Mazda2009–2014

3 2.3 MPS: 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.

Erratic idle. No trouble codes stored in fault memory

Throttle body contaminated with carbon deposits. Fix: clean and lubricate.

Overview

Affects: All models.
Remedy: Clean & lubricate

Symptoms

Engine stalls at idle. No trouble codes stored in fault memory. Engine stalls/cuts out when vehicle comes to a standstill. No trouble codes stored in fault memory.

Repair steps

Remove throttle body.
Clean carbon deposits from throttle body.
Refit throttle body. Renew throttle body gasket.
Initialise throttle control unit as follows: Switch ignition ON. Wait 1 minute. Switch ignition OFF. Wait 1 minute. Start engine. Allow engine to idle. Ensure all electrical equipment switched OFF. Allow engine to reach normal operating temperature. Check that idle speed remains within specification.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Cleaning spray	000-77-A86	1
Throttle body gasket	L3K9-13-655	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

Excessive white smoke from exhaust during acceleration

Affects All models with 2.3 petrol engine.Fit modified part

Cause

Turbocharger (TC) oil seals faulty.

Repair

Fit modified turbocharger (TC).

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.

Engine oil leak from engine oil sump area

Inferior quality engine oil sump to engine block sealant. Fix: clean and lubricate.

Overview

Affects: All models.
Remedy: Clean & lubricate

Repair steps

Remove engine oil sump.
Thoroughly clean all mating surfaces.
Apply manufacturer's specification sealant to engine oil sump and refit.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Trouble code stored: P2096

Overview

Affects: All models with petrol engines.
Fault codes: P2096
Remedy: Software update

Cause

Engine control module (ECM) software fault.

Repair

Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
If no fault(s) found: Re-program ECM with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 10.

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 2.

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 7.

Suspension & drivetrain

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Knocking/squeaking noise from rear suspension over uneven surfaces

Affects All models.Fit modified part

Cause

Unsatisfactory design of rear anti-roll bar bushes.

Repair

Fit modified rear anti-roll bar complete with bushes.

Parts1 part

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Anti-roll bar	B3Y0 28 10X	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 9.

Knocking noise from rear suspension when driving over speed humps

Affects All models.Fit new part

Cause

Rear shock absorber bump stop faulty.

Repair

Fit new rear shock absorber bump stop(s) as required.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 11.

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 6.

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 8.

Other

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) seized in catalytic converter

Overview

Affects: All models with L3/L3 turbo engine codes.
Remedy: Clean & lubricate

Cause

Chemical reaction between materials causing components to bond together.

Repair

Lubricate heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) threads with penetrating oil when removing.
Inspect heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) threads. Replace component(s) as necessary.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

Glossary

Technical terms used in this guide.

ECM: Engine control module — the electronic unit that manages the engine
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
TC: Turbocharger — the exhaust-driven compressor that boosts engine power
Anti-Roll Bar: A bar that links the left and right suspension to cut body roll in corners
Control Module: A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
Fault Memory: The list of stored trouble codes in a control module
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
Re-Program: Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
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
Bushes: Rubber mountings that let a suspension or body joint move without metal-to-metal contact
Calibration: Setting a sensor or module so its readings match the real world
Initialise: A workshop procedure that teaches a new module or system its starting values

Frequently asked questions

What are the common faults with the Mazda 3 2.3 MPS?

This guide contains 11 workshop bulletins for the Mazda 3 2.3 MPS. 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 2.3 MPS 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 2.3 MPS faults myself?

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