MSP Hesitation: Compiling list for Mazda USA

[ping]

Please vote and briefly post here if you've experienced the MSP acceleration hesitation problem. Enclose a BRIEF description of the problem so we can be sure to document it fully. I'm closing the poll in 30 days and will email/write Mazda then (if we don't have answers by then).

Please also email (or call) MazdaUSA to inform them of the problem if you've experienced it.

This thread is intended to get a list together of those who've had the problem - I'll forward a listing to Mazda of the NUMBER of MSP owners who post to this thread. I will NOT forward your name or VIN (you have to do that yourself). To allow confidentiality, I've attached a POLL to the top of this thread - if you don't want to give your name, please at least vote (only one time each so we get good data).

Thanks!

L. Dixon "ping"

 

[ping]

Oh - I just entered the first "yes" vote. Mine hesitates between 2500 and 4500RPM, doesn't do it all the time.

 

[Aaron]

mine stumbles from about 3k to 5k and after 5k it really hauls till redline

 

[BremertonMSP]

Same as Aaron, around 3-5k and seems to get better after that. Most noticable in 5th gear.

 

[trekv2]

Mine did it, the first time yesterday around 4-5k in 3 gear. its like it lost power for a couple of RPM's

 

[funnylittlman]

Here's what my response said:

Thank you for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I appreciate
the opportunity to respond to you.

In regards to your question, please understand I'm not technically
trained and therefore not in a position to diagnose or instruct on
repair procedures for your MAZDASPEED Proteg. For these matters, Mazda
relies on the factory-trained technicians at authorized Mazda
dealerships to diagnose and repair concerns that may arise with a Mazda
vehicle.

I have contacted our Technical Department regarding your inquiry.
Without having to diagnose your vehicle, they can not determine the
source of your concern. However, they were able to tell me that there
are no recalls or technical service bulletins at this time.

If you feel this is not normal characteristic of the vehicle, please
have a Mazda dealership diagnose your vehicle.

If you would, take a quick moment to give us your opinion about our
e-mail service. The survey is only five questions, and your feedback
is important! Just click this link:
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?5TYD85TYCGRDSLWVFE7RJ6R9

Again, thank you for contacting Mazda. It has been my pleasure to
assist you. If for any reason this response has not completely
satisfied you, please feel free to reply to this message. You may also
contact our Customer Assistance Center toll-free at 1-800-222-5500.

Regards,

Charlie Kim
Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business




Original Message Follows:
------------------------

 

[unwrittenLaw]

:bs:

 

[Limited Edition]

Hesitations are felt when accelerating onto a freeway from city streets. It's most noticable b/t 2500-4000rpm range, it doesn't happen all the time, but when it does happen, i'm usually in a situation where i need the power. It can be dangerous at times if you're trying to over take someone, but all you get is stumbles.

It's only felt when the throttle position is around 50-70% applied. At WOT, it never shows signs of hesitation but simply power. Although i hate the dip in power after 4500rpm - 5500rpm. It's just not the same feeling as peak torque running at 3500rpm.

5th gear cruising along and suddenly, you want to overtake or bring up the speed from 100km/h to 140km/h. When you back off the throttle to maintain the post limit, you will feel a 'jerk' in the car.

 

[Fakhelek]

In case nobody thought of this, the 12 people who voted so far constitute abou 1/4 of a million dollars in revenue for Mazda. Hopefully this means something to them.

 

[tekkie]

I wish I could tell you when my hesitates, the problem is it does not seem one bit consistent to me, it drives me nuts. Couple of things I have noticed though is that when I start my car from cold and then go drive it there are no problems, after 5 - 10 minutes or so thats when the problems start. When I first start my car it will idle at 2000rpm's and thats when it runs fine, after 5-10 minutes it then idles at about 500rpm and you have to be careful or it will stall if your not careful with the clutch and gas. Overall I love the car but I can't wait until they come up with the ECU fix for these problems.

 

[scapamouche]

The only time I've seen hesitation is in 1st gear when turning. ie, the start of most autox courses...

 

[z00mer]

I`ve noticed the hesitation between the 2K and 5K, in fourth gear. It seems to be some sort of flat line or lull.

 

[Dexter]

i think i know what you guys mean, .. iwas in fifth, down shifted to fourth..a.nd the car wouldnt go....it just sorta...sat there w/o power.

 

[ARunto]

my thought on the stumble is that it's caused by heatsoak. mine only does it when i'm driving in the city. lots and stop and go. when i'm on the freeway in 4th and 5th gear i usually only feel turbo lag.

once my front mount is on i can give you all a better idea if it is truely a heatsoak issue. if some of the other members with FMIC could chime in on if they have the hesitation or not would help.

 

[CRDMS1]

Big time hesitation...

FWIW, I get it all the time between 2500 and 4500 rpm. I've only had the car 2 weeks...still being nice on the throttle, but it's driving me crazy! (rant)

CRDMS1

2003 MAZDASPEED Protege
Black Mica #718
Stock

 

[boostisgood]

My dealer said that mazda knows about the issue, and that they are in contact with callaway about it. There probably will be a flash fix for the ecu when the exact issue is found. This was 2 weeks ago, so we will see.

Craig

 

[dominoy2k1]

hah i dont have that problem....oh yeah i dont have a mazdaspeed....

 

[rodslinger]

I test drove two MSP's and they both had it between 2500 and about 4500rpms. It was annoying enough for me NOT to buy the car. The experience I had with them dragging the ball on the Protege engine rattle made me weary about taking delivery on the car until they have the fix. They might be telling you they are looking into it but they won't do anything until you really start riding their ass about it. Nothing really happened with the cold engine rattle until I started e-mailing and calling pretty much every single person in MazdaUSA on a daily basis. If you need, I'll be glad to post the e-mail addys of the corporate and engineering personnel that I had dealt with. I think they need a good bashing every now and then.

 

[ForceFed]

I was not able to vote in the poll?Don't know why?But yes,my car does the hesitstion at around 4500 RPM's at partial throttle.Mazda MUST start adressing our(protege)concerns as they are not isolated cases.They are occurring in a lot of MSP's and making for a lot of un-happy Mazda owners!If they don't start adressing our concerns,I'm sure there will be a lot of customer's who will not be repeat Mazda owners!
Thanx,Matt

 

[DaKidd]

I too can not tell which rpm this happens because it varies from time to time. I think it mostly in 2nd and 3rd. I would also like to hear from any of u who have a FMIC to see if heat soak is the issue. but it feels more like the ingine is just gasping for more air as if the turbo isnt pushing hard enough!? i dunno... just want it fixed! Mazdaspeed just simply needs to live up to its name, and give my "mazda" a lil more of that "speed" stuff that they plasterd all over my car!!!

HATE the hesitation ( A LOT!), but still love my MSP!