Mazda2007–2009

3 2.0: Common faults & known problems

Common faults & known problems

11 known faults documented in workshop bulletins. Of these, four concern the engine and fuel system and two the electrical and ignition. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Technical specifications

Engine & fuel system

4 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Engine cuts out intermittently

Affects All models with MZR-CD (RF-Turbo) engine code.Fit new part

Symptoms

Intermittent power loss. Poor cold starting.

Cause

Fuel pressure regulator control solenoid faulty.

Repair

Fit new fuel pressure regulator control solenoid.

Parts1 part

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Fuel pressure regulator control solenoid (Denso)	294009-0120	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

Engine intermittently fails to crank

Affects All models except 2.3 MPS.Repair kit

Cause

Poor electrical connection between starter motor solenoid and harness connector.

Repair

Repair starter motor wiring harness using harness repair kit.

Parts1 part

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Harness repair kit	BAY0-67-SH0	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.

Diesel particulate filter (DPF) warning lamp flashing

Overview

Affects: All models with Diesel particulate filter (DPF).

Cause

Diesel particulate filter (DPF) blocked.

Engine oil contaminated with Diesel fuel.

Repair

Carry out forced DPF regeneration. Forced DPF regeneration can only be carried out using manufacturer's or equivalent diagnostic equipment.
Change engine oil and filter.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

Excessive oil consumption

Poor sealing of fuel injectors allowing blow-by gas ingress into engine oil. Fix: fit a new part.

Overview

Affects: All models with MZR-CD (RF-Turbo) engine code.
Remedy: Fit new part

Symptoms

Carbon deposit build up in engine.

Repair steps

Remove fuel injectors. Thoroughly clean all mating surfaces.
Fit new copper washer to fuel injector.
Install fuel injectors. Ensure fuel injector retaining bolt tightened to correct torque setting.
Flush engine oil system with a suitable flushing oil.
Change engine oil and filter.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.

Electrical & ignition

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

SRS warning lamp illuminated

Affects All models with side airbags.B1998Fit new part

Symptoms

Trouble code stored in SRS control module fault memory: B1998.

Cause

Front side airbag faulty.

Repair

Fit new front side airbag.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.

SRS warning lamp illuminated. Trouble code stored: B1885

Overview

Affects: All models.
Fault codes: B1885
Remedy: Fit new part

Cause

SRS control module faulty.

Repair

Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
If no fault(s) found: Fit new SRS control module.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 11.

Steering

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Power steering warning lamp illuminates

Power steering pump faulty. Fix: fit a modified part.

Overview

Affects: All models with power steering.
Remedy: Fit modified part

Symptoms

Power steering lost.

Repair steps

Fit modified power steering pump.
Fit new power steering pipes/hoses.
Renew power steering fluid.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.

Stored trouble code cannot be erased after replacement of power steering pump

Affects All models.B2477Software update

Symptoms

Trouble code stored in power steering control module fault memory: B2477.

Cause

Software incompatibility between power steering control module and power steering pump.

Repair

Re-program power steering control module with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.

Clutch & gearbox

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Whining noise from transmission in 3rd gear

Overview

Affects: All models with 5-speed G35M-R transmission, →06/05/08.
Parts: 4 parts

Symptoms

Transmission jumps out of 3rd gear.

Cause

Worn transmission components.

Repair

Remove transmission from vehicle and dismantle.
Replace parts as listed.

Parts4 parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Synchroniser hub sleeve	G501-17-242E	1
Synchroniser ring	GC01-17-26YA	2
Synchroniser spring	G601-17-724	2
Transmission 3rd gear	G511-17-230	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.

Engine runs in limp home mode

Affects All models with automatic transmission (AT).P0715

Symptoms

Trouble code stored in transmission control module (TCM) fault memory: P0715.

Cause

Transmission input shaft speed sensor faulty.

Repair

Replace transmission input shaft speed sensor.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 9.

Air conditioning & heating

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Air conditioning (AC) inefficient

Affects All models with air conditioning (AC).

Cause

Foreign objects and/or debris in expansion valve.

Repair

Check AC system for debris. Replace component(s) as necessary.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 10.

Glossary

Technical terms used in this guide.

DPF: Diesel particulate filter — traps soot in the exhaust and burns it off periodically
AC: Air conditioning — the system that cools the cabin
SRS: Supplementary restraint system — the airbags and seat-belt pretensioners
TCM: Transmission control module — the electronic unit that manages the gearbox
Control Module: A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
DPF Regeneration: The process that burns soot out of the diesel particulate filter, usually on a longer run
Expansion Valve: The air-conditioning valve that lets refrigerant drop in pressure so it can absorb heat
Fault Memory: The list of stored trouble codes in a control module
Re-Program: Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
Solenoid: An electrically operated valve or actuator
Trouble Code: A standardised fault code stored by a control module, read with a diagnostic tool
Wiring Harness: The bundled cables that carry power and signals around the vehicle

Frequently asked questions

What are the common faults with the Mazda 3 2.0?

This guide contains 11 workshop bulletins for the Mazda 3 2.0. Of these, four concern the engine and fuel system and two the electrical and ignition. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Does every Mazda 3 2.0 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 2.0 faults myself?

Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.