Electrical & ignition
2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Unable to unlock vehicle with remote control
Water ingress into front outer door handle wiring harness multi-plug. Fix: fit a new part.
Overview
- Affects
- All models, →24/05/10.
- Remedy
- Fit new part
Symptoms
When vehicle is approached with keyless entry remote control, central locking system locks and unlocks rapidly.
Repair steps
- Remove door trim panel.
- Check outer door handle wiring harness multi-plug for corrosion.
- If corrosion present: Fit new outer door handle. Fit new outer door handle wiring harness. Seal outer door handle wiring harness multi-plug with waterproof tape.
- If no corrosion present: Clean multi-plug contacts. Seal outer door handle wiring harness multi-plug with waterproof tape.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.
Failure of left or right headlamp
Overview
- Affects
- All models with gas discharge headlamps.
- Remedy
- Fit new part
Cause
Headlamp igniter unit not fitted correctly causing poor connection.
Repair
- Ensure headlamp igniter unit is disconnected from power supply.
- Fit new headlamp bulb and headlamp igniter unit. Turn headlamp igniter unit fully clockwise until it locks into position.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.
Suspension & drivetrain
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Knocking noise from rear suspension when driving over speed humps
Cause
Rear shock absorber bump stop faulty.
Repair
- Fit new rear shock absorber bump stop(s) as required.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.
Steering
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Electronic stability program (ESP) warning lamp illuminated. Trouble code stored: U0428
Overview
- Affects
- All models with electronic stability program (ESP).
- Fault codes
U0428
Cause
Incorrect calibration of steering angle sensor.
Repair
- Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
- If no fault(s) found: Carry out steering angle sensor calibration: Erase trouble codes. Drive vehicle at 12 mph (20 kph). Ensure steering in straight-ahead position.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.
Body & trim
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Rattling noise from rear of vehicle when driving over rough roads
Overview
- Affects
- All models.
- Remedy
- Clean & lubricate
Cause
Tailgate catch incorrectly adjusted.
Repair
- Adjust tailgate catch.
- Apply a light coating of grease to tailgate catch.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.
Glossary
Technical terms used in this guide.
- Trouble Codes
- Standardised fault codes stored by the engine control module, read with a diagnostic tool
- ESP
- Electronic stability programme — brakes individual wheels to stop a skid
- Keyless Entry
- Unlocking the car with a remote or by carrying the key, without turning a barrel
- Multi-Plug
- A multi-pin electrical connector on a wiring harness
- Steering Angle Sensor
- Tells the stability-control system which way the steering wheel is pointing
- Wiring Harness
- The bundled cables that carry power and signals around the vehicle
- Calibration
- Setting a sensor or module so its readings match the real world
Frequently asked questions
What are the common faults with the Mazda 3 1.6 8V?
This guide contains five workshop bulletins for the Mazda 3 1.6 8V. Of these, two concern the electrical and ignition and one the suspension and drivetrain. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.
Does every Mazda 3 1.6 8V have these faults?
No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual vehicle. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.
Can I check for Mazda 3 1.6 8V faults myself?
Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.