Hesitation / Vibration in my new CX-7

[gen1pro]

When I'm driving my girlfriends CX-7 I noticed like a hesitation when I'm at about 60 or 70 mph on the highway. It happens when I'm holding the gas pedal to stay at one of those speeds. Its almost like your driving on a bad piece of road combined with like a spark plug not firing correctly. Has anyone experienced this. She uses 93 octane and we went in for that initial check that they have all the CX-7 do.

[xavier]

I think I have experienced what you are talking about and I believe it to be an indecisive tranny. 6 speeds in an atuo are not really setup for 65 mile speed limits. What I do is down shift to 5th in manual mode and ride 5th. Theres not that much difference in 5th and 6th so no biggie. Ill go back to 6th if I find stretches of 70 and Ill keep it at 75. Maybe a shift kit would do some justice to take out some of the fuzzy area.

[motopilot]

I have the same problem. My wife noticed it as well at highway speeds. Almost seems like it cannot decide which gear it is in. The manual switch is a good idea however when it goes in for its checkup I will let the dealer know. I would think there would be some kind of tuning for that.

[Mazda3]

Check the PCM updates done, I have them and mine doesn't do that. Not sure if it did before because I made them do the updates before I took delivery. Mazda makes PCM updates all the time, I insist that I get them everytime I'm in for service. You have to insist on them or they won't do it.

[1Sleepy93]

Had that and after a PCM update didn't notice it as much.

[gen1pro]

Next time I'm at the dealer I will have them update it. Until then I'll shift it into fifth.

[xavier]

Ok I was at the Mazda dealership yesterday and I mentioned this. The service advisor said it is a problem. They called it lack of performance and hesitation at 60. He said Mazda is aware and working on a fix for the ECU, they just dont have it yet. Ill keep you updated when I know something.

[gen1pro]

I have an MS6 as well and they had a ECU update that fixed an hesitation issue. I wonder if it is the same thing.



Ok I was at the Mazda dealership yesterday and I mentioned this. The service advisor said it is a problem. They called it lack of performance and hesitation at 60. He said Mazda is aware and working on a fix for the ECU, they just dont have it yet. Ill keep you updated when I know something.

[xavier]

I just spoke to my dealer today when I picked my cx7 up and asked about the hesitation. they said that mazda is still working on it. what does that mean to me?? I got an open ended ticket for a lemon buyback for the next 10 months if I need it. hahaha. I'm sure mazda will have things sorted out in a little while. ill tell you I'm glad to have the cx back after being forced into driving a tribute for a while.

[1Sleepy93]

More then likely it's the tranny trying to decide what to do with the torque converter. Whether to lock or unlock that is.

[TheMAN]

there will be a TSB released on the 60mph surging. It is due to poor transmission control logics. Just have your dealership update the TCM programming and it should fix it.

If you get surging/bucking (not around 60mph) and/or misfire "CEL"s, it could be a bad fuel injector... there have been several isolated cases of these happening in the L3-VDT engines already

[xavier]

Thanks theman. I got the PCM update today but the wife took the cx-7 as soon as I got it. My car is in the paint booth for a freshen up. I havent really had a chance to take it on the highway at speed yet but I will definitely take notes when I do.

[motopilot]

Let me know if the new TCM programming made a difference. We seem to have the same problem when at highway speeds. So far this has been the only real problem we have had in the car. Although we do not put as many miles on it as others (we have had it for 3 months and just hit 1500 miles).

[xavier]

Let me know if the new TCM programming made a difference. We seem to have the same problem when at highway speeds. So far this has been the only real problem we have had in the car. Although we do not put as many miles on it as others (we have had it for 3 months and just hit 1500 miles).
Well, unfortunately moto, the TCM/PCM flash made zero difference as far as the 60mph hesitation. What I did notice is the transmission is easier to control gear-hold. I dont have to keep the pedal floored to hold a gear, I can simply maintain about half throttle and the current gear will be maintained until I let off. The overall transmission behavior is a bit better as well but the 60mph hesitation is still there.

[gen1pro]

Do you know when it will be released and what the exact TSB listing will be so I can contact my dealer?


there will be a TSB released on the 60mph surging. It is due to poor transmission control logics. Just have your dealership update the TCM programming and it should fix it.

If you get surging/bucking (not around 60mph) and/or misfire "CEL"s, it could be a bad fuel injector... there have been several isolated cases of these happening in the L3-VDT engines already

[spike blue]

wow i haven't noticed anythink yet but the next visit to the dealer im doing the flash!!

[njcx7]

just stay in 5th or do 80...seriously though, i didn't notice anything w/ mine yet.

[chasmanz28]

there will be a TSB released on the 60mph surging. It is due to poor transmission control logics. Just have your dealership update the TCM programming and it should fix it.

If you get surging/bucking (not around 60mph) and/or misfire "CEL"s, it could be a bad fuel injector... there have been several isolated cases of these happening in the L3-VDT engines alreadyi thought i was going crazy but i have this problem to, it feels like a miss but no cel light comes on so it cant be a misfire, whatever it is i hope they fix it, having to give it more gas to solve this problem isnt cutting it anymore, i shouldnt have to play around with the gas pedal to have a smooth ride.

[motopilot]

What's funny is i brought in the cx7 for the first maintence check today. When I pulled up the uy was all cool and polite, then I pulled out a list of "concerned" items, most which are the ones we have all discussed on the forum. He was alittle shocked and surprised that I knew about some of these. I told him the 5-6th gear problem is my main concern, cause even at 70-80mph it still happens. They are keeping again to finish tomorrow and I will let you know. For now i am stuck in a Mazda 6.

[CXRabbit]

Moto... do you actually SEE the gears changing between "5" and "6" when you're doing the 70mph or so speeds? I've been on the highway a few times now and haven't noticed this gear-confusion either visually or in how it feels.

[mikey1981]

I have noticed it, i think i posted someting about this to.

Seems like the car will not maintain at the 60-65mph range without a good amount of throttle, but then speed becomes an issue. If you try to maintain the 60-65 it does downshift whenever u seem to give it a hint of throttle to stay at a steady speed. The downshifting of the auto is aggrevating, and when it downshifts sometimes the tranny will kick. I think this is pretty much a cross-the-line issue just its whether or not each driver actually notices it more. I somehow have not put it into manual mode and left it in 5, or 6 - im going to try that.

I too, gave the dealer a punch list- Why leave anything up to questioning, make sure all the bases are covered.

Other than that 60-65 range, everything else is purring

[1Sleepy93]

In manual in 6th it still does it.

[Hasplode]

For what it's worth I've never noticed the hesitation, but when I had my CX-7 at the dealership a couple of weeks ago I asked them to do any available PCM updates. The manager said they'd just got a new update disc in the day before, but that technically they weren't supposed to do updates just for the hell of it, only when the customer complains about something related. So, he rewrote the service request as "Customer reports hesitation and surging at 60 MPH, please reflash PCM"... so maybe the update they got was supposed to fix the problem you're having. The version numbers are on my service invoice if anybody wants to know what they gave me.

[mwr577]

Has anyone noticed this hesitation at 50 mph, I have had mine do this several times now. Also noticed it one at about 60.

[chasmanz28]

there will be a TSB released on the 60mph surging. It is due to poor transmission control logics. Just have your dealership update the TCM programming and it should fix it.

If you get surging/bucking (not around 60mph) and/or misfire "CEL"s, it could be a bad fuel injector... there have been several isolated cases of these happening in the L3-VDT engines alreadyDoes anybody know if this update fixed the problem, my surging is getting worse

[chasmanz28]

For what it's worth I've never noticed the hesitation, but when I had my CX-7 at the dealership a couple of weeks ago I asked them to do any available PCM updates. The manager said they'd just got a new update disc in the day before, but that technically they weren't supposed to do updates just for the hell of it, only when the customer complains about something related. So, he rewrote the service request as "Customer reports hesitation and surging at 60 MPH, please reflash PCM"... so maybe the update they got was supposed to fix the problem you're having. The version numbers are on my service invoice if anybody wants to know what they gave me.Can you give me the latest version numbers please, so i can compare what version he installs thanks

[chasmanz28]

Has anyone noticed this hesitation at 50 mph, I have had mine do this several times now. Also noticed it one at about 60.Yes mine does it between 40 and 60, so its just not at one speed

[Silver Ecstasy]

You know the funny thing is..I was braggin to my dad today about how cool the car is and how i'm seriously looking into getting one very soon.

I made mention to him of the 6-speed auto tranny, and the first thing he said was:

"Hmm..too many gears to choose from, everytime theres more gears, theres more problems.."

He's been working on cars for the past 30 years. I trust his judgement, but I also disagree a little because more gears could be useful for more powerful cars, thats for sure. We might not have needed a 6-speed for the CX but oh well. Its there, have fun I guess.

The first thing I'm going to do when I get mine, is I'm going to ask to meet, and speak with one particular service rep. I'm going to get to know him and get the point across that I am not just any other person. That I will expect him to take me seriously and I don't want any bs because of my past vehicle, i've already had enough bs fed to me from other places. It may come off as harsh, but its either that, or I'm coming after my salesperson to demand service.

Its a long story but I'm not too happy at the fact the CX is my favorite car right now, and it hasn't been out very long, so i'm weary about first year problems.

[TheMAN]

there has been TCM updates almost weekly, probably attempting to address this issue... on another note, a new ECU update has also been released a few weeks ago... the latest one changes the boost control in that the powerband feels more linear rather than an abrupt surge in power when boost kicks in... this update may make you feel like the car has less power than before because of the increased smoothness, however the actual power delivery is the same

[TheMAN]

here is the latest TSB:

TSB: 01-053/06

2007 CX-7 - LACK OF POWER OR HESITATION ON ACCELERATION UNDER 2,000 RPM

BULLETIN NOTE

This bulletin supersedes the previous bulletin issued on 12/14/06. The APPLICABLE MODELS(S)/VINS has been revised.
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS

2007 CX-7 vehicles with VINs lower than JM3ER****7*155979 (produced before Dec. 15, 2006)
DESCRIPTION

Some vehicles may experience a lack of power or hesitation on initial start under 2,000 rpm (before turbo kicks in). The PCM software has been changed to provide smoother acceleration feel.
NOTE: With this revised calibration, some customers may feel there is a slight decrease in power due to the smoother feeling. The engine power output is unchanged.
Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE

1. Reboot the IDS to clear memory before reprogramming.
2. Using IDS B46.6 or later software, reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration (refer to "Calibration Information" table) by following the "Module Reprogramming" procedure. NOTE:

Always update the IDS tool first, then follow on-screen instructions to download the needed calibration file for PCM reprogramming.
It is not necessary to remove any fuses or relays during PCM reprogramming when the IDS screen prompts you to do so. You may accidentally stop power to one of the PCM terminals and cause the PCM to be blanked, or you may receive error messages during the IDS reprogramming procedure.
IDS shows the calibration part numbers after programming the PCM.
Please be aware that PCM calibration part numbers and file names listed in any Service Bulletin may change due to future releases of IDS software, and additional revisions made to those calibrations for service related concerns.
When reprogramming a PCM, IDS will always display the "latest" calibration P/N available for that vehicle. If any calibration has been revised/updated to contain new information for a new service concern/issue, it will also contain all previously released calibrations.
When performing this procedure, we recommend that a battery charger be installed on the vehicle battery and turned ON to a maximum charge of no more than 20 AMPS to keep the vehicle battery up to capacity. If you exceed 20 AMPS, it could damage the VCM.
3. After performing the PCM reprogramming procedure, verify the repair by starting the engine and making sure there are no MIL illumination or abnormal warning lights present. NOTE:

If any DTCs should remain after performing DTC erase, diagnose the DTCs according to the appropriate Troubleshooting section of the Workshop Manual.
After PCM reprogramming, it is no longer necessary to road test the vehicle to "relearn" KAM (Keep Alive Memory).
4. Fill out an "Authorized Modifications" label (P/N 9999-95-AMDC-97) with the new PCM calibration information, your dealer code, and today’s date.
5. Place the "Authorized Modifications" label on the "A" pillar below the tear tag in the driver door jamb. The "Authorized Modification" label will inform technicians of the PCM calibration change if future repairs are necessary. CALIBRATION INFORMATION

NOTE: Please be aware of the following before programming PCM with this calibration: With this revised calibration, some customers may feel there is a decrease in power due to smoother acceleration. Please explain to the customer there is no defect as the acceleration has been made more linear. Engine power output has not been changed.


Spec.
New PCM Calibration Part Number
File Name
Calif. - 2WD
L33L-18-881J
SW-L33LEP000
Calif. - 4WD
L33M-18-881J
SW-L33MEP000
Fed. - 2WD
L33N-18-881J
SW-L33NEP000
Fed. - 4WD
L33P-18-881J
SW-L33PEP000

NOTE: The PCM Calibration Part Numbers listed above are provided for PCM reprogramming purposes only. These are not necessarily the same Mazda part numbers used to order an actual PCM through the Mazda Parts System. It is not necessary to order a PCM as part of this repair procedure.
WARRANTY INFORMATION

NOTE:

This warranty information applies only to verified customer complaints on vehicles eligible for warranty repair. Refer to the Warranty Wizard for warranty term information.
Additional diagnostic time cannot be claimed for this repair. Warranty Type
A
Symptom Code
08
Damage Code
9E
Part Number Main Cause
5555-06-036A
Quantity
0
Operation Number / Labor Hours
XXB489FX / 0.3 Hrs.

[CXRabbit]

TheMAN,

Funny you mention that... after my last TCM/PCM Flash I kinda felt like it lost a little power, but I was chalking it up to being in my subconscious. It still feels fast, I just don't get that "pushed back in my seat" feeling as much. Maybe it still is subconscious, but when I read your reply, it kinda made sense.

[9Hooker]

I trust his judgement, but I also disagree a little because more gears could be useful for more powerful cars, thats for sure. We might not have needed a 6-speed for the CX but oh well.


I'm willing to speculate the reason for 6 gears, more specifically very short 1st and 2nd, is to make up for the fact that the car is 3900# and only has 4 cylinders (albeit turbocharged) and 258 lb/ft TQ. It's gotta get going from naught to anything in less than a decade....

[chasmanz28]

TheMAN,

Funny you mention that... after my last TCM/PCM Flash I kinda felt like it lost a little power, but I was chalking it up to being in my subconscious. It still feels fast, I just don't get that "pushed back in my seat" feeling as much. Maybe it still is subconscious, but when I read your reply, it kinda made sense.after your update, do you still get the surge or the hesitation? because from what i read initial start under 2,000 rpm? the surge happens when your moving under slight load from speeds around 40 to 60, or am i missing something (shrug) (confused)

[CXRabbit]

I didn't feel the hesitation to begin with. They updated because they were looking into another issue I was having and saw there was a new update having to do with the CEL/MIL.

[domski]

I have the same problem with my CX-7, the car feels like its hunting for fuel and then has a slight surge, it's if your driving with the choke pulled out (for those of you who remember what a choke is!). It's very difficult to keep at a constant speed smoothly, without compensating with the gas pedal. Most of the threads on this forum relate the problem with auto gerboxes, but my CX-7 is a manual shift which would lead my to believe the problem has to be with the engine. I've spoken with the dealership and the service manager test drove the one they had in the showroom, it had exactly the same problem. He has now contacted Masda U.K. and I,m now waiting for engineers from Mazda to have a look. Lets see what they come up with.

[mattsimis]

Hi, Ive been researching this problem for months, also with a 6sp Manual CX7. I was also told by a Mazda garage that their other demo models did this. Was there ever any follow up or conclusion to the guys post above with Mazda UK?