MP3 Reliability - stock

[Sprockett]

So, how is it? I have an FD....I have experienced speed and such, so I don't really need that anymore (or right now). With college, I just want something I can drive (conservatively - no racing) and not have to worry about it.

I have read that there is a problem with the shift fork (?). Is this a true problem that I will run into if I drive it normally, or is this only when the car is pushed hard a lot?

Are there any other known problems with the car? Anything I should look out for?

I don't plan to modify it much - maybe an intake or a K&N filter or something...maybe put in a few interior things like an LCD screen and DVD player (I have to drive from MI to AZ next year - don't want to get bored)

Maybe the lip, open front grille, and the WW spoiler. I don't know. Nothing much.

So, if you could, please let me know.

Thanks

Tyler

PS - I tried searching "MP3 reliability" but it said "mp3" was too short to search under. Sorry if this has been posted before

 

[1sty]

The MP3 is extreamly reliable except for a few known issues.

One is clutch chatter. On cold days the Clutch can be a pain. There is a TSB for this. Other then that the only worry is the Clunk that is a worn out rear bushing. Search that for more info. Mazda is still making stronger bushing to try and stop it.

 

[MrMp3]

Mine has been great, I cannot complain at all. beside the bushing and crappy mazda service at my dealer. I just fixed my own clunk last weekend and it is working great so I do love me car

 

[1sty]

Mine has been great, I cannot complain at all. beside the bushing and crappy mazda service at my dealer. I just fixed my own clunk last weekend and it is working great so I do love me car

That wasn't too had was it?
I want to do the same.

 

[scott42]

reliabilty is great. other than the clunk (ongoing issue, but not reliability related) and clutch chatter (completely fixed under warranty) it has been flawless mechanically.

 

[Sprockett]

so the clunk is more of an annoying thing, or does it HAVE to be fixed immediately as soon as you hear it?

And what caused the clutch chatter, anyone know?

 

[MrMp3]

That wasn't too had was it?
I want to do the same.

I work in a garage with hoist so I just lifted it up and then pulled the four bolts out and then placed rubber grommets around bar and installed the wore out bushing and tightned it down and its all good now. BUT for how long is the question?????

 

[Sprockett]

and the chatter problem would be 100% free then - just take it to a dealership and they'll do it?

 

[1sty]

and the chatter problem would be 100% free then - just take it to a dealership and they'll do it?

Bingo!

I didn't bother as I need a stronger one anyways but i is under warrenty so long as the car still is.

 

[MP3-E]

What does the TSB say about the Clutch chatter? This is the first I have heard about this...

 

[1sty]

Clutch hitting flywheel if I racall.

 

[MP3boyz]

You know the number of the TSB ???

 

[1sty]

go to THEMan's website. That is his users name here. He has them all listed.

 

[MP3boyz]

By clutch chatter, you mean when you change speed that make a grind sound like you don't press the clutch pedal?? My MP3 does that when I up/down shift in second....It does that only in the first 10 minutes of driving...

 

[1sty]

NO I mean when its cold the car starts to jump like a bastard when shifting in low gears.

 

[oliver2000]

here is the bulliten courtesy of THEMAN's website

CLUTCH CHATTER DURING COLD TAKEOFF
Applicable Models
Model Starting S/N Ending S/N
1999 PROTEGE 00000000 ZZZZZZZZ
2000 PROTEGE 00000000 ZZZZZZZZ
1999 PROTEGE 00000000 ZZZZZZZZ
2000 PROTEGE 00000000 ZZZZZZZZ
2001 PROTEGE 00000000 ZZZZZZZZ
2002 PROTEGE 00000000 ZZZZZZZZ
2001 PROTEGE 00000000 ZZZZZZZZ
2002 PROTEGE 00000000 ZZZZZZZZ
2002 PROTEGE 00000000 ZZZZZZZZ
2002 PROTEGE 00000000 ZZZZZZZZ
2002 PROTEGE 00000000 ZZZZZZZZ

Some vehicles may exhibit a clutch chatter or judder when releasing clutch during cold conditions. This may be caused by the flwheel and clutch cover surface materials creating a chatter or judder during clutch engagement. The flywheel and clutch cover has been revised to correct this concern. 1. Verify customer concern. 2. Remove the manual transmission according to the following Workshop Manual procedure: * 5 Speed: MANUAL TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/INSTALLATION M25M-R (section 05-15A-3). 3. Remove clutch disc, clutch cover and flywheel according to the Workshop Manual procedure CLUTCH UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION (section 05-10). 4. Install new clutch disc, clutch cover and flywheel according to the Workshop Manual procedure CLUTCH UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION (section 05-10). 5. Reinstall the manual transmission according to the following Workshop Manual procedure: * 5 Speed: MANUAL TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/INSTALLATION M25M-R (section 05-15A-3). 6. Verify repair. Part(s)Information: Part Number Description Qty Notes FP01-16-410A-9U Clutch Cover 1 1.8L FS05-16-410A Clutch Cover 1 2.0L FP49-11-500A Flywheel 1 1.8L FS01-11-500A Flywheel 1 2.0L B633-16-460A-9U Clutch Disc 1 1.8L FS06-16-460 Clutch Disc 1 2.0L Note: Make sure the dealer contacts DAG to specify order the above

 

[scott42]

clunk is annoying/deteriorated handling; but other than that, it won't keep the car from moving

clutch chatter should be covered (if it even happens) I believe some cars got certain parts, and some got other "updated parts"...

 

[PaulMP3]

That wasn't too had was it?
I want to do the same.

Craig, i fixed mine 6 months ago and mine are still fine, no clunk at all. probally 5-6000 miles on them,

here is a pic. It is a piece of vinyl base board, use for comercial flooring. Im sure anything about 1/8" would work. I also grease them while they were off. You can see how good their teflon works

 

[scott42]

Paul, that's really interesting. so you have the piece not even touching the bar, but between the bushing and crossmember (?)

 

[PaulMP3]

yes, it is about 1/8" it makes it a tighter fit allowing less movement. The bolts are some what harder to get started because of the extra piece.

Note: I installed the xtra piece while my old ones were not clunking yet.My dealer put them on when i was getting my LSD put it. Abiut 2 weeks later i did this, and it has been fine since.close to 6000 miles. Still no clunks and still feels tight. One more thing, i put some lithium grease on the bar and the bushing while adding that piece.