Check engine / Dealer Service Issue

[quinntheskimo]

Hey everyone,

Just had an issue and kind of out of ideas so I came here to get some insight and advice.

I just bought a '12 ms3 in September and have 5k miles on it. Love the car, couldn't be happier except right around 4.5k I started getting a flashing/steady check engine light. Performance wise, I noticed no difference in the car but without wanting to do any extended damage and simply just to get the annoying light off my dash I brought the car in for service for them to check it out.

1st visit (roughly 2 weeks ago) : drop off car in morning, get loaner car and later that afternoon they say the code was for a misfire I believe in cylinders 1&4 if I remember correctly. They said it wasn't a big deal, reset the light, test drove it, light remained off, gave me car back.

2nd visit (roughly 1 week ago) : light comes on again about 4 days later. Same story, drop off car, etc and they call me and say they again are getting the code for a misfire and also something with the air flow(sorry, would be more specific but I'm at work and don't have the work order/receipt handy). Ask if i tried any mods, I haven't. They said they tightened up the connection from the intake to the engine because it was loose. Reset code and return car to me

3rd visit (2 days ago) : After 3 days, check engine light flashes and remains on again. It's a.daily driver but I don't drive her THAT hard at all. At this point this is my third time bringing it for service in 2.5 weeks and I'm getting frustrated. Although its seemingly not hampering performance, its just annoying to keep seeing this light on. They call in a 'Mazda specialist', call me and say they are again getting the misfire code and told me that the issue is 'the gas'. I have only put high test gasoline (93) everytime I own the car. The one thing I have done that's not by the book is that twice I have let the gas go down till the gas light came on, which I know is a bad move, but that was several thousand miles ago and don't think that would cause the check engine light to come on three separate times

I'm just getting extremely frustrated with the light, the service, their lack of repair, having to pick up and drop off my car/loaner, not being able to drive my brand new ms3, and lack of proper diagnosis.

I'm really considering contacting Mazda USA, the BBB, and have been doing research on the NYS Lemon Law.

So basically two questions:

1. Am I justified in being so frustrated?

2. Does anyone have any similar experience with this issue and how to fix it?

Sorry for the long post, just thought I'd throw this out there and see what yall thought

Thanks,

Q

[fortressofcomfort]

Coil pack(s)?

[dMuze]

Ask them what codes were thrown...or get it scanned at autozone so we can hear exactly what's wrong...then call corporate

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[quinntheskimo]

On my way to pick it up, AGAIN. Their diagnosis: Use a different gas station, which i explained to them I have used 3 different gas stations, they AND the so called Mazda specialist say this is all they came up with.

Will ask about coil packs (no.idea what that is)
And
Will ask for specific codes and keep yall updated.

Thanks for the help so far, guys. Really appreciated.

[TiGraySpeed6]

You also have the option of trying a different dealer, at least if you are fortunate enough to have another within driving distance.

Also, IMHO, I think you have a right to be totally pissed off at this point- three wasted trips to the dealer in under 21 days for the same issue amounts to either they do not know and do not care enough to find out, or they can't resolve it and are just showing continued ignorance and a lack of caring for their customer. This isn't a Mazda thing, it's a dealer thing, and sadly, as your now learning first hand, the vast majority of dealers suck balls when it comes to service.

There are regional NATOR forums here that are all about providing local assistance. You might want to look up your local chapter and ask about a respectable dealership in your area and about some hands on troubleshooting assistance.

[quinntheskimo]

They said checked coils, plugs, pcm connections, etc.

Code: P0300 - random misfire detected

They said as soon as they put 93 in, all codes went away.

Doesn't make sense because I always use 93 and at multiple different gas stations.

So first it was a misfire cleared, then something loose with the airflow, now its the gas.

Light is off now, but that's what usually happens and in 4 days will come back on again.

Talked to service manager, said I wasn't pleased at all, gave me the run around about how much time they spent on it, and he's never seen a Mazda engine perform like this, etc.

I guess I will wait it out and see what happens but seeing as how they made no repairs and did nothing different than what I have been doing, just very frustrating.

Thanks fortressofcomfort , dMuze , & TiGraySpeed6 for your input and advice.

Gonna have to start writing some letters and/or looking for a new dealership/NATOR meet up if the issue isn't resolved soon.

[TiGraySpeed6]

If a Serv manager said that about my brand new car i'd be taking that serv manager with me so he could explain to the sales manager why they were replacing the car with another one. Service managers aren't supposed to say things like that.



edit to add/clarify- now that I'm not on my phone, allow me to donate a few more keystrokes- Once you're essentially informed that they can't help, it only makes sense sense to ask what's next, and who's next up the food chain at the dealership. Nobodies bitching their way into a new car, but if you find yourself back there for the same thing again, I see no problem following the food chain till the problem goes away.


'course, the code probably won't come back anyway

[Proshop]

Sounds like you go to the same dealer as this guy: New to the forums, issue with mazda service

Just wouldnt be a trip to the dealership if they didnt give you the run around and make it seem like its your fault. Id suggest the same as above. Check with some locals for a better dealership to have the car checked out at. If none are with in your driving range, then start climbing the ladder until the prob is fixed permanently or you get a new car. Either way you should never have to deal with this many issue in such a short span of time with out them being fixed. At some point everything has an issue, but damn 3 times in 3 weeks is just crap. Keep us posted and GL....

[triphop631]

@quinntheskimo , What dealership?

[quinntheskimo]

So got the car back, engine light off. He said the 'mazda specialist' was getting many misfire codes. He then filled it with 93 (which I have done from day one) and magically all the misfires stopped completely.

Anyways, I have it for 4 hours since I.picked it up, 2 of those hours driving, and engine light comes on once again. Even though like I said its not affecting performance, its just the light keeps showing up. Like you said the service manager is not helping and need to go further up the chain but I feel like I'm going crazy.

Dealership: Palisades Mazda/Volvo on Rt. 303 in Rockland County near the Palisades mall and Tappan Zee Bridge.

I just don't think they are going to give me a new car because of a misfire/air flow/gasoline issue because when you drive it its perfect but just has the light on. They are gonna have me keep coming in and mis-diagnosing the issue. And its such a hassle to keep on bringing it in.

I quickly read the Lemon Law for NYState cause they are.different laws for all states but it mentions like 4 repairs or 30 days off the road whatever is quicker and you should get a new car, so i mentioned this to them and he's like well we were just diagnosing these 3 times, not.actually repairing anything....Can you believe that?!?

I just wanna drive it so bad. And I'm thinkin that its brand new and under warranty and just drive with it on and see what happens?

[tweak120]

Why aren't they replacing any parts? Or have they tried something? I kept having CEL's for "Bank to Lean" codes... samething over and over "can't find anything wrong". Tech's told me they checked for leaks changed the MAF and still kept getting CEL's. So took matters into my own hands! When I went to repalace the TIP it just slip right off the K04 Turbo!! The clamp wasn't even tight! "We found NO leaks" my ASS!! Took the stock TIP to the dealer to show them what was wrong, and got the Dear In The Headlight look from the Service Manage and the Tech who worked on the car!


Good Luck!!

[anavrinIV]

since it's still under warranty, and since THEY put the gas in that caused the misfire, go back to them and request that they change all the plugs and coil packs for new ones. Also, go to an auto parts store and get yourself an OBDII scanner so you can see what codes come up (they're cheap and work on every car made in the past 15 years) so you can post them here. If they deny your warranty request, call corporate. And then never go back to that dealer again.

[quinntheskimo]

They said they checked the coils and plugs and they and the scanner said they were.working fine but didn't replace any.

[SSinstaller]

Originally Posted by quinntheskimo So got the car back, engine light off. He said the 'mazda specialist' was getting many misfire codes. He then filled it with 93 (which I have done from day one) and magically all the misfires stopped completely. Anyways, I have it for 4 hours since I.picked it up, 2 of those hours driving, and engine light comes on once again. Even though like I said its not affecting performance, its just the light keeps showing up. Like you said the service manager is not helping and need to go further up the chain but I feel like I'm going crazy. Dealership: Palisades Mazda/Volvo on Rt. 303 in Rockland County near the Palisades mall and Tappan Zee Bridge. I just don't think they are going to give me a new car because of a misfire/air flow/gasoline issue because when you drive it its perfect but just has the light on. They are gonna have me keep coming in and mis-diagnosing the issue. And its such a hassle to keep on bringing it in. I quickly read the Lemon Law for NYState cause they are.different laws for all states but it mentions like 4 repairs or 30 days off the road whatever is quicker and you should get a new car, so i mentioned this to them and he's like well we were just diagnosing these 3 times, not.actually repairing anything....Can you believe that?!? I just wanna drive it so bad. And I'm thinkin that its brand new and under warranty and just drive with it on and see what happens?

That's not the way it works.

They can not claim your three different visits were only diagnosing the problem...

You had the car there for the same issue three times, and they failed to properly repair the issue all three times.

You need to move up the food chain on this. I would contact Mazda USA about the issue, and if they aren't extremely helpful, file a complaint with the BBB against your local dealer and Mazda USA..

Do not drive with a misfire MIL...

[zatara]

I'm willing to bet it's the plugs that need to be replaced and that they didn't even bother looking at them.

[ANITIX87]

Originally Posted by quinntheskimo Dealership: Palisades Mazda/Volvo on Rt. 303 in Rockland County near the Palisades mall and Tappan Zee Bridge.

Didn't realize this was you until this post. I'm upset to hear Palisades is treating you like this, since I plan on buying my MS3 there. Who did you deal with when you bought the car (and now, at service)? Most of the guys there are Volvo techs (their Mazda techs are few and far between) and the best sales guy is Dimitri. You can try Mazda in Ramsey (though quite a hike for you). We used to bring our old MPV there and they were awesome. But at this point, it seems like it will be easier to just use the Lemon Law.

Originally Posted by SSinstaller That's not the way it works. They can not claim your three different visits were only diagnosing the problem... You had the car there for the same issue three times, and they failed to properly repair the issue all three times. You need to move up the food chain on this. I would contact Mazda USA about the issue, and if they aren't extremely helpful, file a complaint with the BBB against your local dealer and Mazda USA.. Do not drive with a misfire MIL...

QFT.

TIS

[bova]

if you are mechanically gifted why don't you check the spark plug gap yourself just to make sure they are all set correctly?

[TRex]

i would be careful at this point in regards to doing anything yourself.... especially if you are going to attempt a lemon case....dont want them coming back on you blaming you for turning wrenches....keep taking it to them....i would bring up lemon law and like SS said move up the food chain.

you could also contact your local news station and ask them to do an investigation...they love slamming car dealerships

[G26]

Yeah, it is time to move up the food chain already.

[galens47]

A few days ago I filed a BBB complaint against my dealer. Granted it is for a different issue - canceled GAP insurance refund. I'd been getting the run-a-round forever. I filed the complaint 1/23, got a call 1/24 - as far as I can tell they are paying it.

If I were in your shoes I would keep going to the dealer. Call foul. Talk to lawyer re: lemon law. File a bbb complaint. Throw the book at them. They may get pissed. Either way it works out you have the cards.

Good luck,

G

[quinntheskimo]

Thanks for everyone's advice, REALLY appreciated.

I am not mechanically inclined, and yeah don't want to be blamed for messing with anything myself.

I Will be contacting Mazda USA and filing complaint with BBB against the dealership and see if they or a lawyer can advise me on the Lemon Law. But the speed is my daily driver so I'm going to have to drive it during this process.

Do not buy a car from here, anitix87. My salesman stopped returning my calls the day after I signed the papers to buy the car, and now 'got traded' to a different Mazda dealership.

Have been dealing with Jeff who handles Mazda repairs. Then moved on to Joe who is the service manager. As said in previous posts, they have tried, I guess, to be helpful yet the problem continues and they can't seem to understand my frustration.

And yes, I have the feeling its much more Volvo oriented.

[fortressofcomfort]

Who would be next up the food chain? The "regional service representative" or something like that? I had a case like this happen to me once. After I had exhausted all my options at the dealership level I asked to speak to the regional guy. He was only there once a week. Long story short, HE was able to pull the trigger to buy the car back.

[Proshop]

Originally Posted by fortressofcomfort Who would be next up the food chain? The "regional service representative" or something like that? I had a case like this happen to me once. After I had exhausted all my options at the dealership level I asked to speak to the regional guy. He was only there once a week. Long story short, HE was able to pull the trigger to buy the car back.

If the service manager and the GM aren't gonna do anything for the OP then I would say yes the regional guy would be the next step. More than likely Mazda USA would just kick it back to him anyways. I know it took getting the Regional involved when I had issues with my wifes regular 3 a few months back. He took care of buisness unlike the crappy dealership could.

[quinntheskimo]

Ya that's what I'm hoping will be the next step. So they bought the car back and you bought another one? Or they just gave you a new one?

[XxSPUDxX]

All good advice in here except dealing with BBB.

What most people dont realize is that the BBB has no legal recourse. It is a private organization. NOthing federal. They are around to provide info to other individuals and provide assistance when a business is sucking.

In the end, it is mostly a waste of time. Worst case is that a business gets a bad rap..unless folks look at the site, no one would be the wiser.

[TRex]

^it is more of a threat than anything, and many companies do take it very seriously...i would still recommend filing...but dont expect it to be the winning solution

[fortressofcomfort]

Originally Posted by quinntheskimo Ya that's what I'm hoping will be the next step. So they bought the car back and you bought another one? Or they just gave you a new one?

They "bought the car back" or simply put they took it and I didn't have to pay on it or worry about it anymore. I did agree to buy another new car from them. That 2nd car was much better behaved.

[mdl3v8]

Start keeping your gas receipts if they think you are putting shitty gas in...

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[slospeed]

Take it from me, if u want to go into a lawsuit be prepaired to drive a rental and make payments to your speed. My car caught on fire. Mazda dealership says I caught the car on fire so I wouldn't have to pay. After getting the run around from Mazda USA I got a lawyer and after it's all said and done (1 year later) I'm back in the same car everything is fixed and paid for the inconveinance.

When u get a shit dealership like I did they won't help u a bit. If I were you I would take it to another, if they can't play nice find a lawyer ASAP. They will give u answers and if they take your case then they know a way to win.

Good luck.

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[XxSPUDxX]

Originally Posted by TRex ^it is more of a threat than anything, and many companies do take it very seriously...i would still recommend filing...but dont expect it to be the winning solution

This is true. But keep this at the minimum. Its good to get the name on the site if they arnt already, but dont spend much more time than that.

As always, no business stand up for their product. The citizen has to bust his/her ass to get what is rightfully owed.

A brand new car with misfires? WTF.

I sold my 2009 MINI JCW b/c it was at the dealer more than i drove it. I didnt feel like going through the hassle any more.

its life in todays society.

[Grumpyjap]

I wonder if this falls into the lemon law...you should look into it

[SSinstaller]

Originally Posted by XxSPUDxX All good advice in here except dealing with BBB. What most people dont realize is that the BBB has no legal recourse. It is a private organization. NOthing federal. They are around to provide info to other individuals and provide assistance when a business is sucking. In the end, it is mostly a waste of time. Worst case is that a business gets a bad rap..unless folks look at the site, no one would be the wiser.

I had great results the only time I filed a complaint with the BBB. For smaller local companies it might not be very effective, larger national companies take it seriously..

I filed a complaint against charter cable--My local office would not give me all the tuners listed in my contract because they were "backordered". I dealt with the runaround for two months continually being told they were in short supply and I was on the waiting list for one when it became available... Two days after my BBB complaint I got a call from a charter customer service manager. She had a tech at my house two days later installing the supposedly back-ordered DVR's...

[XxSPUDxX]

Originally Posted by SSinstaller I had great results the only time I filed a complaint with the BBB. For smaller local companies it might not be very effective, larger national companies take it seriously.. I filed a complaint against charter cable--My local office would not give me all the tuners listed in my contract because they were "backordered". I dealt with the runaround for two months continually being told they were in short supply and I was on the waiting list for one when it became available... Two days after my BBB complaint I got a call from a charter customer service manager. She had a tech at my house two days later installing the supposedly back-ordered DVR's...

Thats good to know. I havnt had much positive luck with them.

[quinntheskimo]

Ugh just wish I could drive the lovely genpu I bought in September without any problems instead of dealing with the sh*tstorm of sending letters, leaving messages, nothing getting done, more loaner cars, and that its about to happen you know?

@fortressofcomfort was it a b*itch finally getting them to finally agree to give you a new car? Did you have to do a ton of more paperwork? And re-finance this new car w/ new VIN#?

[fortressofcomfort]

Originally Posted by quinntheskimo Ugh just wish I could drive the lovely genpu I bought in September without any problems instead of dealing with the sh*tstorm of sending letters, leaving messages, nothing getting done, more loaner cars, and that its about to happen you know? @fortressofcomfort was it a b*itch finally getting them to finally agree to give you a new car? Did you have to do a ton of more paperwork? And re-finance this new car w/ new VIN#?

Of course it was a bitch. You can approach it calmly but will need to put pressure on everyone. Just keep using the word satisfied. If the car would qualify for the lemon law then use those facts as well.

As far as the new car it was like starting over with a clean slate. That was fine for me as the car was like 1.5 years old so was under water w it anyway. You won't get money for 'pain and suffering' if that is what you mean.

[ktms3]

You should contact corporate. I'm in Canada and when my check engine went on my dealership replace my o2 sensor and down pipe right away.

[Dash08]

You're wasting your time, friend. Mazda NA will do nothing for you. BBB is a good idea regardless.

You are a prime candidate for a lemon law case.

Look up the Magnuson-Moss act. Unless they made revisions, three visits to the same dealer for the same problem without a solution is an automatic lemon.

You need to stop fucking around and call a lawyer. File all your complaints, but don't neglect to at least receive consultation from a specialized lemon law lawyer.

I've known many people that won these cases. Don't cave in. Get what you're entitled to. After all, it's your money.

[quinntheskimo]

This shit is getting ridiculous. Light still on, drop it off, they say ignition coils need to be replaced, even though they said they looked at them already.

3 days later says the problem is still there and they want to replace the whole ECU on the car. Won't have it until early next week.

Mind you this is on a 5 month old, 6k mile brand new '12 ms3. Getting so sick of their shit/driving a loaner regular Mazda3... contacting an attorney ASAP. Can't believe this shit.

On a side note, if it turns out I will be getting a new speed, for those with and without the tech package, should I splurge and get it? Really only like it for the headlights and keyless/push start. Don't care much for the nav and sound system is fine on non tech always in shop speed

[Teethkikr]

Its about time they are replacing parts.. Should have been WAY before this.. While it may be a guess, its a good start.. I would still be getting legal advice!

Another option: Let it misfire, blow it up.. new engine and make sure they replace the plugs and coils.. but then again, this may be purely an electrical problem causing it so that wont fix it lol

[Proshop]

Sucks your still having issues, but not surprised by the way the dealer has already treated you and the prolem/issue. Are you trading in the problem speed or are they giving you a new one. As for tech or no tech. I have only driven mine with tech and love it. But I got a steal on my car so not sure if it is worth the extra cash or not. Hope you get everything resolved soon and stay away from the stealership.