Mazda 3 MPS Gen I problems you have had, warranty fixes

[2000MNLESS]

Hey mate,

Can you please elaborate on what you mean by sticking clutch, mine is a bit notchy on release lately and wondering if this was similar (feels a bit 'sticky' on release and travel not so smooth) - same problem?

When sitting a traffic lights with clutch engaged, if left there for a bit, it will stick upon release. i.e. sluggish releasing from floor, then kicks out. Also felt like mush when giving it a bit up the mountain. Mine was sticking due to low fluid. Normal driving it was fine.

[EVILMPS]

My little black beast went in yesterday for it's warranty work and 30k service.
Went to pick it up, but they had forgotten to do the service...

Will be getting it back today hopefully, so will find out of all the warranty work was done properly:
New Instrument cluster (speedo issue)
Power-window trim
Rear-end clunk
Front wheel alignment

Watch this space...

[EVILMPS]

Got the black bitch back yesterday, and went for a long drive last night to watch a mate play indoor. She seems to be fairly toight, toight loik a toigah!
Updates:
New Instrument cluster (speedo issue) - Seems to be fairly spot on, judging by surrounding traffic etc. I need a GPS to check it, watch this space for a confirmation on this before ya'll go asking for a new dash...
Power-window trim - All cleaned up and sorted.
Rear-end clunk - Will have to wait and see...
Front wheel alignment - All good, but then they charged me for a wheel rotation, balance and alignment when they did the serive the next day!
New Dramas:
Dash seems to have developed a slight squeak/rattle
New dash is not very bright, even on highest level
Gonna bear with this for a week or two, see how she goes.

[tricache]

the whole Dash has always been a massive issue with the Mazda 3's even with the early model ones, they used to crack and squeeze and rattle, 90% of the time its covered under warranty but just be sure you can go without your car for a day or two when they replace it.

[EVILMPS]

the whole Dash has always been a massive issue with the Mazda 3's even with the early model ones, they used to crack and squeeze and rattle, 90% of the time its covered under warranty but just be sure you can go without your car for a day or two when they replace it.

We haven't had a drama with either of our 3's and the dash, this is a new development since they replaced the instrument cluster.

I've already been without it for 2 days, so i might drive it for a bit more and then take it back...I missed it! They gave me an auto Neo 2 for the loaner...can you get more boring???

[VGP]

My driver's side rear shock is starting to leak, parts are on order, as soon as they arrive I'll take it in and get it fixed.

[fuz]

Interesting you mention that Armour All corrodes the Dash on 3's? Isnt Armour All supposed to protect your dash? I have used Armour All on the dash of my MPS for some time and nothing has happened. Is there anyone on this forum that knows an alternative that doesnt possibly ruin the dash?

[Wardski]

Interesting you mention that Armour All corrodes the Dash on 3's? Isnt Armour All supposed to protect your dash? I have used Armour All on the dash of my MPS for some time and nothing has happened. Is there anyone on this forum that knows an alternative that doesnt possibly ruin the dash?

Any petroleum based product has a chance to damage UV stabilised plastics like dash boards. This is common knowledge to most car enthuiasts

[duglet]

Interesting you mention that Armour All corrodes the Dash on 3's? Isnt Armour All supposed to protect your dash? I have used Armour All on the dash of my MPS for some time and nothing has happened. Is there anyone on this forum that knows an alternative that doesnt possibly ruin the dash?

damp microfibre dusting cloth.

or

water and a cloth.

Happy Motoring
duglet

[Wardski]

It could well have been propoganda on behalf of the dealer, but I didn't think it was worht the risk - especially when she told us they wouldn't cover it under warranty if we used Armour All!!!

We use a Maguires product, Dash Foam. That does a good job, plus we have dash mats!

Maguires FTW. Some of the best products around come from Maguires. I also use the dash foam, have been since May 08, and no problems at all. The only thing I hate about this product is the mess it makes upon spraying. Recommend spraying into a cloth away from the car, then wipe on. Do not spray direct to the dashboard, as glass will cop a coating also (and you'll spend a good 30min cleaning the spots off it)...

I also use the Maguires upholstry cleaner and it really gets the dirt n grime out of the velour seats and carpet (also makes the car smell nice too). FYI, spray on, and sponge off with a synthetic chamos - it really draws out the dirt (and dirt you cant even see!)

Dont recommend dash mats as the majority of 3rd party ones obstruct the airbags, and the plastic still cooks under it. Just remember, the plastics are UV stabilised, so direct sunlight doesnt really affect it. Only heat affects this kind of plastic.