I notice this when the engine seems to be warming up at around 2,000RPM. I usually have to wait a few minutes for it to warm up and drop itself to 1,000RPM before I switch from park to drive to avoid the loud click when I do so.

[Tequila Cat]

There is a Service Bulletin that addresses this issue (Bulletin No 03-00406) that applies to CX-7s produced before June 20, 2006. It involves replacing the propeller shaft with a modified one that has a noise damper. Looks like a 1 hour procedure.

[G-Papi]

I haven't noticed the sound, but I'll look for the bulletin. Do you have a link to the site. Thanks

[lllateralus]

FYI, you should let that thing warm up a little bit anyways before you just slap that stark cold engine and tranny into gear.

This reminds me of old co-workers who would get out of work (full 8-10 hour day) and jump in their cars/trucks, and literally race eachother down the street full throttle, redline shifting. (no more than 10 seconds after the vehicle was started after sitting for 8-10 hours) They would turn the key to "start" and already have the right foot on the floor.

These guys had no concept for cold metal, oil circulation, metal expansion, etc.. I could almoast hear the pistons and valves screaming for mercy.

[varek]

I haven't noticed the sound, but I'll look for the bulletin. Do you have a link to the site. Thanks

It is weird due to i do also encounter the same problem with my cx7 sport. In my case i can hear the noise when i switch from parking to reverse gear. In the service bulletin it specifies only those (awd cx7's) with a lower vin#JM3ER29L970117176. There are other several bulletin links related to a front cranks shaft bolt / door panel and other possible issues.

(upbum) (upbum)
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/cx7/bulletins_index.html

[G-Papi]

Thanks for the link.

[CEW73]

It is weird due to i do also encounter the same problem with my cx7 sport. In my case i can hear the noise when i switch from parking to reverse gear. In the service bulletin it specifies only those (awd cx7's) with a lower vin#JM3ER29L970117176. There are other several bulletin links related to a front cranks shaft bolt / door panel and other possible issues.

(upbum) (upbum)
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/cx7/bulletins_index.html

thanks for the link also!
I thought my door panel looked a little funky on the top side! have to go to the dealer with a copy of this bulliten for backup.

[G-Papi]

Heard the clicking sound today for the first time. Oh well, in we go.

[varek]

Heard the clicking sound today for the first time. Oh well, in we go.

did you take your cx7 to the dealer, what did they say about the clicking noise, did they fix it?(flame)

[G-Papi]

Going in this week.

[G-Papi]

There is a modified replacement shaft that the dealer had to order. Applies to CX-7's made prior to June 20th. There is a VIN number reference.

[JayHovah]

I think I've heard this once or twice as well and kind of wrote it off as the tranny just being strange. The thing that worries me is the TSB regarding re-timing the engine if the crank shaft pully is removed (see the link above). Hopefully this does not need to be touched for the clunking TSB.

[G-Papi]

Well, if it does have to come off soon, it will be a dealer's problem.

[JayHovah]

Dealer problem = your problem, if they mess up...

[G-Papi]

True, but I can't see a crankshaft pulley coming off to replace this shaft. But then, I've heard of stranger things.

[tomkit]

so i went into the mazda dealer and they are going to be doing the two service bulletins that i showed to them. one is the driver/passenger side panel that has wrinkles. i am not expecting any problems with replacing this. but the dealer also said that they will be fixing the clunking noise. does anyone think this will require complicated work and that the dealer might possibly screw up my car in the process of fixing the noise problem? i noticed on the bulletin it says that they will be adding a dampener, however, the dealer said that they will be replacing the entire shaft (or something) and that it wasn't cheap. he told me that ordering the part will cost them $2000 (but obviously free for me). do you think it is worth replacing/fixing?

[G-Papi]

Isn't this a warranty matter?

[tomkit]

Isn't this a warranty matter?

it's covered under warranty, but i don't know if the dealer is component enough to fix it. i don't want to fix this minor problem if they're going to screw up my car

[G-Papi]

As I understand it, the damper is a part of the modified replacement shaft. Evidently, CX's made after June 20th have them as standard equipment. If it isn't fixed now, then your car will be substandard.

[G-Papi]

Well, my part is in Calif. (WTF). Will be in on 9/1.

[cruzdreamer]

Let them fix it....it is no cost to you....if they screw your car up they will have to fix it again is all. Mazda is usually pretty good about fixing the car and satisfying the customer. Unfortunately new models will always have a few issues as they are tested out in real life conditions. Make sure they do everything now under warranty.....if you don't fix it you may have bigger problems down the road. My RX 8 had a few problems and all were done pretty competently and I did not mind as long as I had a decent and free car to drive while in the shop. The next owner will have less worries. All new cars have their fair share of issues.....nothing to do with name brand. Good luck and keep us posted!! Thanks!