Advice appreciated please

C

Celmel

:
Sky active Cx5 AWD
Hi everyone

I'm a long time Mazda owner and currently I have the 2012 CX-5 Skyactive diesel (auto)

The last three weeks I noticed it losing power going up steep hills. Then last week as I tried to over take a truck which meant putting my foot hard on the accelerator the coolant light came on and flashed a few times, with no torque in the engine what so ever. I backed off and the light didn't stay on and the engine then began to pick up again, once over the hill I could easily cruise at 110kmh.
This behaviour with my car is predictable: Engine warm (at least 20 minutes of driving on freeway) and only happens going up hills.
I just had 120,000 major service, no faults they could find?

I live rural, so the service was done locally, and they assured me they can service all makes and models (Toyota dealer) They told me the car is ok to drive as no dash lights are presenting, Mazda wanted me to tow the car to them, so they could diagnose the issue.

The car runs fine otherwise.

Should this be something that could easily be diagnosed with proper investigation?

And advice or guidance would be much appreciated, I don't want to be ripped off for something that could be so very simple.
 
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The diesel in the CX-5 has been fraught with problems that it doesn't sound like you're aware of. That's why they never released the engine in the US, where they would have been litigated to death. Ditch the Toyota dealer and get that puppy to a Mazda dealer asap. Someone else here will be along momentarily to speculate as to the source of your engine's specific malady, but only your local dealer will be able to diagnose it properly. And prepare yourself; there is not likely to be a cheap fix!(sad1)
 
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paris1 said:
The diesel in the CX-5 has been fraught with problems that it doesn't sound like you're aware of. That's why they never released the engine in the US, where they would have been litigated to death. Ditch the Toyota dealer and get that puppy to a Mazda dealer asap. Someone else here will be along momentarily to speculate as to the source of your engine's specific malady, but only your local dealer will be able to diagnose it properly. And prepare yourself; there is not likely to be a cheap fix!(sad1) also i'm fat
Click to expand...

(wiggle)
 
paris1 said:
The diesel in the CX-5 has been fraught with problems that it doesn't sound like you're aware of. That's why they never released the engine in the US, where they would have been litigated to death. Ditch the Toyota dealer and get that puppy to a Mazda dealer asap. Someone else here will be along momentarily to speculate as to the source of your engine's specific malady, but only your local dealer will be able to diagnose it properly. And prepare yourself; there is not likely to be a cheap fix!(sad1)
Click to expand...

Fraught with problems?

Load of BS. The only reason they didn't come to the USA was because Mazda couldn't get the performance they wanted and meet the US emissions requirements at the same time. So unlike VW they didn't cheat.

None of which is relevant to the situation for the OP who is in Australia. And, living in a country area, would no doubt have been doing plenty of highway kilometres as well. Which would mitigate against any of those oil dilution issues.

I'm on my second CX5 diesel here without any significant engine related issues at all. A very very small number of people had the much hyped issues that have been reported.

To the OP - Take it to a Mazda dealer or a diesel specialist.

Your symptoms, which suggest the car is running fine with no nasty noises, except lacking power under load, sound very much like clogged diesel fuel filters. Regrettably, not an uncommon problem.

In fact that's more than a likely scenario especially in country areas, especially if you've filled up at a smaller fuel station where they don't put thru big volumes. And even with larger fuel stations, occasionally there is a contaminated batch, it's not uncommon to hear about them.

Probably you've picked up a bad batch of fuel, a new set of filters and possibly drain the tank out is likely to sort it. First step - tell them the symptoms and that you suspect a possible bad batch of fuel, and they will no doubt want to check your fuel flow rates and pressure.

Let us know how you go.
 
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Go to the Mazda dealer. If it threw an SES, it will have stored it. Mazda should know their own. Go see what they have to say about it.
 
Thanks for the information given so far.

I did have a very minor issue not long after the purchase with the exhaust sensor (If my memory serves me correct). This was immediately rectified by mazda and I was told there were a few vehicles with the same issue back then, they replaced the sensor and I've had no problems for over four years since then.

Fuel filter just changed with no change to the issue I'm having, so it's off to the dealer. The reason I'm seeking information is so I can go in with at least some idea of what they might tell me is wrong. Knowledge is power ;-)
 
If knowledge is power, then you would have a OBD reader with the Forscan software.

This will read codes and it will tell you the problem you have. It can also reset some of the codes and then you can see if they return, all before taking it back to the dealer.
 
To paris1 - EU emissions and US emissions are not same or similar. They define pollutants in a different manner. CX5 diesel was not in USA market since it did not meet US standards. Besides - I dont think it will sell more than 10K diesel's here.

We will have to see the price premium and see if it is justified - In short Diesel will make economic sense if you do more than 15K miles - 20K miles / year.
 
Celmel said:
Thanks, excuse my ignorance but what is a SES?
Click to expand...

Service Engine Soon Light, same as CEL or Check Engine Light which of course is the little warning light that is supposed to illuminate if an issue with the vehicle is detected
which then a code reader can be attached to the OBD2 port to read the code or codes that will help diagnose the issue.
 
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Celmel said:
Hi everyone

I'm a long time Mazda owner and currently I have the 2012 CX-5 Skyactive diesel (auto)

The last three weeks I noticed it losing power going up steep hills. Then last week as I tried to over take a truck which meant putting my foot hard on the accelerator the coolant light came on and flashed a few times, with no torque in the engine what so ever. I backed off and the light didn't stay on and the engine then began to pick up again, once over the hill I could easily cruise at 110kmh.
This behaviour with my car is predictable: Engine warm (at least 20 minutes of driving on freeway) and only happens going up hills.
I just had 120,000 major service, no faults they could find?

I live rural, so the service was done locally, and they assured me they can service all makes and models (Toyota dealer) They told me the car is ok to drive as no dash lights are presenting, Mazda wanted me to tow the car to them, so they could diagnose the issue.

The car runs fine otherwise.

Should this be something that could easily be diagnosed with proper investigation?

And advice or guidance would be much appreciated, I don't want to be ripped off for something that could be so very simple.
Click to expand...

Yes. Since you say the issue is easy to replicate, it should be very easy to diagnose with proper investigation.

Did you car have this problem before the 120,000 mile service?
What did they do at the 120,000 mile service? Did they touch your cooling system at the service? (if so.. they probably messed something up)

The blinking coolant light means that the computer thinks that your engine is overheating.
The first step is to figure out if it really is overheating, or if it's just one of the engine coolant sensors having problems. I suspect it's one of the sensors, because the condition goes away so quickly.

you can buy a $10 OBD2 reader on amazon. connect to you smartphone with an app like torque or dashcommand and you'll be able to monitor the engine coolant temperature sensors.

One sensor is connected directly to the engine block (this is the likely culprit), the other is connected to the coolant input after the cabin heater.

Warm the car up for 20 minutes.. read temperature.. drive easily around for a while longer, read temperature.. accelerate quickly.. read temperature..
One the car is warmed up, the temperature should not rise anymore.

If you notice sharp jumps in temperature, the sensor, or the wiring is bad.

If you notice a slow creeping up of the temperature, you have other problems.. maybe a bad thermostat? or maybe some blocked coolant passage.
 
If the head gasket blew, it would have blown out some coolant, leading to overheating. Not sure if OP mentioned checking coolant level...
 
Celmel said:
Thanks for the information given so far.

I did have a very minor issue not long after the purchase with the exhaust sensor (If my memory serves me correct). This was immediately rectified by mazda and I was told there were a few vehicles with the same issue back then, they replaced the sensor and I've had no problems for over four years since then.

Fuel filter just changed with no change to the issue I'm having, so it's off to the dealer. The reason I'm seeking information is so I can go in with at least some idea of what they might tell me is wrong. Knowledge is power ;-)
Click to expand...

Fair enough re the filter change - but did they test fuel pressure and flow? Any decent mechanic, Toyota or otherwise, should have done that, and also been able to check codes.
 
I'm back with the update

I've had no continuing issues with the engine going into limp mode or the coolant light coming on and flashing red )it flashed for about 3 seconds) Howvever, I've not driven it much due to having to wait to see dealer.

I rang my local dealer (an hour drive away) and spoke with the service manager, we arranged for me to drive the car up there this morning and while it was warm take it for a drive and simulate the problem.

Mechanic was ready to go, he asked me a couple of questions, he then wanted to look under the hood before we took off, opened hood, and looked at me and said, we'll get you a drive car, this isn't going anywhere. Also noted low coolant level.
Because I mention the coolant spraying over engine the one time the car went into major limp mode, he simply said
"new engine", all with out driving or testing it. I asked him "why" and he said it looks like it's done a head gasket and Mazda will change the entire engine before replacing parts as they can't guarantee what damage or how much damage is done to the engine, as replacing is better than me having to keep returning the car with the same problem.

Here's my worry - Mechanic said you won't have to pay a thing, this is on Mazda. It's not safe to drive, and we have one in the shop with the same problem.
I asked if this was common, he said "not common, but not uncommon" he said he isn't sure if this problem is happening with random cars, or that a certain batch of vehicles are now presenting with problems.

The Dealer is doing the needed tests on the car and writing up a case for Mazda. The local dealer has given me a car.

I'm wary, I got nothing this mechanic said in writing, and I'm kicking myself for it now.

Thoughts anyone?
 
Well, youve now given us a number of significant extra facts that you neglected to mention in your first post - like coolant spraying all over the engine and going into limp mode!!

That would, I am sure, have resulted in quite different suggestions of action from forum members!!

Anyway, it sounds like Mazda and your dealer is going to look after you. Which is extremely lucky for you and good of them, since you siad earlier you havent had it serviced by a Mazda dealer, and, the car would likely be well outside its 3yr/100,000km warranty that applies here in Australia.

Are you sure youre telling the whole story now?

If you have any doubts, ask them to confirm in writing that the repair will cost you nothing.
 
I haven't been back on the forum to mention about coolant and I had no idea until after my OP that losing power is known as "limp mode"

Full story, yes.

My concern is I had it recently serviced, with no mention to me what-so-ever about coolant over the engine. I asked them to investigate the losing power issue I was having and was told, no faults were found and my car was safe to drive. And today as soon as I mention coolant to Mazda, the motor is a write-off.

I want to educate myself, hence why I am here. I want to have all the relevant information for my case. I have a car I paid $39,000 for which I have had regularly serviced with Mazda while under warranty and locally there after and now it's needing a new engine? I believe less than five years is unreasonable for a blown engine.
 
Mazda CX-5 Diesel: oil dilution/contamination

For Mazda CX-5 models with 2.2-litre 'SkyActiv-D' turbo-diesel engines, particulate matter could accumulate in the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if the vehicle was frequently used for short runs (due to insufficient heat being generated to burn the particulate matter). To stop the filter becoming clogged, diesel fuel could be discharged during the exhaust stroke to raise engine temperatures, but some diesel fuel could enter the oil sump and dilute/contaminate the engine oil. As a result, the oil level appeared to increase and Mazda issued a warning to owners that they should check the oil level every 1000 km or monthly.

Did you do that?

If the oil was diluted, the driver would receive warnings via:
The Master Warning Light (red triangle with exclamation mark);
The Check Engine Light; and/or
The Oil Light.

For engines that suffered damage due to diesel fuel contaminating the engine oil, the engines were replaced under warranty.

In December 2012, a software update for DPF cleaning and a revised dipstick was introduced which Mazda claimed fixed this oil dilution problem – this included vehicles produced prior to December 2012.

Did you get the software update done?
 
Update

I picked up my car today, with added new engine.

Mazda have covered all costs under warranty for a new engine. I am yet to have the final paperwork, that will be sent to me in the mail once all finalised. The engine is warranted for 12 months/20,000kms.

I have to say the customer service I received was impeccable, also the turn around time was faster than the time estimated to me.
 
Celmel said:
⋯ Mazda have covered all costs under warranty for a new engine.
Click to expand...
I guess I'm confused. Your diesel CX-5 is out of warranty in Australia, why Mazda is willing to cover the engine? And why the mechanic at Mazda dealer heard coolant spray and the response was a new engine? (uhm)
 
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