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Thanks. That's good input to the equations to calculate the concentrate to fix the OPs problem. If the goal is 55% coolant then do a drain and refill with 80% concentrated mix = 100 oz pure coolant and 28 oz water - preferably distilled water. I guess it is up to the OP, but the issue can be...

The OP has long ago decided to get or against getting a first gen CX-9. FWIW: Gen 1 CX-9 are very nice. Lots of power, comfort, space and decent handling. Actually very reliable too. As the screams about water pump and PTU subside keep in mind that there is no perfect car. Find a used one where...

Sorry, nothing to add about the Mazda dealers in the Detroit area. Mazda dealer service is no better or worse on average compared to other brands. Easy for me to say. I DIY 99.9% of repairs and maintenance - and have an exceptional Mazda dealer service department and independent shop nearby...

Agreed: FL-22 density is a bit higher compared to ethylene glycol, but close enough that a hydrometer should work. But I hate to say that a simply hydrometer needs to be combined with temperature for anything near accurate. Your goal is to get 50% FL-22 coolant to water. Living in MN (like WI)...

Good to know - and a second recommendation - great tip. Used this tip around the same time on a Gen 1 CX-9 power steering pump belt. It was necessary because I changed out the chain driven water pump on the 3.7 V6. Tip for removing a stretch belt without cutting it: Use a rag in a similar...

Thanks for this link. It is actually the one I own and the best design of the universal ratcheting type. Mine is so old I had forgotten it is a lisle tool. This one expands to fit around the filter so it is already snug before you apply some torque with your ratchet. No disrespect to those with...

Here I thought I was a pessimist - a curmudgeon. But 32 pages into this thread and with nearly 10K posts between you: you guys put me to shame. God bless you guys. Thank you. I feel like an optimist. I think Mazda is taking appropriate action with the recall. If / when I get a recall for my...

Sorry guys but the best oil filter wrench is this universal ratcheting type . It has the same advantage as the oil filter end cap: it will fit in a tight spot. Unfortunately, the end cap filter wrench is nearly useless if the filter is much more than hand tight. The ratcheting type in the link...

Using OEM parts a fair price is around $500-600. Though, I think you can get equal results for much less even if you don't or can't DIY this project. elbaz: If you got a hitch installed for less than $200 that was a good deal. But, it was not OEM parts. The curt hitch receiver (C12170) for a...

The Radar Dimax will be a great value if you do your winter driving in Plano, TX. Just sharing my experience. Poor winter tread design will not improve with wear. And, willing to admit that if you drive smart most any tire will do pretty good with AWD.

Wow! That is a great deal. They should look sharp too. Subscribed to see how they perform over time.

Nice rant - and I agree. I'm a big fan of the minivan especially for a larger family and wish more people did not see them as image shattering. It is amazing how versatile the minivan is for hauling people and all their stuff. And, the minivan drives, parks and consumes gas like a larger car...

For the best fuel economy you want to reach operating temperature as soon as possible. Remember the coolant is under pressure so does not boil at 212*F. Assuming 18 psi even plain water will not boil until about 222*F. Coolant mixed with water raises the boiling point further.

A ranking of brands can never capture the jewels and lemons in every brand portfolio. And, though I own and enjoy several Japanese brand cars they have produced (yes Toyota and Honda too) their share of lemons. Years of Toyota's with oil sludge issues in the 4 cylinder they used across their...

Beware the tread wear rating spec because that spec is not an industry standard test and can only be used to compare relative wear among different tires offered by a single brand. The Radar Dimax tread pattern is not ideal for driving in wintry places where you drive on compacted snow often. For...

This information may be elsewhere in this forum. But, since I recently replaced a CX-9 water pump I was forced to become more knowledgeable about the FL22 coolant and options. For future readers here are the options that are currently available for FL22 coolant: OEM diluted Mazda part#...

This is the gray world of deciding if the impact of an issue creates a safety situation. I'm with jmhumr (above). There are many reasons a car can stall, go into limp mode or suddenly stop moving. Even if the reason is a defective part or defective programming that doesn't automatically make it...

The transmissions, PTU and location of the PTU with exposure to high heat and quick break down of the gear oil are all the same. I disagree - and agree with puma: All PTUs shared by many Ford vehicles and the CX-9 suffer same failure rate. I do believe most can be avoided with frequent PTU...

PTU = power transfer unit and is part of every AWD vehicle. The PTU transfers power from the transmission to the front half shafts and rear driveshaft. Usually there is a clutch between the rear driveshaft and the rear differential. All Ford AWD vehicles have had some problems with the PTU...

Tires make or break a car's ride comfort, performance and safety. Unfortunately they are also expensive. If money is tight then start saving at 5/32 tread depth - which can look at a glance "like new". Around here with snow covered roads possible for 5-6 months of the year 4/32 is a minimum...