A few problems with the Speed

[Damien]

I bought the car at the end of Jan 04 and already im having a few problems.
The main problem is why i posted.
-Problem #1 - I had my local mazda do my first oil change at 4800 km's and used Mobil 1 synthetic 5W30 oil. The day after i had the oil changed i noticed when i was under boost there was a new screaming sound that i didnt have before. I made an apointment with a different (better) mazda dealer but they were quite booked so my apointment was made for march 25th (i made this apointment approx 3 weeks ago). I have still been driving my car around with this screaming everytime im under boost and its pretty loud, people on the street stop to see what it is. Anyways i was talking with Derrick from corksport lastnight and he said it could possibly be my turbo is done for.
Wondering what any of your opinions are?
-Problem #2 - Common problem im assuming, my rear suspension has a bad squeaking. Im also a little upset at how sloppy my suspension has become since i bought the car, it felt tight at first and now its crap, not sure why but id like to get that fixed while im at mazda. Doubt it will happen though.
-Problem #3 - Sometimes when my cd player tries to hide itself and flip it will get stuck 1/2 way and not open or close until i reset it, it will just stay 1/2 way. Its pissing me off having to reset my settings all the time.
-Problem #4 - The rattle i have in my interior is loud and very annoying, its coming from around the glove box.
-Problem #5 - The alarm, yeah it likes to just go off whenever it likes, even with the sensitivity all the way down, this can not only piss me off but alot of other people too.
-Problem #6 - My yellow paint is forming dark spots that look to be almost under the clear coat in the paint, i cannot wash this off or anything, ive tried, makes my car look dirty even when freshly washed, its mostly around the hood.
Problem #7 - This regards my local dealer. Until i signed up on this site i didnt know what the car should come with. But when i bought the car the tires were missing the valve stems, they put some on order for me when i bought the car, still nothing yet, they told me they are on order from japan.
I noticed on this site some people were talking about remotes for their cd players and mazdaspeed floor mats. When i drove out with my car i ended up with no remote and they had put base model protege floor mats in. Thank god i checked this site. I got my remote right away but they said the floor mats are also on order. I dont think they knew much about this car, when i bought it they went with me right away to fill me up with my complimentary tank of gas and attempted to fill it with regular 87 octane. I made sure they filled it with supreme plus 94 octane. During the oil change the guy had told me synthetic oils arent good for the car and i should be using mazda brand 10W30. I let him know the car should run on synthetic. All these problems and to top it off i paid MSRP for the car 7 weeks ago, it was $27,000 Canadian for me, i couldnt find a dealer anywhere that wanted to drop it down a bit. I asked about the rebate or any other offers, they assured me there wasnt any.

Sorry for the long story but i feel i shouldnt have bought this car, im ready to sell it and lose $10,000 of my hard earned money to buy an SUV or something...I wanted this car so bad since it first came out, now that i have it its causing me alot of stress. I still want to keep it, but its showing me its not one of those reliable kind of keeper vehicles.
What would you guys do in my shoes?

[derrick1623]

common problems, see the thread at the top of the mazdaspeed section.

as for the dealer issues, call mazda north america and complain.

[AJsMSP]

The rattle problem from around the glove box may be a loose screw. I had a similar problem on the drivers side near the center my right knee. I looked under and found that the screw that attaches the lower dash to the center console was loose and after I tighted it, it went away. Good luck.

[Rainman]

Current deals for the MSP in NA (active since Dec 2003 when I leased my 2003.5 MSP) include a Canadian national incentive of the first 6 months (if purchased) paid by Mazda Canada. Sadly, doesn't apply to leases. Sounds like your dealer is taking advantage of your ignorance here.

Rainman


I bought the car at the end of Jan 04 and already im having a few problems.
The main problem is why i posted.
-Problem #1 - I had my local mazda do my first oil change at 4800 km's and used Mobil 1 synthetic 5W30 oil. The day after i had the oil changed i noticed when i was under boost there was a new screaming sound that i didnt have before. I made an apointment with a different (better) mazda dealer but they were quite booked so my apointment was made for march 25th (i made this apointment approx 3 weeks ago). I have still been driving my car around with this screaming everytime im under boost and its pretty loud, people on the street stop to see what it is. Anyways i was talking with Derrick from corksport lastnight and he said it could possibly be my turbo is done for.
Wondering what any of your opinions are?
-Problem #2 - Common problem im assuming, my rear suspension has a bad squeaking. Im also a little upset at how sloppy my suspension has become since i bought the car, it felt tight at first and now its crap, not sure why but id like to get that fixed while im at mazda. Doubt it will happen though.
-Problem #3 - Sometimes when my cd player tries to hide itself and flip it will get stuck 1/2 way and not open or close until i reset it, it will just stay 1/2 way. Its pissing me off having to reset my settings all the time.
-Problem #4 - The rattle i have in my interior is loud and very annoying, its coming from around the glove box.
-Problem #5 - The alarm, yeah it likes to just go off whenever it likes, even with the sensitivity all the way down, this can not only piss me off but alot of other people too.
-Problem #6 - My yellow paint is forming dark spots that look to be almost under the clear coat in the paint, i cannot wash this off or anything, ive tried, makes my car look dirty even when freshly washed, its mostly around the hood.
Problem #7 - This regards my local dealer. Until i signed up on this site i didnt know what the car should come with. But when i bought the car the tires were missing the valve stems, they put some on order for me when i bought the car, still nothing yet, they told me they are on order from japan.
I noticed on this site some people were talking about remotes for their cd players and mazdaspeed floor mats. When i drove out with my car i ended up with no remote and they had put base model protege floor mats in. Thank god i checked this site. I got my remote right away but they said the floor mats are also on order. I dont think they knew much about this car, when i bought it they went with me right away to fill me up with my complimentary tank of gas and attempted to fill it with regular 87 octane. I made sure they filled it with supreme plus 94 octane. During the oil change the guy had told me synthetic oils arent good for the car and i should be using mazda brand 10W30. I let him know the car should run on synthetic. All these problems and to top it off i paid MSRP for the car 7 weeks ago, it was $27,000 Canadian for me, i couldnt find a dealer anywhere that wanted to drop it down a bit. I asked about the rebate or any other offers, they assured me there wasnt any.

Sorry for the long story but i feel i shouldnt have bought this car, im ready to sell it and lose $10,000 of my hard earned money to buy an SUV or something...I wanted this car so bad since it first came out, now that i have it its causing me alot of stress. I still want to keep it, but its showing me its not one of those reliable kind of keeper vehicles.
What would you guys do in my shoes?

[Jaysanooch]

Hi,
I'm responding cause I understand what your going through....feel the same way about the car. If it didn't look so damm good, there's was many times I felt like driven it through the dealer show room!

My dealer seems clueless about the car to....and with this site I've been educating them.....freaking sucks but what can I do. This is the first I here about the floors mats, I have these regular protege maps and wondered but sort of forgot about it cause I put rubbers on top......so you mean to tell me were suppose to get special Mazdaspeed mats?!
Look, get the essentials fixed like(turbo hesitation, rattling, alarm modual replaced.....and for the paint, do a 3 step Meguire's wax job....should remove that crap, it worked for me! Hang in there.....cause the summer is around the corner, all it takes is a few good runs with it and you'll feel much better! Later man!

Jaysanooch
Titanium grey 2003.5
Montreal

[MrDiggler]

I'm having issues with mine too, but all love affairs come with issues. Every time I hit my favorite curve near my house and scare the hell out of a passenger while hanging the back end out, they are forgotten.

You'll get my MSP when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.

[Jason94Cobra]

Problem #7 - when i bought the car the tires were missing the valve stems, they put some on order for me when i bought the car, still nothing yet, they told me they are on order from japan.

All these problems and to top it off i paid MSRP for the car 7 weeks ago, it was $27,000 Canadian for me, i couldnt find a dealer anywhere that wanted to drop it down a bit. I asked about the rebate or any other offers, they assured me there wasnt any.

How are you keeping air pressure if there are no valve stems? (poke)

Second... how much USD does $27,000 CDN =? I am thinking it is WAY more than the $16,500 I paid for mine in September 2003...

I wouldn't have paid more than $17,000 for this car to begin with, it is cool and all, but yeah after having it this long I am finding myself wishing I had just gone with a Protege LX and just modded the Cobra to the gills. It is a pretty sweet daily driver, but I am questioning the value even at $16,500.

I still love the car though...

[Wingman21]

This is the first I here about the floors mats, I have these regular protege maps and wondered but sort of forgot about it cause I put rubbers on top......so you mean to tell me were suppose to get special Mazdaspeed mats?!

Titanium grey 2003.5
Montreal
Here in Canada we only get regular Protegé mats in our Speed... I know that sucks, but thats the way it is. Wish I could order some though !?

[mspdfreak]

I'm sure he means valve stem caps. Kids steal them for use on their bicycles.

[Newf]

Yup, normal protege mats for Canada. That's Mazda's dumb ass fault not your dealers.

The pricing should be about 27 grand. We did not get the agressive rebates that the US did. The 6 month deal on non leases is the only one I knew about.

Your turbo sounds shot....and I don't know if I'd even drive it like that.

Squeaking in the back may be the tokico's. They sometimes squeak in Dry Cold climates. Guess what......not going to change. If you have a clunk sound, get the dealer to order the 156E Bushings. Mine have been on since Nov 2003....all is good so far, although my fingers are still crossed.

Some people have complained of the sub enclosure rattling as well.....not me, but might be your problem

The Stereo. I think we have all gone through this. Crappy Refurbished Kenwoods. Mine was DOA. Replaced it, and all is good since.

Synthetic oil wil not hurt the car....god damn dumb ass mechanic looking for an excuse not to fix a car by the sounds of it.

Rule #1. And I learned this the hard way many years ago. Your dealer is not the boss. They represent Mazda. Mazda is DA Boss. If your dealer does not satisfy and fullfill their duties. DO NOT waste your time argueing with some dumb ass service manager who probably don't even know what a Mazdaspeed really is in the 1st place. Call and complain to MAZDA OF CANADA or USA. Mazda does indeed check and look into problems with their dealers.

[Swerny]

Here in Canada we only get regular Protegé mats in our Speed... I know that sucks, but thats the way it is. Wish I could order some though !?
Uh, i have Mazdaspeed mats in my 2003 MSP. (nuts)

[Rod_Maz]

Hummm im pretty sure i have mazdaspeed mats too ..

[oliver2000]

Hummm im pretty sure i have mazdaspeed mats too ..Me too and MP3 mats in the Mp3

[sickspeed94]

MY TURN!!!

problem #1- regular protege shift knob, NOT mazdaspeed, this leaves about 2 inches of the metal shifer exposed, very ugly
problem #2- sock sub never worked, ever, not even durring the test drive, i dind' even know one came with the car
problem #3- they forgot to give me my kick panel fuse box cover
problem #4- also no valve caps for the wheels
problem #5- my alarm freakin goes off ALL THE TIME!
problem?#6- i get the loud screaming sound oo, but it sounds really cool, i thought it was my turbo howling up, but now that i think about it, i might have that checked out.
problem #7- when i take turns decently hard, there's a clunk in my rear suspension somewhere, it sounds like the tire is slamming the wheel well for a split second.

and through all that, when i'm lying next to Mr.Diggler dead, you can reach over and take a stab at the keys, but by then riggermortis will have set in and my mazdaspeed and i will ne one for eternity... i love my car... nuff sed

[Swerny]

Dude, if you have that many things missing form the car stock, then it sounds like someone raped your car at the stealership before it was sold.

I would make sure you have everything else, then make 1 list and go to the stealer for all of it at the same time.

You said no remote, mats, shift knob, chrome valve stems, etc, Did you get the wheel locks and key? The MSP owners manual etc ?

As for the paint, it souds like you may have fallout on/in the paint. There are a bunch of guys with Silver P5's who seem to have the "spots" as well.

The clunk in the rear suspension may be the sway bar bushings (there's a TSB or search for Clunk) or a rattle in the sub rack.

The other stuff (deck etc) are common problems.

Good luck!

[spacemonkey]

You dealer is an idiot. But the problems you states are common minor problems...just check the sticky.

About synthetic oil. If its a brand new car with low miles...you shouldnt be running synthetic durring the break in period. After that you can get sythetic...I use mobile1 10W30. About full synthetic being bad for turbo cars....they might not be lying about that. Im not sure and hadnt found hard evidence yet but its just from discussion...they say that synthetics are bad for your turbo seals. Im going to call BS on this but its a thought. Its also been discussed taht its best to use Mazda oil filters and let the dealer change your oil while your under warrenty...for warrenty purpose of course. But I dont see why you would have to use MAzda oil.

Make sure they dont screw you over on any MAzdaspeed products...anything that bares the name Mazdaspeed is pretty pricey. But not as pricey as the word NISMO! I tested my salesguy by asking what octane fuel to put in my car and he said regular...he didnt know anythign about the car...so I had to explain the features (No lie). So I was selling the car to myself...thats they only reason why I think I got it for a good price..they must have thought its a regular protege. But my sales guy was cool, just didnt know much about cars.

[Rod_Maz]

MY TURN!!!

problem #1- regular protege shift knob, NOT mazdaspeed, this leaves about 2 inches of the metal shifer exposed, very ugly
problem #2- sock sub never worked, ever, not even durring the test drive, i dind' even know one came with the car
problem #3- they forgot to give me my kick panel fuse box cover
problem #4- also no valve caps for the wheels
problem #5- my alarm freakin goes off ALL THE TIME!
problem?#6- i get the loud screaming sound oo, but it sounds really cool, i thought it was my turbo howling up, but now that i think about it, i might have that checked out.
problem #7- when i take turns decently hard, there's a clunk in my rear suspension somewhere, it sounds like the tire is slamming the wheel well for a split second.

and through all that, when i'm lying next to Mr.Diggler dead, you can reach over and take a stab at the keys, but by then riggermortis will have set in and my mazdaspeed and i will ne one for eternity... i love my car... nuff sed

Hey sickspeed i think i found your fuse box cover ... they gave me 2... One was in place and the other one in the bag they gave me with the books :)

[CatD399]

Here's what i know about the synthetic oil thingy: it reduces friction so 1) your turbo should spool slightly faster (my first oil change was synthetic and i immediately noticed that extra howling noise); i don't think the oil hurts the turbo (don't you think Castrol, Mobil and all would have tested it beforhand to ensure no law suits???). 2) Reduced friction means reduced temperature (although it might not be noticeable here).

Secondly, supposedly (i can't verify this) the ''coking" temperature is 100 degrees higher than normal, so your turbo seals should be better protected.

[cycoutMSP03.5]

Current deals for the MSP in NA (active since Dec 2003 when I leased my 2003.5 MSP) include a Canadian national incentive of the first 6 months (if purchased) paid by Mazda Canada. Sadly, doesn't apply to leases. Sounds like your dealer is taking advantage of your ignorance here.

Rainman

i think your dealership beat the hell out of your car before they sold it to ya. i had a couple of problems that all were fixed, my alarm started screwing up, turbo lag, and rear bushings clunk. I got the alarm fixed, turbo flashed, and bushin replaced with the awesome new bushing that this site listed. I don't have any brown part marks or anything else on the list. I would report your problems to mazdausa.com and tell them about all that shit you had to go through.

later
ry

[jfuller]

Isnt the turbo scream normal to all msps?

[Rainman]

Got Mazdaspeed mats with mine in Dec 2003 when leased from an Ottawa dealer. Just not numbered mats as it appears that there are no Canadian production numbers.

Rainman


Here in Canada we only get regular Protegé mats in our Speed... I know that sucks, but thats the way it is. Wish I could order some though !?

[slyydrr]

Our mats have production numbers on them???


Got Mazdaspeed mats with mine in Dec 2003 when leased from an Ottawa dealer. Just not numbered mats as it appears that there are no Canadian production numbers.

Rainman

[Stanage]

Here's what i know about the synthetic oil thingy: it reduces friction so 1) your turbo should spool slightly faster (my first oil change was synthetic and i immediately noticed that extra howling noise); i don't think the oil hurts the turbo (don't you think Castrol, Mobil and all would have tested it beforhand to ensure no law suits???). 2) Reduced friction means reduced temperature (although it might not be noticeable here).

Secondly, supposedly (i can't verify this) the ''coking" temperature is 100 degrees higher than normal, so your turbo seals should be better protected.You are 100% correct, I studied turbo's and the coking problem; as well as mineral and synthetic oils. All oil subjected to high temperatures will break down eventually, but Synthetic oil has a higher operating temperature, approx. 40 Degrees F. 270F for synthetic versus 230F for Mineral oil. Oil whether it's mineral or synthetic will not bust seals unless pressure exceeds 65-70psi. IF your running a turbo HOT often, apparently 2000mile oil changes will prevent the damaged oil molecules from coking the turbo.

The chemicals that cause the coking in turbo's are the chemicals that give the wide-range, multivisocsity oils their name - do not choose these types of oil. The materials added that give the multivisosity capability are the same ones that cause the coking. THEREFORE 20W-50 is better for your turbo than 10W-50. Straight viscosity is best of all, with 10 points higher viscosity when summer arrives. Also, good turbo oil will have a high detergent rating and anti-oxidizing rating.

Lastly, our turbo's are water cooled, so we are less likely to have coked up turbo's... unless you never change your oil...

[sickspeed94]

Hey sickspeed i think i found your fuse box cover ... they gave me 2... One was in place and the other one in the bag they gave me with the books :)

lol thanks a lot but i took it back to the stealer-ship and they gave me a new one, they're working on locating my new WHOLE sub enclosure, and my shift knob is on backorder. oh on a bad note, i didn't get my dam lieelte lifty package with touch up paint and shit! but it's aaight because i probably paid a considerable amount less than a LOT of people for my car (boobs) (mswerd)

[SaaBaaDoo]

I've got the high pitched scream in my turbo as well, but my guage is still showing strong boost pressure. I'm not too worried about it, it's been making that noise since after break-in...

[t3ase]

Thread moved to MSP Engine & Performance.

[MazdaSpeed#65]

Dude, my Speed did that screaming noise too! I took my speed to the dealership and they hooked it to a computer that had some sort of updated software for the turbo. It made the scream go away and made my speed faster. It also adjusted how and when the turbo would come on. Made for a much smoother but faster ride. The clunking your hearing is the bushings in your rear stabalizer. I too have had that problem. It's such an easy fix. Your warranty covers it. The speed is such a cool car. Once you get the little crap fixed you'll be fine. Sounds to me your taking your frustration out on the car when you should be in the owner of the dealerships face asking him where the hell your shit is at!!!! They are the problem. Not the car. Believe me, all cars have problems and some more than others. I own three Mazda's. The Speed isn't the problem. You got hosed. Now go and get them Bastards! Make them give you what is supposed to be with the car. Good luck!

[bbrk753]

the scream is from your stock cat pipe, since the cat is so close to the turbo exaust pressure bounces of the cat and hits the gases exiting the wastegate causing a high pitched whistle

[NeverSober]

On my rear fenders on the bottom in the back........at the base of the wheel well. there is no paint....not the black mica paint but the flat black. That was supposed to get fixed but never did for me. I think its time to go bitch again.........other then that no major problems....oh except for my tranny, clutch and flywheel all gone at 8k miles..........


Chris