Cx-9 Throttle Problems

[steveadler]

After careful research for an AWD CX-9, I bought a new 2007 one week ago. I had immediate problems with the throttle shutting down, leaving NO POWER while driving up the road leading to my home. The climb is from 2,200 feet to 3,500 feet over a 1.5 mile uphill paved road, not overly steep. This happened several times and after taking the car to the service department here in Asheville it tested OK. The SERVICE MANAGER and the Mazda technician came out and drove the car up the mountain and experienced the same problem, throttle shutting down and no power. They brought a new 2008 CX-9 out and experienced the same exact problem.

I am told that the the transmission was filled to the proper level and with the proper fluid, so that is not the problem. I have gone up and down this mountain for 20 years in all kinds of vehicles, including 4 cylinder cars and have had no problems. The car is unsafe when the throttle shuts down going up a hill. Has anyone heard of this problem?

[Mazda3]

No.

[jabba]

I'm trying to think what stresses the car when going up hills:

1. Clogged fuel filter - unlikely, you'd probably feel it on level roads
2. Bad fuel injector - again, you'd probably feel it on level roads
3. Some clog in the catalytic converter/exhaust. I had this on a previous car, but I felt it all the time, i.e. the car would not accelerate past 55 mph.

And finally,
4. Transmission:
(a) Is the fluid topped off correctly?
(b) Are you sure the correct fluid is in there? Maybe get the dealer to flush and refill.

The transmission could be slipping (maybe the torque converter, who knows...), but it could all be related to the fluid. I'd get that flushed out, since both cars from the same dealer have the problem. Maybe someone at the dealership screwed up when topping off fluids--they really might believe everything's okay, but they screwed up inadvertedly.

[steveadler]

Thanks Jabba. I will call the dealership again.

[TravelinMan]

After careful research for an AWD CX-9, I bought a new 2007 one week ago. I had immediate problems with the throttle shutting down, leaving NO POWER while driving up the road leading to my home. The climb is from 2,200 feet to 3,500 feet over a 1.5 mile uphill paved road, not overly steep. This happened several times and after taking the car to the service department here in Asheville it tested OK. The SERVICE MANAGER and the Mazda technician came out and drove the car up the mountain and experienced the same problem, throttle shutting down and no power. They brought a new 2008 CX-9 out and experienced the same exact problem.

I am told that the the transmission was filled to the proper level and with the proper fluid, so that is not the problem. I have gone up and down this mountain for 20 years in all kinds of vehicles, including 4 cylinder cars and have had no problems. The car is unsafe when the throttle shuts down going up a hill. Has anyone heard of this problem?

If it was not for it happening on the same hill and not all the time, I would point you toward the transmission as well. When you loose power is the engine racing, i.e. revs at 4-5000 but your not going anywhere. This is what happened to me, it started intermittently on one day and the next was a total loss of power. Turned out to be a bad transmission. I would still have them check the tranny especially if its happening on a hill load only.

[wil_]

same thing happened on another cx-9? that is bad news - doesn't sound like anything is out of spec for yours, but rather there is a design flaw for the vehicle... man that sucks... have they contacted the regional mazda rep? the solution for this will likely come from Mazda engineers, not a dealer's service dept.

good luck, will be curious to hear the rest of the story.

[stomachdoc1]

We drive our '08 CX-9 GT in New Hampshire at similar altitudes on steep roads with no issues. Strange....

[Lindyrect]

Sounds to me like there must be some sort of issue with the High Altitude compensator (HAC) regulating fuel to air ratios. Very strange that two vehicles did it though!!!

[100$ GUY]

Well, its definitely just bad luck, cause everybody else's cars are fine.

[steveadler]

Engineers coming out week of 12/10/07 to drive the mountain. In the mean time, they gave ne a nice replacement vehicle to drive until problem is resolved. It probably is a design flaw.

[steveadler]

Although we are not that high up, the climb is fairly steep with curves. Since 2 vehcles did it, it is probably a design flaw but will know more after the engineers drive the mountain.

[CX-7owner]

You mean this week, cool, let us know what they found, it's probably a problem with a batch of CX-9's, I have no problems here in woodland hills going up the hills here. It's a 2008 sport FWD.

[steveadler]

Engineers came out and drove the mountain with 2 CX-9's. They believe it is a design flaw. I continue to drive a loaner vehicle, Mazda has been great and they are working on the problem.

[Lindyrect]

Did the 2 they drove last do the samething steveadler.

[steveadler]

This Will Be My Last Report On This Problem. The Cx-9 Has A Problem On Steeper Roads (these Are Paved Roads). The Throttle Shuts Down And There Is No Power. It Does Not Happen All The Time. I Am Told By The Transmission Man That Road In The Vehicles, Along With The Mazda Engineer And All Their Equipment, That The Transmission Senses It To Be Too Hot And That Is Why It Shuts Down. It Actually Does It At Slower Speeds (heats Up), Which Is The Opposite Of What I Would Think. It Does It In Regular Gear And Manual 2 And 3. It Takes A Few Minutes To Cool Down. So Be Careful If You Are Traveling On A Steep Grade.

Up Until Today, Mazda Has Provided Me With A Loaner Car And Kept The Cx-9. Today, They Informed Me That That Is Just The Way This Model Operates And It Is In All Their Cx-9's. I Was Also Told That It Is My Problem And They Have No Intentions Of Fixing It Or Giving Me My Money Back. I Was Told That It Is Just Too Bad.

Up Until Today I Trusted Mazda. For All You Mazda Apologists, This Problem Exist On All Cx-9's Both 2007 And 2008, No Ifs, Ands Or Buts. I Just Wanted An Awd Vehicle That Got Me To My Home, This Model Does Not Cut It. I Have Lived Here 20 Years, Driven The Cheapest Of Cheap 4 Cylinder Vehicles Up And Down The Mountain And Never Had A Problem.

You Will Be Reading More About This As I Will Be Doing Whatever It Takes To Go After Mazda, Making This Problem Public, Tv, Newspaper, Whatever It Takes, As I Am Very Disappointed, I Thought Mazda Was Reputable, Another Lesson In Life.

[live2ski]

That sucks. what grade is the road - 6%, 12%, 20%?

[steveadler]

It varies, but the spots where the car quits is close to 20%

[l-miwa]

Not to make an excuse for Mazda's behaviour, but 1300' in 1.5 miles is an average of over 16%. That's way steeper than most people will ever encounter. Short sections, even at over 20%, wouldn't cause the heat buildup that seems to be the problem. Undoubtedly that's why it didn't turn up in their testing.

Just curious. I assume you don't have the towing package with the aux trans cooler? Wonder if that would make a difference. Would adding an aftermarket trans cooler help your problem?

I'm in no way trying to imply that it's your fault or your problem. It isn't. Clearly Mazda should fix your situation, even if they can't / won't modify the CX-9. Start with the dealer. If they won't work with you, make as big a fuss as you can. Neither they nor Mazda want to see "SUV of the Year has major flaw!" splashed all over the headlines.

[steveadler]

Thanks for your input. I was driving the car on several of the test runs with the 2 engineers and all their equipment. It is actually 900 feet up in 1.7 miles. The problem actually occurs in grades at about 10% and up. I have driven these roads for 20 years with cheap 4 cylinder cars and NEVER had a problem. The car is a great car, it is a design flaw, MAZDA admits that. They just do not want to take responsibiltiy for it, which is very disappointing.

[Thaumaturge]

Wow, I am sorry to hear that was the outcome.

I am guessing this problem should be covered under your state's lemon law. You may be headed for arbitration should Mazda want to dig in its heals. Clearly, the ability to travel a paved road certified for public use is not outside the normal parameters of operation for a vehicle, so you should have a very good case.

Get your money back. They are stupid businessmen not to simply do this for you and make you go away. You need to climb the ladder to get to the person at Mazda who can write a check.

As for the problem, I am pretty sure there's nothing to be done apart from seriously reprogramming or redesigning the tranny or substituting a new one. My guess is that Mazda has decided that the percentage of people suffering this issue will be very small and not worth the expense of finding a remedy. Sad, but I understand the business logic.

As you know, car manufacturers are legendary for making this type of decision. Having just dumped a 7-series BMW when buying my CX-9, I can tell you that your problem is minor compared to people having to spend thousands on problems known to exist in a "flagship" automobile costing double the CX-9. I know, small consolation to hear you're not alone.

Good luck in your fight.

[100$ GUY]

Yeah buddy, good luck man. (enguard)

[live2ski]

I'll have to test the cx-9 on roads around here. Some of the mtn roads may come close to 15% in spots. The main highway passes over the mtns can be 6-8% for 5+ miles.

I agree with, l-miwa, it sounds like the towing pkg with transmission cooler would help, but I'd hope the Mazda engineers would have thought of that.

[steveadler]

The transmission fella said that it had something to do with the restriction of flow thru a transmitter that reads the temperature or something like that. This gives a transmission temp. reading that is high enough to shut the engine down until it cools off. This can be easily fixed on future models.

I am not looking for a fight, just a vehicle that will ge me safely where I need to go. The lemon law will probably be the route. Up until yesterday, I honestly thought that they would make good. I am hoping enough publicity, including this blog, will open their eyes.

[l-miwa]

The transmission fella said that it had something to do with the restriction of flow thru a transmitter ... This can be easily fixed on future models....

Any chance that a TSB / recall could fix existing models?

If people find that they can't get to their ski resorts in 2007-2008 CX-9's, we're going to take a beating on the resale value when they fix it in 2009!

I wonder if any other vehicles that use this same transmission have the same issue?

[Mazda3]

I'm less than impressed with how Mazda is handling this for you.

Does your CX-9 have the factory tranny cooler? All the Canadian vehicles have a HD cooling system, I wonder if they work any better. I would have to assume that Mazda would think of that. Bizzarre that they aren't working on a solution.

[steveadler]

Wow, I am sorry to hear that was the outcome.

I am guessing this problem should be covered under your state's lemon law. You may be headed for arbitration should Mazda want to dig in its heals. Clearly, the ability to travel a paved road certified for public use is not outside the normal parameters of operation for a vehicle, so you should have a very good case.

Get your money back. They are stupid businessmen not to simply do this for you and make you go away. You need to climb the ladder to get to the person at Mazda who can write a check.

As for the problem, I am pretty sure there's nothing to be done apart from seriously reprogramming or redesigning the tranny or substituting a new one. My guess is that Mazda has decided that the percentage of people suffering this issue will be very small and not worth the expense of finding a remedy. Sad, but I understand the business logic.

As you know, car manufacturers are legendary for making this type of decision. Having just dumped a 7-series BMW when buying my CX-9, I can tell you that your problem is minor compared to people having to spend thousands on problems known to exist in a "flagship" automobile costing double the CX-9. I know, small consolation to hear you're not alone.

Good luck in your fight.

Your comments ar well taken. In the scheme of things this problem is minor. People are dying of starvation all over the world, dying of cancer, killed by drunk drivers, etc. I realize that. But I still have to get to my home. Can you imagine a situation, where I am driving home, say in a 12% grade, in my CX-9 AWD in the snow or a litte ice and the throttle shuts down. It really is a SAFETY ISSUE. I have talked to the local newspeper and a TV station that runs stories like these. I really do not want to do that, I just want MAZDA to take responsibility.

[Thaumaturge]

Don't worry about this issue in relation to global issues, I think you're handling this very well. Your problem is serious.

If the engineer actually thought a fix could be implemented for future models, then that's another good bit of ammunition for you. You may want to send notes to the auto mag editors (MotorTrend especially) as well as BusinessWeek and any other mainstream publication that has reviewed the vehicle recently.

I would draft a letter, send it to Mazda execs with a note that in 7 days it goes out to the media at large. You may even list the outlets and contact names to emphasize this is not an idle threat.

Here are the execs to contact in order of importance in Mazda:

Hisakazu Imaki - Director & President (Basically Chairman of BOD)
Dan Morris - Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer (Basically CEO)

Contact:
3-1 Shinchi, Fuchu, Aki, Hiroshima 730-8670, Japan

James O'Sullivan - President & CEO Mazda USA, Managing Executive Officer
Robert Davis - Sr. VP Product Development & Quality
Yasuo Kunita - VP Quality and Technical Service
Eric Johnston - Vice President, Sales and Field Operations
David Klan - Director of Marketing

Contact:
7755 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA
(949) 727-1990

The odds are that the gatekeepers will try to get in your way, so just keep pounding. On the other hand, I have found that access to board members and top executives is actually not that hard if you're professional and don't come off like just another angry customer.

Keep us posted.

[steveadler]

Mazda has just agreed, officially, to buy the car back. So, I will not be writing any more here. But, I believe being able to write here served a great purpose.

I like the CX-9, it just has this problem that will not effect many of you, but certainly did not suit my purposes.

I would advise, that everything that I have said here really happened and the

PROBLEM STILL EXISTS as reported.

Thanks.

[100$ GUY]

Maybe a nice finale after all.

Mazda took responsability and buyed the car back.

I wonder what steve thinks about how this story came to an end and what car he is gonna buy now?

[steveadler]

Do you have any suggestions for a good mountain vehicle? What I mean by that is one that will go up steep inclines, 10 to 20% grade, on paved roads.

I am looking, what about a jeep product?

[Force-1]

I live in Albuquerque, which is 5000' above sea level. I have climbed several steep grades at 80MPH, no issues.

[steveadler]

You could not climb these roads at 80 as there are a lot of curves and switch backs. I problem happened coming out of the curves and at slow speeds. I thought it was caused by the curves, but Mazda says it is not the curves.

[kosh2258]

Do you have any suggestions for a good mountain vehicle? What I mean by that is one that will go up steep inclines, 10 to 20% grade, on paved roads.

I am looking, what about a jeep product?

I just got rid of '00 Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD and my experience with it wasn't pleasant. It had a lot of reliability problems and component failures. The maintenance on them is pretty costly as well.

I personally think there are better alternatives to be had.

Ted

[zoomzone]

Do you have any suggestions for a good mountain vehicle? What I mean by that is one that will go up steep inclines, 10 to 20% grade, on paved roads.

I am looking, what about a jeep product?

What about a Subaru?

[100$ GUY]

Well steve, Im not expert on cars performing well on steep grades as u say, cause in fact my usual roads I drive are flat or have normal inclines.

Maybe a jeep product for seven people will work, they have a great warranty I believe coming from chrysler.

I will not take risks of recomending u a vehicle without proper knowledge. (godown)

[steveadler]

What about a Subaru?

Subaru it is.

[CX9 SportOwner]

we are at 5200 feet and have driven to over 7000 a few time with no problems. Our CX9 is as much a rocket going up there as anyplace else.

[100$ GUY]

Subaru it is.

Why subaru? and which one?

[SpartanMan]

We should start monitoring the Subaru forums to see if steveadler has the same issues again. :D.

[100$ GUY]

We should start monitoring the Subaru forums to see if steveadler has the same issues again. :D.

+100! (friday)

[checocc]

at some mountains near here (Mexico) where we go from time to time cause its beautiful, same thing, very steep climbing, going slow, about 1 hour climbing. when going through a steep switchback at the middle of the climb, then the revs lock at 2000 and pressing or depressing the accelerator does nothing, I change the transmission to manual going up and down the shifts and nothing, then after like 10 seconds it goes back to normal again, I thoght it was about to stall. everybody inside asked me what happened and I told them something going wrong with the car, but since the car is 08 new (delivered 12 October 07) I kept going thinking it was best if it failed definitely so it could be fixed under warranty. but did't happened again.
So now I read this, I'll be scared to go again to climb some mountains cause I can have a big problem there.(nailbyt)
What should I do? sell? sue?
I let u know.
I'm just a new user of this forum, and also noted some other quality issues (design issues clearly) with this car that I'll be posting about, like the front wheel alignment problem, the hydraulic valve lifter noise on engine just at 4000 mil. of use, the loss of quick responsiveness of the transmission, and the very lame poor mileage that no sales person-magazine warns u about. it makes me wish a V8 badly.(sad1)
I'm alone here?

[Mazda3]

at some mountains near here (Mexico) where we go from time to time cause its beautiful, same thing, very steep climbing, going slow, about 1 hour climbing. when going through a steep switchback at the middle of the climb, then the revs lock at 2000 and pressing or depressing the accelerator does nothing, I change the transmission to manual going up and down the shifts and nothing, then after like 10 seconds it goes back to normal again, I thoght it was about to stall. everybody inside asked me what happened and I told them something going wrong with the car, but since the car is 08 new (delivered 12 October 07) I kept going thinking it was best if it failed definitely so it could be fixed under warranty. but did't happened again.
So now I read this, I'll be scared to go again to climb some mountains cause I can have a big problem there.(nailbyt)
What should I do? sell? sue?
I let u know.
I'm just a new user of this forum, and also noted some other quality issues (design issues clearly) with this car that I'll be posting about, like the front wheel alignment problem, the hydraulic valve lifter noise on engine just at 4000 mil. of use, the loss of quick responsiveness of the transmission, and the very lame poor mileage that no sales person-magazine warns u about. it makes me wish a V8 badly.(sad1)
I'm alone here?


:rolleyes:

[techspeak]

the OP shouldnt freak out, just ask your dealer to a) change your transmision fluid; because if its overheating, the fluid is shot
b) install an aux ATF cooler to your vehicle for no charge.

That would solve your problems

[CX9 SportOwner]

I'd check the fluid for burning. Im not convinced your tranny overheated. I think the trans has a cut off point that locks you out BEFORE it overheats. I had this happen driving 80 into a VERY strong headwind, but no signs of actual overheating, and no other incidents. Like the auto braking when cornering too fast, I think the CX9 plays it safe.

[Roger Cooper]

This Will Be My Last Report On This Problem. The Cx-9 Has A Problem On Steeper Roads (these Are Paved Roads). The Throttle Shuts Down And There Is No Power. It Does Not Happen All The Time. I Am Told By The Transmission Man That Road In The Vehicles, Along With The Mazda Engineer And All Their Equipment, That The Transmission Senses It To Be Too Hot And That Is Why It Shuts Down. It Actually Does It At Slower Speeds (heats Up), Which Is The Opposite Of What I Would Think. It Does It In Regular Gear And Manual 2 And 3. It Takes A Few Minutes To Cool Down. So Be Careful If You Are Traveling On A Steep Grade.

Up Until Today, Mazda Has Provided Me With A Loaner Car And Kept The Cx-9. Today, They Informed Me That That Is Just The Way This Model Operates And It Is In All Their Cx-9's. I Was Also Told That It Is My Problem And They Have No Intentions Of Fixing It Or Giving Me My Money Back. I Was Told That It Is Just Too Bad.

Up Until Today I Trusted Mazda. For All You Mazda Apologists, This Problem Exist On All Cx-9's Both 2007 And 2008, No Ifs, Ands Or Buts. I Just Wanted An Awd Vehicle That Got Me To My Home, This Model Does Not Cut It. I Have Lived Here 20 Years, Driven The Cheapest Of Cheap 4 Cylinder Vehicles Up And Down The Mountain And Never Had A Problem.

You Will Be Reading More About This As I Will Be Doing Whatever It Takes To Go After Mazda, Making This Problem Public, Tv, Newspaper, Whatever It Takes, As I Am Very Disappointed, I Thought Mazda Was Reputable, Another Lesson In Life.

[Roger Cooper]

Good morning, I have a new CX-9 Less than two weeks old and it had throttle problems this weekend. First time running 75 MPH with cruise and it had to go up a little incline in the road and it shut down. I kicked it out of cruise and headed for the side of the road and it came alive again. the rest of the way home 200 miles I had to give it just a little gas. Too much and it would shut down. Once it got down to 20 MPH on the interstate and I pulled over to a exit, got gas eat lunch and went again. Ok for a while but would not accelerate up the mountain toward Ashville. Engine was not hot and no lights came on. Taking car back to dealer this week. Anyone else with a new CX-9 with this problem?

[cx9don]

I recently experienced a similar problem but have rightfully or wrongly attributed it to my traction control system. I and my dealer thinks it was caused by the computer sensing wheel spin, I was on a wash boarded gravel hill, and reducing power. My complaint was that the severe loss in power lasted for 15 or 20 seconds before full power was restored. This happened several times over a 15 minute climb up the hill.
As I understand it the TCS shuts down power whenever wheel spin is detected. My complaint is that the loss of power is not momentary like in other AWD or 4-wheel drive cars, but last for 15 to 20 seconds. It would be very dangerous in heavy traffic.

[pinski]

After careful research for an AWD CX-9, I bought a new 2007 one week ago. I had immediate problems with the throttle shutting down, leaving NO POWER while driving up the road leading to my home. The climb is from 2,200 feet to 3,500 feet over a 1.5 mile uphill paved road, not overly steep. This happened several times and after taking the car to the service department here in Asheville it tested OK. The SERVICE MANAGER and the Mazda technician came out and drove the car up the mountain and experienced the same problem, throttle shutting down and no power. They brought a new 2008 CX-9 out and experienced the same exact problem.

I am told that the the transmission was filled to the proper level and with the proper fluid, so that is not the problem. I have gone up and down this mountain for 20 years in all kinds of vehicles, including 4 cylinder cars and have had no problems. The car is unsafe when the throttle shuts down going up a hill. Has anyone heard of this problem?

Good morning, I have a new CX-9 Less than two weeks old and it had throttle problems this weekend. First time running 75 MPH with cruise and it had to go up a little incline in the road and it shut down. I kicked it out of cruise and headed for the side of the road and it came alive again. the rest of the way home 200 miles I had to give it just a little gas. Too much and it would shut down. Once it got down to 20 MPH on the interstate and I pulled over to a exit, got gas eat lunch and went again. Ok for a while but would not accelerate up the mountain toward Ashville. Engine was not hot and no lights came on. Taking car back to dealer this week. Anyone else with a new CX-9 with this problem?

Both in Asheville, eh? Maybe Roger ended up buying the other CX9 on that dealer's lot that had the same problem, or bought the one Mazda bought back from steveadler. That would suck.

I guess I need to install a HD tranny cooler, though.

[TRXSandRacer02]

i have dealt with a few of these issues, mainly concerning the thermo valve on the transmission. It has to do with the rate of change in temperature it doesnt flow fast enough and the pcm and tcm see a rapid change in transmission temp and it shuts down any throttle control. I can find the TSB for anyone who may need it, not sure if there is one though, i do have the special thermo valve updated part number at work i will get it posted hopefully tomorrow or by the latest monday

[T.Narley]

i have dealt with a few of these issues, mainly concerning the thermo valve on the transmission. It has to do with the rate of change in temperature it doesnt flow fast enough and the pcm and tcm see a rapid change in transmission temp and it shuts down any throttle control. I can find the TSB for anyone who may need it, not sure if there is one though, i do have the special thermo valve updated part number at work i will get it posted hopefully tomorrow or by the latest monday

Anything on a TSB? If this is a problem I'd like to address it before I experience it.

[TRXSandRacer02]

i couldnt find a tsb on it but when i first diagnosed one i submitted a pqi to mazda (product quality information) to address the issue and they said to install the updated special thermo valve, just have your dealer call mazda techline and inquire about the special thermo valve issue and they should be able to send one to your dealer, its actually a ford edge part they special order in. I dont think parts counter can order this yet, only dealer assistance group for mazda or mazda techline can special order it at this time

[cx9don]

I am surprised that there have not been more posts on this subject. The loss of power we have experienced could cause serious accidents. When I related my repeated loss of power climbing I had experienced one day climbing a long gravelled hill to my dealer, he found a tech bulletin that directed him to reprogram the controller. He said that the problem was linked to the traction control system. I have not been back on the hill to see if it worked. I have never experienced loss of power on long steep paved highways. The dealer did not mention anything about thermostat valves.
How do you contact Mazda quality information?

[TRXSandRacer02]

it should be listed in yor owners manual, you can contact the correct people to get your vehicle looked at or to resolve an issue. Otherwise, when a mazda technician repairs a vehicle he sumbits a pqi(product quality inquiry) to let mazda know what happened and what fixed it. Mazda is very serious about cusotmers and wants only the best, good mazda dealers always do this and take care of thier customers

[karthikcx9]

Hi all,

CX9 and CX7vehicle manufactured before MAY 1 2008 have these throttle problem this can be fixed, by the dealer..

please refer the attached PDF or JPG


Goodluck
Karthik

[karthikcx9]

Hi all,

CX9 and CX7vehicle manufactured before MAY 1 2008 have these throttle problem this can be fixed, by the dealer..

please refer the attached PDF or JPG


Goodluck
Karthik

[karthikcx9]

please chk the attached JPG

[karthikcx9]

After careful research for an AWD CX-9, I bought a new 2007 one week ago. I had immediate problems with the throttle shutting down, leaving NO POWER while driving up the road leading to my home. The climb is from 2,200 feet to 3,500 feet over a 1.5 mile uphill paved road, not overly steep. This happened several times and after taking the car to the service department here in Asheville it tested OK. The SERVICE MANAGER and the Mazda technician came out and drove the car up the mountain and experienced the same problem, throttle shutting down and no power. They brought a new 2008 CX-9 out and experienced the same exact problem.

I am told that the the transmission was filled to the proper level and with the proper fluid, so that is not the problem. I have gone up and down this mountain for 20 years in all kinds of vehicles, including 4 cylinder cars and have had no problems. The car is unsafe when the throttle shuts down going up a hill. Has anyone heard of this problem?



issue can be solved please chk the attached jpg

[ceric]

Thanks to kartikcx9 for the TSB.
I will make sure my dealer update my TCM at the next oil change.

[nguvanh]

Hi karthikcx9,
Can you post complete 3 pages of this Bulletin.

[SeCX-9]

The dealer won't require the 3rd page. I told them the TSB#, provided a copy of the first two pages attached here and no problems.

They did ask me to explain what happened before they would apply the firmware fix. So I told them that the engine quit while driving up Mt. Washington in nearby New Hampshire. I almost got killed when the engine shut down I told them. Firmware was gladly updated (so I was told when I picked it up).(spin)

Still waiting for parts for another TSB issued that shows symptoms of breaks squeaking badly when first taking the CX-9 out of the garage in the morning. This one happens for real.(protest)

[ceric]

SeCX-9,
I also have the same issue with brake noise at 1st braking out of garage in the morning. I have not given much thought to it. Now that there is a TSB, do you have the number of TSB? Can you post a copy? Thanks in advance.

[SeCX-9]

SeCX-9,
I also have the same issue with brake noise at 1st braking out of garage in the morning. I have not given much thought to it. Now that there is a TSB, do you have the number of TSB? Can you post a copy? Thanks in advance.


Hi Ceric, TSB 04-001/08 issued 1/16/2008

If you private email me your email address, I'll send you a copy of the full TSB. There is one for rear brakes too. I'll dig up that site that has many of them posted if I can.

[SeCX-9]

I found many useful TSBs right here.

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/store/pages.php?pageid=15


However, the engine shut-off one is not there. I found the main details on the NHTSA http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ and the full report from this site.

[TRXSandRacer02]

remember brakes are only covered in the first 12 months or 12k miles under adjustment, so dont even bother with a tsb to correct it if you are out on miles or 12 months from waranty start date

[nguvanh]

remember brakes are only covered in the first 12 months or 12k miles under adjustment, so dont even bother with a tsb to correct it if you are out on miles or 12 months from waranty start date

No, my CX-9 is 18,000 miles and nearly 17 months, but I just had my dealer does the brakes yesterday.

[sentravq]

Hi i just bought a 08 cx9 last night and found out that it was made april 2008. I called my dealership regarding this tsb concern reduction of power when going up a steep hill and they told me that they cannot perform the tsb unless you actually have the problem; i was wondering are the being assholes about it or can it be perform without it actually happening. When i had tsb in my nissan they fixed with no questions asked(even though i didnt have the problem)

[R-X-R]

probably a subaru.

[badself]

Hi i just bought a 08 cx9 last night and found out that it was made april 2008. I called my dealership regarding this tsb concern reduction of power when going up a steep hill and they told me that they cannot perform the tsb unless you actually have the problem; i was wondering are the being assholes about it or can it be perform without it actually happening. When i had tsb in my nissan they fixed with no questions asked(even though i didnt have the problem)

You tell those SOB's you experienced the problem trying to get up a steep slope, that the vehicle went into a type of "limp-home-mode", and tell them to fix it right.

The more I deal with Mazda, the more I think their warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on. I enjoy the CX-9, but that coupled with weak resale (due to fire sale prices after May of this year), I'd have to pass on another Mazda at this time. It influenced my decision not to buy an '09 Mazda 6 in September of this year.

[ceric]

Hi i just bought a 08 cx9 last night and found out that it was made april 2008. I called my dealership regarding this tsb concern reduction of power when going up a steep hill and they told me that they cannot perform the tsb unless you actually have the problem; i was wondering are the being assholes about it or can it be perform without it actually happening. When i had tsb in my nissan they fixed with no questions asked(even though i didnt have the problem)

Find another Mazda dealer.
I told my dealer that I was going up to ski in a few weeks, and I was afraid that it might happen to me while going up hill. He did the TSB w/o question. I also had the front brake noise taken care of (replaced the pads, added new guide plates, and resurfaced the rotors). Also, replaced the 4 painted interior silver garnish pieces. All three TSBs at one shot. My dealer gave me a loaner (Mazda3) for two days.