2007 CX9 GT model AWD not working??

[zigger]

Hello , we have a 2007 cx9 gt model with 20" wheels. The car screetches off the line or under full acceleration all through 1st and some of 2cnd gear. The other day just to test it I floored it off the line it had mad tourq steer and the awd light started to flash for about 10 seconds than shut off. It doesn't feel like a awd car to me and my wife said that she was coming into a plaza with a steep hill barely guiving gas and the tires screetched
??

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

You're still going to get torque steer if you punch it, before the AWD can kick it.

The Duelers have something to do with that, too. After I replaced them I get a lot less torque steer.

 

[zigger]

OK But why does the AWD light flash..for 30 seconds than disapear

 

[coyfish]

is it stability control coming on ??

 

[badself]

If I had to guess (maybe a little better than a guess), I'd say you have a bad transfer case. Hopefully, the thing's still within drivetrain warranty; otherwise, it's a $6,000-7,000 repair with labor. I would let Mazda diagnose it, warranty or not.

 

[The-9]

if the tires are screeching like that, either they are just about bald or it is some other noise you are hearing. 260hp or so driving a 4500lb vehicle spins the tires like that and actually not more then a chirp if that

Something is either wrong with the vehicle (transfer case making noise) or your tires are not tires but rather baloney skins

 

[zigger]

Thanks guys The tires are 2 months old so there nice and meaty. I'm thinking transfer case. Its a 2007 with 40,000km aprox 28000 milles so I am assuming that the warranty is still intact. How long do they need the car for if it's the transfer case?

 

[not_too_shabby]

If your 4WD light flashes this indicates a malfunction. Like the poster mentioned above, a bad transfer case which seems common on 2007 models. I have a 2008 AWD and have never been able to break the front tires lose. From what I understand the "active" AWD system transfers power to the rear wheels before this happens. Having come from a FWD car where I would constantly break traction under hard acceleration going around corners in wet conditions, I have never done this with the AWD CX-9. Go to the dealer and get your car fixed, the difference will be night and day. There is also no torque steer on my AWD CX-9....

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

From the AWD owners, it sounds like you need to take it in.

 

[T.Narley]

Whoa, it doest sound like anything is wrong. The AWD CX-9 has an active torque split differential. The PCM decides how much power to send to the rear wheels. Under normal conditions almost no power is put to the rear wheels. When the car begins to sense slippery conditions it will start sending more power (up to 50%) to the rear, depending on slip detected and keep it there until it senses the slippery conditions are long gone.

It is a very smart system, and I'd bet its sensing NO slip from the rear but sudden massive slip from the front during your tests so it is activating the AWD system in full and keeping it ON until it senses the slippery conditions are gone (this is why the light stays on for 30 secs).

I read a review of the CX-9 last year which explained exactly how the system works. I wish I could remember where I read it.

If you want to experience the same thing, but without the 9's technology go drive an older 4x4 GMC Jimmy, or S-10 Blazer. It has the same basic system, but only does AWD "on" and "off" when it senses slip, rather than gradually transferring power as needed. This results in a notcable "thump" when you begin to spin the tires and the system turns (slams) on the AWD.

FWIW, I've been able to get my 9 to display the AWD light while playing around driving in heavy snow.

 

[hamproof]

Just for reference. Flashes seem ok as long as it goes away. But based on the user manual, it could either be a high tempt in different oil OR large difference bet. front and rear tires. Unless it is snowing or icy condition, you are probably looking at the forner.

AWD Warning Light
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the warning light will
illuminate or flash under the following
conditions:

Illuminates when there is an
abnormality with the AWD system.

Flashes when the differential oil
temperature is abnormally high.

Flashes when there are continually
large differences between front and rear
wheel rotation, such as when trying to
pull away from an icy surface.

If the AWD warning light illuminates,
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

If the AWD warning light flashes:
Park the vehicle in a safe place. After a
few moments; if the warning light stops
flashing, you can resume driving. If the
light does not stop flashing, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

 

[vikefan7]

I've been able to break the fronts loose a couple of times and my tires chirp and squeel all the time. I'm not exactly the safest driver. I have never seen the AWD light come on though. I would definitely take it in just to make sure.

 

[not_too_shabby]

This thread has info on how the AWD works.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123693098

Let us know what your dealer says...

 

[ceric]

2007 models have high rate of transfer case failure (i.e. the PTO attached to the transmission, not the coupler attached to the rear differential). It is expensive to repair ($4000+) once yours is off warranty. So, better take it in to have it replaced with a new one while you still can do it for free.

 

[kosh2258]

Trashed Transfer

The 4WD light flashing signifies a failure in the system - I know that from personal experience.
It flashes because there's a significant difference in the speed the front and rear wheels are turning, which there shouldn't be if everything is working correctly. The light will stop flashing once the front and rear wheels are rotating at the same rate. But the bottom line is that if the system is working correctly that light should never be on because the AWD will have all 4 wheels moving at the same speed. The section in the owners manual about this light is misleading.

My '07 shelled the transfer and it was replaced under warranty. The dash showed the flashing 4WD light and the traction sucked. Once the transfer was replaced the 4WD light hasn't come on once since, even in the worst winter weather and icy streets, and traction is significantly better.

Take it in to the dealer. It's a known issue.

 

[badself]

FWIW, I've been able to get my 9 to display the AWD light while playing around driving in heavy snow.

If that's the case, then you should have yours looked at, as well.

 

[T.Narley]

FWIW, I've been able to get my 9 to display the AWD light while playing around driving in heavy snow

If that's the case, then you should have yours looked at, as well.

From the manual... "Flashes when there are continually
large differences between front and rear
wheel rotation, such as when trying to
pull away from an icy surface."

What's the dealer going to do, move me to a warmer climate?

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

I thought it flashed also. I don't have the AWD, but I greatly improved torque steer by changing tires.

 

[The-9]

I would tend to say a steady light or continuously flashing light would be alarm for the dealer. ABS lights do the same thing if you go into a wild braking. My SRT-10 lights up the abs light when I let loose the rear tires as the speeds between front and rear (4wheel abs) are so out of whack. Goes back to normal after a few seconds (once I stop smoking the tires)

 

[kosh2258]

From the manual... "Flashes when there are continually
large differences between front and rear
wheel rotation, such as when trying to
pull away from an icy surface."

What's the dealer going to do, move me to a warmer climate?

You very likely have a problem with your AWD. Whether you follow up on it or not is entirely up to you but it won't be for lack of having been told.