I have a Mazda MPV 2000 model. i noticed the car does not accelerate once the fuel guage goes below some certain levels. once the fuel-gauge us at half-tank, I cannot quickly accelerate over 60km per hour. In fact, you cannot quickly perform an overtaking maneuver without causing problems for on-coming cars on the other side of the road because it takes like forever to complete the simple maneuver which ought to be very swift. even if I push the turtle pt the floor, the car will not move any faster. because of this, I cannot drive on Lagos-Ibadan express way conveniently unless I have at least a three-quarter fuel-tank

Then when the fuel-gauge is at quarter-tank, accelerating over 20 km per hour becomes problematic. Sometimes the car gets glued to the road as it moves at snail speed.

Then the second problem, it seems the car is consuming fuel more than normal. Could this be linked to the first problem?

Then how really fuel efficient is the Mazda MPV? Will like to hear the experiences of other Mazda MPV owners; maybe I can get some clues on how to maximize fuel efficiency in an MPV from you guys.

Thanks in advance for your insightful contributions.

Have your fuel filter changed, this is most likely the culprit. There is one other
possibility that your catalytic converter is clogged but if this was the case you would notice it overheating as well. Hope this helps

Its obvious ur engine is not firing on all cylinders, make sure u have ur plugs checked, happened to my honda accord once also. Check fuel filter also, but the most likely problem shld be the spark plugs shaa...

kingschild123: Have your fuel filter changed, this is most likely the culprit. There is one other
possibility that your catalytic converter is clogged but if this was the case you would notice it overheating as well. Hope this helps

The car does not overheat one bit, so I reckon is is not the catalytic converter then, according to your diagnosis. The mechanic says it must be the fuel pump. But I want to be certain for sure that they are right; don't want them costing me unnecessary expenses with their trial-by-error method.

Then about the fuel filter, can it really be the fuel-filter, because when the tank is full or like half-tank upwards, it does not behave that way? What do you think? Can it still be the fuel-filter with these symptoms?

austin4real: Its obvious ur engine is not firing on all cylinders, make sure u have ur plugs checked, happened to my honda accord once also. Check fuel filter also, but the most likely problem shld be the spark plugs shaa...

will try and see to the pugs. but like I was saying, the point is, if it is the plugs, wouldn't the car's behaviour be consistent regardless of whether the fuel-tank is qurater-tank or full-tank?

Your check engine light is o on find out the codes first

sultaan: Your check engine light is o on find out the codes first

Dont understand. Can you please elaborate more.

lanre_front:

Dont understand. Can you please elaborate more.

You may have to google what "dtc codes" mean or why the check engine light is on

If you study online articles and find "Mazda MPV forums" you will understand what is going on.

lanre_front:

The car does not overheat one bit, so I reckon is is not the catalytic converter then, according to your diagnosis. The mechanic says it must be the fuel pump. But I want to be certain for sure that they are right; don't want them costing me unnecessary expenses with their trial-by-error method.

Then about the fuel filter, can it really be the fuel-filter, because when the tank is full or like half-tank upwards, it does not behave that way? What do you think? Can it still be the fuel-filter with these symptoms?

brother,i will adviceu change ur fuel filter first and check ur spark plugs before u start worrying urself with fuel pump and some other possibilities.these dont cost fortunes.there are a lot of things that maybe associated with a particular symptom.u just have to keep trying them one by one

1. IF UR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON..GET THE CAR SCANNED...OIR BETTER STILL SCAN THE CAR AND POST THE ERROR CODES
2. CHECK UR SPARK PLUGS/NOZZLES...CONFIRM THE NOZZLES ARE SPRAYING FUEL EFFECTIVELY AND THE PLUGS ARE GOOD......I WUD ADVICE YOU CHANGE UR PLUGS TO ORIGINAL RECOMMENDED PLUGS FOR UR CAR...
3. CHECK UR FUEL PUMP...AND CHANGE UR FUEL FILTER
4. CHECK TO CONFIRM THAT UR CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS NOT BAD/PLUGGING OFF UR EXHAUST...
5. CHANGE/CLEAN UR ENGINE AIR FILTER.............

NOTE: I SAID CHANGE PLUGS AND FUEL FILTER COS THE AVG NIGERIAN DOESNT CHANGE THESE ITEMS AS PER MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDATION...THEY WAIT TILL THE CAR DEVELOPS A FAULT..B4 REALIZING A CAR NEEDS ROUTINE MAINTAINACE...SOME PLUGS ARE RATED FOR 30K MILES. SOME 60K MILES//..SOME 100K MILES...AND SINCE THE CAR IS TOKS..U DONT KNOW HOW LONG THE PLUGS HV BEEN IN THERE/...AND PLEASE NEVER EVER BUY COPPER PLUGS

Yes, my first assumption is that it may well have something to do with the clogging of your catalytic converter.
Maybe fuel isn't reaching your engine when below the half tank gauge.

You Check with a professional Mechanic so as to be sure.

You may want to view this thread too; https://www.nairaland.com/1381715/world-first-multivitamin-engine#17178029

Thanks all you guys for your advise. I have learnt thing of how to go about the problem

It sounds like an electrical fault. Get an auto-electrician to take a look

Please why not tell us how the problem was solved so that any other person with such problem will know what to do.

Thanks

ping2ping: Please why not tell us how the problem was solved so that any other person with such problem will know what to do.

Thanks

So sorry, didn't see this until today.

Believe it or not, it was a gear problem that was causing all that chopping of fuel. It turns out that the automatic gear was not entering the last gear. This was discovered by a gear specialist.

So what did the gear specialist do, change the gear box, repair or just service it?

I don't believe gear change is the whole story with respect to the bogging down, maybe to the fuel consumption, but I could be wrong.

Those that mentioned fuel filter(clogged in-tank fuel filter) or clogged catalytic converter are spot on with respect to the buggy acceleration. And failing that it could be that they gave you a I4 fuel pump to run a v6.

It might also be a dirty throttle body.

With respect to excessive fuel consumption, it could be lack of upstream oxygen sensors or failing oxygen sensors are failing, worn out plugs or bad ignition wires. List not exhaustive. Even the gear problem which means failure to engage overdrive could result in over consumption of fuel because you would be doing around 3k rpm to maintain 80km/hr speed instead of a little over 2k rpm

earthrealm did a good job of a walk-through for fixing the problem.

I stand to be corrected sha

What's your odometer reading?

@Car Doc,

Please i also need your input on this. Before now, i have already done all u suggested and the issue is still there. kindly advise.

@ Idaracodp

You are actually very correct. It did have fuel pump problem which needed to be changed. but the excessive fuel consumption was being caused by the gear problem.

The gear was removed and some parts in it were replaced. Because it had being like that for a while before detection of the problem, something called fiber inside the gear-box had burnt. Infact, you could smell it inside the gear oil if you remove the guage for checking its oil.

lanre_front: @ Idaracodp

You are actually very correct. It did have fuel pump problem which needed to be changed. but the excessive fuel consumption was being caused by the gear problem.

The gear was removed and some parts in it were replaced. Because it had being like that for a while before detection of the problem, something called fiber inside the gear-box had burnt. Infact, you could smell it inside the gear oil if you remove the guage for checking its oil.

Once had a similar problem, the car won't do passing maneuvers easily, after long spells of driving highway, it could only manage to do 60km to 80km. So i prayed it would take me to destination and i immediately changed the fuel pump, and someone could have told you I just bought a new car.

Once had trouble misfiring trouble, and then i ordered Denso OEM ignition cables and the misfires disappeared into thin air

The question about your odometer reading is extremely important.

Any changes made to the car should be documented - the date made, the odometer reading when the change made, and compared against manufacturer recommended intervals as well as so you have reliable data as to when an item might have failed due to age.

Am happy you are happy with your ride

lanre_front: I have a Mazda MPV 2000 model. i noticed the car does not accelerate once the fuel guage goes below some certain levels. once the fuel-gauge us at half-tank, I cannot quickly accelerate over 60km per hour. In fact, you cannot quickly perform an overtaking maneuver without causing problems for on-coming cars on the other side of the road because it takes like forever to complete the simple maneuver which ought to be very swift. even if I push the turtle pt the floor, the car will not move any faster. because of this, I cannot drive on Lagos-Ibadan express way conveniently unless I have at least a three-quarter fuel-tank

Then when the fuel-gauge is at quarter-tank, accelerating over 20 km per hour becomes problematic. Sometimes the car gets glued to the road as it moves at snail speed.

Then the second problem, it seems the car is consuming fuel more than normal. Could this be linked to the first problem?

Then how really fuel efficient is the Mazda MPV? Will like to hear the experiences of other Mazda MPV owners; maybe I can get some clues on how to maximize fuel efficiency in an MPV from you guys.

Thanks in advance for your insightful contributions.

Hello,

Please can you share your experience with Mazda MPV with me? I love the car and I'm planning to get one soonest but a lot of people are just mentioning Toyota products as if I am about to decide wrongly for choosing Mazda MPV. I was told the parts would be expensive because so many people are not using it. That Mechanics might find it difficult to repair unlike Toyota vehicles. That I should think about second hand value. But I am very sure they are have not used Mazda MPV but quick to condemn it. Please I need your and others' advice based on experience before I decide to buy it or not.

Thanks all

wasolad01:

Hello,

Please can you share your experience with Mazda MPV with me? I love the car and I'm planning to get one soonest but a lot of people are just mentioning Toyota products as if I am about to decide wrongly for choosing Mazda MPV. I was told the parts would be expensive because so many people are not using it. That Mechanics might find it difficult to repair unlike Toyota vehicles. That I should think about second hand value. But I am very sure they are have not used Mazda MPV but quick to condemn it. Please I need your and others' advice based on experience before I decide to buy it or not.

Thanks all

Does this link help?
http://forum.mpvclub.com/viewtopic.php?t=26894

Did the mechanics also tell you about the oil sludge problem in older Toyota v6 engines?

IdaraCHODB:

Does this link help?
http://forum.mpvclub.com/viewtopic.php?t=26894

Did the mechanics also tell you about the oil sludge problem in older Toyota v6 engines?

Thanks for your response. Nobody told me about oil sludge. I'll check the link soon. But are you a owner of Mazda mpv? Can you strongly recommend it?

wasolad01:

Thanks for your response. Nobody told me about oil sludge. I'll check the link soon. But are you a owner of Mazda mpv? Can you strongly recommend it?

I have driven the mpv and had issues with it due to my negligence and then had to fix those issues, it took time but I got to know the vehicle inside out as a result.

I know the vehicle because I have participated in rebuilding its engine 3 times due to my abuse, overheating due to opening the radiator cover when the engine was hot and not putting in enough liquid thereafter, etc etc

So I can advise you on it

IdaraCHODB:

I have driven the mpv and had issues with it due to my negligence and then had to fix those issues, it took time but I got to know the vehicle inside out as a result.

I know the vehicle because I have participated in rebuilding its engine 3 times due to my abuse, overheating due to opening the radiator cover when the engine was hot and not putting in enough liquid thereafter, etc etc

So I can advise you on it

Thanks so much. That means maintenance is the key factor here. But what can you and others tell me about mechanics attitude towards this car? Or it should be handled by Mazda specialists?

Mazda MPV transmission is way way cheaper than the equivalent Toyota Sienna transmission. Same goes for the engine.

The parts may be scarce in other auto marts but definitely not scarce in Lagos.

There are nearly as many Mazda MPVs in Lagos as there are Toyota Siennas.

And if you follow the maintenance schedule religiously you shouldn't have problems.


If you need the Engine or Transmission Workshop Manual, shoot me an email and i will be glad to let you have it

I usually recommend using a mechanic that knows the quirks of a particular model inside out to a generalist, so its in your best interest to work with someone who knows mazda inside out than say a honda specialist

IdaraCHODB: Mazda MPV transmission is way way cheaper than the equivalent Toyota Sienna transmission. Same goes for the engine.

The parts may be scarce in other auto marts but definitely not scarce in Lagos.

There are nearly as many Mazda MPVs in Lagos as there are Toyota Siennas.

And if you follow the maintenance schedule religiously you shouldn't have problems.


If you need the Engine or Transmission Workshop Manual, shoot me an email and i will be glad to let you have it

I usually recommend using a mechanic that knows the quirks of a particular model inside out to a generalist, so its in your best interest to work with someone who knows mazda inside out than say a honda specialist

Your contribution is so valuable to me and I would contact you when the time comes. If you also have someone that wants to sell a clean tokunbo one, you can refer me to him. Looking at Mazda MPV LX 2001 model

wasolad01:

Hello,

Please can you share your experience with Mazda MPV with me? I love the car and I'm planning to get one soonest but a lot of people are just mentioning Toyota products as if I am about to decide wrongly for choosing Mazda MPV. I was told the parts would be expensive because so many people are not using it. That Mechanics might find it difficult to repair unlike Toyota vehicles. That I should think about second hand value. But I am very sure they are have not used Mazda MPV but quick to condemn it. Please I need your and others' advice based on experience before I decide to buy it or not.

Thanks all

It's not true a at all that the parts are expensive. For instance, you can get the automatic gearbox for 55k; compare that to the gearbox price of many 2002 model Toyota's and Hondas.

The car is okay unless you think out it is not classy enough for you.

lanre_front:

It's not true a at all that the parts are expensive. For instance, you can get the automatic gearbox for 55k; compare that to the gearbox price of many 2002 model Toyota's and Hondas.

The car is okay unless you think out it is not classy enough for you.

Thanks so much

IDARACHODB - Do you have reputable Mazda specialist mechanics that you use? Becos I'm considering getting an MPV 2001 as my first car. Please let me know their details (phone number, name). what's your candid opinion about the car model. I'm a novice, just trying to learn and glean knowledge from the gurus in the house. Thanks.

olumide4christ: IDARACHODB - Do you have reputable Mazda specialist mechanics that you use? Becos I'm considering getting an MPV 2001 as my first car. Please let me know their details (phone number, name). what's your candid opinion about the car model. I'm a novice, just trying to learn and glean knowledge from the gurus in the house. Thanks.

Seen, let me make a few contacts during the daytime and post a response here.

IdaraCHODB:

I have driven the mpv and had issues with it due to my negligence and then had to fix those issues, it took time but I got to know the vehicle inside out as a result.

I know the vehicle because I have participated in rebuilding its engine 3 times due to my abuse, overheating due to opening the radiator cover when the engine was hot and not putting in enough liquid thereafter, etc etc

So I can advise you on it

car-doctor:
Automatic gearbox issues have become a reoccuring decimal to any automatic car owner. Slow take off, sluggish acceleration, lack of kick down, loss of drive while in motion, lack of gear change, aggressive gear changes, high engine revs without power in drive just to name a few.

From my observation and the complaints made by some of our customers, these problems usually start from a gearbox oil change that was recommended by the mechanic who then uses the wrong type of ATF oil for the transmission.

Most car manufacturers develop their own ATF formular for their cars.

Honda recommends their own formular ATF-z1 for their gearboxes manufactured between 1998 to 2009 and upgraded to the ATF-Dw1 for gearboxes manufactured from 2010 upwards.

Toyota uses the Type 4 ATF for their cars manufactured between1996 to 2007 and the Toyota WS ATF for ones manufactured between 2007 to present.

Most other car manufactures have also upgraded the type of ATF for their modern cars.

Using the wrong grade of ATF would almost certainly result in a failing transmission. Low grade ATF may not be able to handle the high temperature operations operations of a gearbox. Under very high temperatures, low grade oil loses its fluidity and may begin to boil causing loss of hydraulic functions by frothing or foaming.

Some remedies I have seen used by local mechanics is to further add engine oil to the gearbox in order to thicken the viscosity of the ATF. This in turn puts the pump under great stress as the thicker oil would require more effort from the pump in distributing the oil under high pressure as well as the oil filter which is usually embedded within the transmission gear train. (The removal and changing of all Honda transmission oil filter would require the removal of the gear box from the car and stripping down the gearbox)

The resulting consequence would be an imminent and extreme overheating of the transmission and components such as the friction plates and a rapid degradation of the wet clutch fibres hence the loss of drive, slipping clutch and rough gear changes.

Replacing the gearbox or a total overhaul by an expert would be the likely solution but before then, an inexperienced mechanic would Send you on a wild goose chase by suggesting the removal and servicing or outright replacement of shift solenoids on the outer casing of the gearbox. These solutions Don't last as its just a temporal remedy to a terminal issue.

We constantly repair these gearboxes and those of other makes to a very high standard with 99.9% success rate and we recommend that if you are having serious issues with your automatic gearbox, ensure that the appropriate procedures are followed.



Car-Doctor.

Hello,
Please I need your help on my Mazda MPV 2002 model. The car is very sluggish on takeoff. sooner, it was just reving up and refuse to move if I put in drive or 1 or 2. it was making noise and producing bad smells.
I called a mechanic to check it but he told me the gearbox is burnt and I should change it. Please your professional and ever-helpful advice is needed. Does anyone in the house have a Mazda specialist mechanic that can solve this problem for me ASAP. Contact detaiks needed please.
Note: I am a novice because this is my first automatic car.