Going back to dealer for throttle problem

T.Narley

Member
No, it's not the well-known "steep hill" trans temp issue, but something just as troubling.

My wife took the kids and a friend to the mall a few months ago (winter) and reported that the 9 "cut out" a few times, at one point leaving her coasting onto the shoulder of the freeway, only to regain power.

She described it as "pressing on the gas pedal but nothing happens". I had it towed to the dealer who could not duplicate the problem. There were no stored codes. I am good friends with a master Ford mechanic at a local dealer, and since the 3.7 Mazda motor is essentially a for 3.5 Duratec I asked him about it. He immediately said "it's the actuator on the throttle body, I've changed dozens of them for the same problem". He also said theres a Ford TSB on the issue, but without Ford VIN he can't pull it up.

I passed this on to the service advisor who said they couldnt replace it without duplicating the problem first.

Fast forward to this week, when my wife reports that the 9 "did it again, but not as bad". This was in light traffic, just running errands. So it's going back in to the dealer next week and I have a feeling I'm going to have to push the issue and raise a stink to get the actuator replaced. Has anyone else had this issue?

It also needs a recall done on the 12v center power point, and the drivers outside mirror shakes at freeway speeds (sort of like a car with huge subs turned way up does).

Other than this one major issue it's been a great car :)
 
Such problem comes with "drive-by-wire" system.
Hope the issue get fixed properly.
 
Contact Mazda directly. They have been pretty good about stepping in when dealers are dragging their feet. They may also know more than the dealer.
 
narley, when you say the engine cut out, did it stall and you had to restart, or is the engine still running when it happens? we seem to have a similar problem....we pull up to a light and the engine just stalls....it restarts right away and may not happen for a couple days or even a week or two, then out of the blue, when stopping and sitting at an intersection it the engine turns off....we had it in the shop and they had it on the computer but could not find any thing....no codes as you mention....we are back in the shop again on tuesday after the long weekend..... ill mention the accuator issue to them and see what they say

ken
 
I think this has happened to my wife once. She said she pressed the gas and nothing happened. Then everything returned to normal.
 
what's the 12v center console outlet issue? mine is hot all the time even with the iginition off. is that the issue?
 
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We got a recall notice on the 12v outlet, something about when it's used it can pop a fuse causing some other system to fail.

As for the throttle problem, it never stalls, it just stops responding to throttle input. She said it did it again today, and it seems to happen between 1500 and 2000 rpm.
 
I spoke to my wife last night and she said that this is exactly what happened to her. She pushed on the gas at highway speeds and nothing happened. 30 seconds later it was fine. It has only happened to her once.

Keep us posted on if the dealer fixes it or not. I'm sure it will happen again to us.
 
Well, I just dropped it off, and the response I got from the service advisor wasnt promising.

I explained the problem, and that this is the 2nd time I am bringing in the 9 for it. I also mentioned the TSB on the steep hill loss of power issue and asked him to check the VIN and if mine was affected to do the fix.

His response was that I need to have a problem before they can do anything about it, and if they cant reproduce the throttle issue they cant replace the throttle actuator. I told him we are planning a trip to florida and I dont intend to be broken down on the side of the road for a problem that Mazda knows about. He again said they cant fix it if THEY cant reproduce the problem. I replied that I'll call Mazda if necessary and he replied "go ahead, thats a good idea"

He also appeared a little annoyed and asked "where are you hearing about these TSB's and problems". I told him "on a CX-9 website" and I could swear he sort of rolled his eyes.

Anyone have a good number for Mazda?
 
hdrsub_contact_customer_assistance.gif

Monday - Friday, 6:00am - 4:45pm Pacific Time

1-800-222-5500
 
Well, the advisor just called, and I almost couldnt believe my ears. He said he spoke with the Mazda tech line about the throttle issue we've been having and they said they've only had 2 other cases, but to go ahead and replace the throttle body. :)

He also said that my 9 is in the vin range affected by the steep hill climb TSB and they are going to go ahead and re-flash the computer to take care of it. He then said they found the TSB on the mirror vibration and have ordered the foam needed to attempt the fix (I know it may not work).

He then added that there are 2 recalls (air bag light, power seat) that they are fixing also.

I thanked him and I still cant believe they are taking care of ALL the issues I presented, and with no arguing. Had they guy just told me yesterday "we'll do everything we can" instead of giving me a hard time the whole experience would have been remarkable.
 
Had they guy just told me yesterday "we'll do everything we can" instead of giving me a hard time the whole experience would have been remarkable.

I actually prefer them to be honest and give me a hard time coz' I know they won't fix it then.. Had they patronize me by telling me what I want to hear, I would be really upset knowing they won't do a single thing.

Fact is, if they can't duplicate the problem, they can't very well charge Mazda for warranty work, and they'll be out a couple of hours trying to "debug" it.
 
I've had the same change in attitude from our dealer after Mazda spoke to them. Glad they are getting it corrected.

Update us on the mirror foam. I'm sure it won't fix it, and I'd like you to try my fix. I'd do it myself, but my mirrors don't shake like that.
 
hi narley
seems the problem is contagious...engine was still running....but no throttle response...... turned it off and then was ok again......if you have the time could you post the full details from the repair....we have had a stalling issure where the engine just cuts out....now the no throttle response issuse....hopefully they are related
thks
ken
 
hi all
back from the shop......same as narley, after speaking to mazda tech they replaced the throttle body under warranty and I also had a shimmy in the steering wheel while braking which the fixed as well by cutting the front rotors.... all seems well so far!
 

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